Buying a Folding Treadmill

You can save time and money by training at home with the folding treadmill. Before you go shopping make sure you know your fitness goals, and then find a treadmill that suits your needs.

Sydney Bueckert (NASM-CPT) tells SELF: "Measure the area in which you intend to store and use the machine, and then give preference to machines with the longest guarantee."

Deck Size

A folding treadmill is a great choice for a number of exercisers. If you're an avid athlete seeking to add an extra mile or two of your runs or a beginner who's hoping to squeeze in some cardio at meetings at work or after dinner, a folding treadmill can help you get in the workouts you need to. The American Heart Association recommends at minimum 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity workout. It's difficult to argue using a treadmill that allows you to get on and enjoy your daily exercise.

Despite the fact that older models were frequently viewed as inferior quality, modern models are now more competitive than ever. The latest folding treadmills offer the same functionality and capabilities as non-folding alternatives. When choosing a folding treadmill, the size of the deck is the most important. You'll want an area that is wide and long enough to allow you to run at full speed. A deck that is at minimum 55 inches long and 20 inch wide will give even the biggest runners space to run comfortably.

Another important consideration is the weight capacity of a folding treadmill. If you plan to use your treadmill for running, you'll need to ensure it can support your weight and any other gear, like shoes. A top-quality treadmill that folds up should have a capacity of at 300 pounds or more.

Finally, it's important to ensure that your folding treadmill can fold easily. Some treadmills with folding capabilities come with a "fold on pin" design which raises the console mast over the running surface when the treadmill is not being used. Others have hydraulics that help you fold the deck quickly and easily.

Once you've found your ideal treadmill that folds, it's time to start working out! The built-in performance monitor displays data 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 watching a movie. You can also take part in a virtual race with your family members or friends via the Facebook and Twitter apps. And, if you're ready to improve your performance, you can try out one of the 15 pre-loaded workouts with adjustable speeds and inclines.

Incline Capabilities

Incline settings can increase the intensity of your workout and focus on different muscle groups within the body. Walking at a slight angle can strengthen the lower back and calves, whereas running at an incline burns more calories than flat-running. Being able to alter the incline of your workout can give your workout a different perspective to keep it engaging and avoiding boredom.

When choosing a treadmill with an inclined slope, keep in mind that the steeper the slope, the harder it will be for novices. It's important to begin with a low slope and gradually work your way upwards as you become familiar with your treadmill routine. Incorporating an incline into your routine can also aid in avoiding injury by reducing the strain on joints.

You'll need to think about the deck size as well as the motor's horsepower and the ability to incline of the treadmill. If you're planning to power walk along with occasional jogs, then a treadmill powered by a motor of 2.0-2.5 chp will probably be sufficient. If you're an avid runner, then you'll have to find a treadmill with a stronger 2.5 chp or more motor.

Another thing to take into consideration is whether or not the incline settings can be manually or automatically controlled. This can affect your experience on the treadmill, as some models require that you press a button to alter the slope. Others offer an automatic incline that could reach a 10 percent grade.

You should also ensure that the incline feature is able to be folded and unfolded quickly. This is especially important if you're buying a foldable treadmill with incline and live in a cramped space or have a shared house or office that has limited storage space. 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 selections come with an automated folding mechanism that can make the process quick and simple and save you time and headaches when you need to store your new treadmill.

Speed Capabilities

The most efficient folding treadmills can reach speeds of up to 12 mph. This is enough speed for the majority of runners. If you're not an experienced athlete, or you tend to walk most of your time, opt for a treadmill that has a maximum speed that's lower that 8 mph. If you plan to use your treadmill for Peloton classes or Zwift you should choose a treadmill that connects to your device so that you can keep on top of your training. We also prefer models with thumb dials mounted on the handgrips, which allow you to change speed or anincline. It's easier than hitting buttons on a console.

Check if the treadmill comes with safety features that are built-in, such as an emergency stopper that will shut down the machine in the event that you fall or slip. These features are essential to ensure safety and prevent damage to motors and belts. We suggest that you look into this feature prior to buying one of our selections.

Also, make sure to pay attention to the treadmill's weight capacity when you're looking for. The more expensive folding treadmills are generally more durable and have a greater capacity for weight which can help stop them from warping over time. If you're worried about the durability of a particular model, check out its warranty and reviews from past customers to see how it performs over time.

Also, keep in mind that the majority of treadmills don't get frequently used and that models that fold might experience more wear and tear than their non-folding counterparts. Mody states that this could lead to problems in the future because it puts more pressure on the hinge. That's why we advise choosing a treadmill that is an old-fashioned fitness brand that has a long history of manufacturing high-quality equipment.

The latest models are catching up to older models that were tagged with fewer features. They have similar features and capabilities to the ones found on higher-end treadmills.

Additional Features

Folding treadmills are no different. Like everything else in life, you get what you pay for. Folding treadmills require more components and materials than treadmills that do not fold, such as heavier metal tubing and safety features such as gas shocks. These costs can add to the cost but also make the treadmill more durable and stable.

Christine Luff, a fitness expert and an expert trainer has a keen eye for high-quality products to improve performance. While she prefers to run outdoors, she also loves to incorporate treadmill incline workouts into her workout routine. Whether you're looking to increase your heart rate or recreate the sensation of running on real pavement, an incline could make a huge difference in your treadmill exercise.

Luff suggests a foldable, robust treadmill with an engine that can handle your weight and a frame that's sturdy. It should also include a large workout deck with speakers built in to blast your favorite music. She also suggests evaluating the warranty to prioritize those that offer a longer warranty particularly for the most important parts like the frame and motor.

The JRNY model of Bowflex was the most notable in our testing of folding treadmills for its commercial-grade quality and simple design. The machine is quiet, meaning it is able to be used without disturbing other users. It's also easy to switch between profiles by pressing a button. It also includes 26 programs integrated, coaching via the JRNY App and a convenient fan that cools your body just right.

The TF50 by Matrix is another option worth considering. It is built with a fold-on base (FOB) which makes it easy to fold or unfold when not in usage and gives it more stability. Its built-in speaker system plays your preferred workout music and can be connected to third-party apps to provide virtual training. It doesn't come with an incline, and its tiny fan might not be enough to keep users cool during a sweaty workout.