Buying a Folding Treadmill
You can save time and money by working out at home with an adjustable treadmill. Before you shop set your fitness goals, and then select a treadmill that best suits your needs.
"Be sure to measure the space you'll use and store the machine, and prioritize those with a longer warranty," Sydney Bueckert, NASM-CPT tells SELF.
Deck Size
A treadmill that folds is a good option for a variety of fitness enthusiasts. Whether incline treadmill 're a longtime athlete looking to add an extra mile or two to your runs or a beginner who's hoping to get in some cardio at meetings at work or after dinner, a treadmill that folds can help you fit in those much-needed workouts. And with the American Heart Association recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week, it's hard to oppose a treadmill that lets you get on for your daily workout.
While older foldable treadmills were often regarded as low quality, today's models are more competitive than ever. The latest models of folding treadmills provide the same functionality and capabilities as non-folding models. The most important thing to consider when choosing a folding treadmill is the size of the deck. You'll need the deck to be large and wide enough to allow you to take full strides when running. A deck that is at 55 inches in length and 20 inch wide will allow even the most tall runners room to run comfortably.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the capacity for weight on a folding treadmill. If you plan on using your treadmill for running, you'll want to ensure it can support your weight and any other gear, like shoes. A high-quality treadmill that folds up should have a capacity of at 300 pounds or more.
Also, you should check if your chosen folding treadmill can fold easily. Some treadmills that fold have a "fold-on-pin" design that raises the console mast to sit on top of the running surface when being used, while other come with hydraulics that allow you to quickly and effortlessly fold down the deck.
It's time to get moving! The built-in performance monitor displays information such as speed, distance, heart rate and calories burned. You can also connect your phone to the treadmill so that you can listen to music while exercising or watch a movie. You can also take part in an online race against your family members or friends via the Facebook and Twitter apps. If you're ready to up your game, you can try out one of the 15 pre-loaded workouts with a variety of speeds and inclines that can be adjusted.
Capabilities for Incline
Inclination settings can boost your workout's intensity and target different muscle groups in the body. For instance, walking on a slight incline targets the glutes and calves, and strengthens your lower back, while running on an inclined path burns more calories than running flat. Having the ability to change your incline can provide a variety to your workout making it more exciting and avoiding boredom.
When choosing the treadmill with an inclined slope, keep in mind that the higher the slope, the more difficult it will be for beginners. For this reason, it's crucial to start low and slowly work your way up to more challenging slopes as you get more comfortable with your treadmill exercise routine. By reducing the stress on your joints, incorporating an incline will help you avoid injuries.
Apart from ensuring the treadmill's incline capability is in line with your needs, you'll want to pay attention to the size of the deck and motor horsepower. If you plan to power walk with the occasional jog then a treadmill powered by a motor of 2.0-2.5 chp should be sufficient. However, if you're a serious runner, then you'll need to find a treadmill with a more robust 2.5 chp or more motor.
Another thing to think about is whether the incline settings are either manually or automatically controlled. This will impact your experience using the treadmill as certain models require you to press a button to adjust the slope. Some models offer an automatic incline which can achieve a 10-percent grade.
Finally, you'll want to ensure that the incline feature is able to fold and unfold. This is essential when you purchase a treadmill that folds and has little storage space in your office or at home. Some treadmills are difficult to fold and unfold. They require more than one person to complete it, and they may require to be held while doing so. Fortunately, many of our picks have an automated folding mechanism that can make the process quick and simple which will save you time and headaches when you need to store your new treadmill.
Speed Capabilities
The top folding treadmills reach speeds as high as 12 mph, which is enough for most runners. If you're not an experienced runner, or you tend to walk most of your time, opt for a model with speeds that are lower than, around 8 mph. If you plan to use your treadmill for Peloton classes or running Zwift you should choose a treadmill that connects to your device so that you can keep up with your training. We also recommend models with thumb dials that are mounted on handgrips, which allow you to quickly change speed or the incline. It's easier than hitting buttons on a console.
Check if the treadmill comes with safety features built in, such as an emergency clip that will shut down the machine in the event that you fall or slip. These are important not only to ensure safety, but also to avoid damage to the motor and belt. We suggest that you look into this feature before purchasing one of our picks.
When shopping for a treadmill, be aware of the capacity of the treadmill's weight. treadmills with incline folding treadmills tend to be stronger and have a larger weight capacity, which will help prevent them from warping over time. If you are worried about the longevity of a treadmill, take a take a look at the warranty and customer reviews to see how it holds up.
Keep in mind that most treadmills aren't used all day and that folding models are more susceptible to wear and tear. Mody claims that this could lead to issues in the future as it puts more stress on the hinge. That's why we advise choosing a treadmill that is an established fitness brand with long-standing history of manufacturing high-quality equipment.
The newer models are catching up to older models, which were characterized with less functionality. They have similar features and capabilities are found on higher-priced treadmills, such as incline capabilities.
Additional Features
Folding treadmills aren't any different. Like most things in life, you get what you pay. Folding treadmills typically require more materials and components than those that don't fold, including the use of stronger tubing made of steel and safety mechanisms such as gas shocks. These costs can increase the cost, but they make the treadmill more durable and stable.
Christine Luff, a fitness expert and ace trainer, has a keen sense for high-quality products to improve performance. While she would rather run outdoors, she is a fan of incorporate treadmill incline workouts into her workout routine. Whether you're looking to increase your heart rate or replicate the feeling of running on the real pavement, an incline could make the world of difference in your treadmill workout.
Luff recommends a foldable and robust treadmill that has an engine that can handle your weight and a frame that is durable. It should also include a large workout deck with built-in speakers that can blast your favourite music. She also suggests evaluating the warranty and prioritizing those with a long-term offer particularly for crucial parts like the frame and motor.
In our testing of treadmills that fold The JRNY model from Bowflex stood out for its commercial-grade design and easy design. The machine is quiet so it can be used in a shared space without disrupting or distracting anyone else--and it's easy to switch between various user profiles with the press of one button. It also includes 26 programs integrated and coaching through the JRNY App and a fan that cools the body just right.
The TF50 by Matrix is another option worth considering. It is designed with a fold-on base (FOB), which makes it easy to fold or unfold when not in use and provides it with more stability. It has an inbuilt speaker that plays your favorite workout music and can be connected to third-party programs for virtual training. It doesn't come with an incline and its small fan might not be enough to keep users cool during a sweaty workout.