Buying a Folding Treadmill

You can save money and time by exercising at home using an adjustable treadmill. Before you go shopping make sure you know your fitness goals and select a treadmill that best suits their needs.

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

Deck Size

A treadmill that folds up is a good option for many exercisers. It doesn't matter if you're an experienced athlete seeking to add an extra mile or two to your runs or a novice who's looking to do some cardio in an office meeting or even after dinner, a folding treadmill can help you fit in those much-needed workouts. 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 lower quality, modern models are now more competitive than ever. The latest models of folding treadmills provide the same features and functions as non-folding alternatives. The most important feature to consider when selecting a folding treadmill is the size of the deck. You'll want an area that is wide and long enough to let you run at full speed. A deck with a length of 55 inches and 20 inches wide will offer enough space for even the largest runners to feel comfortable.

The weight capacity of a treadmill is also vital. If you plan to use your treadmill to run, you'll need to ensure it can support your weight and any additional gear, like shoes. A high-quality treadmill that folds up should have a capacity of at 300 pounds or more.

It is also essential to ensure that your folding treadmill is easy to fold. Some treadmills that fold have an "fold on pin" design which raises the console mast above the running surface when the treadmill is not in use. Some have hydraulics that enable you to fold the deck quickly and easily.

It's time to get moving! The built-in display for performance displays information such as the speed, distance, heartrate and calories burned. You can pair your phone to the treadmill so that you can listen to music while working out or watch a movie. You can also join a virtual race against family or friends using the Facebook and Twitter apps. And, 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.

Capacity to Line Incline

Incline settings can increase the intensity of your workout and target different muscle groups in the body. Walking at a slight angle can strengthen the lower back and calves, while running at an angle burns more calories than flat-running. You can spice up your workout by altering the incline. This keeps it exciting and prevent boredom.

When selecting a treadmill that has an incline, keep in mind that the higher the slope, the harder it will be for beginners. It is essential to start with a lower incline and gradually build up as you become familiar with your routine on the treadmill. Incorporating an incline in your routine can aid in avoiding injury by decreasing the impact on your joints.

You'll want to consider the dimensions of the deck, motor horsepower and the ability to incline of the treadmill. If you plan to primarily power walk and throw in the occasional jog, then the treadmill with an 2.0-2.5 chp motor should suffice. If you're a serious runner, then you'll have to find a treadmill with a more robust 2.5 chp motor or more.

Check if the incline settings on your treadmill are adjusted by hand or automatically. This can affect your experience on the treadmill because the controls on some models require you to press the button to alter the incline of the deck. Other models offer an automatic incline setting which can go as high as 10 percent grade.

You'll also want to make sure that the incline feature is able to be folded and unfolded quickly. This is particularly crucial if you're purchasing an adjustable treadmill that folds and lives in a small space or have a shared house or office with small storage space. Certain treadmills can be difficult to fold and unfold, requiring more than one person, and often needing to be held up while you do it. Many of our picks have an automated folding system which makes the process easy and quick. This will help you save time and hassle when it comes to storage of your treadmill.

Speed Capabilities

The top folding treadmills reach speeds as high as 12 mph, which is fast enough for most runners. If you are not an avid runner or prefer to walk to work out You should consider a treadmill that has a slower maximum speed, for instance, 8 mph. Select a treadmill that can be connected to your device if you plan to use it for Zwift or Peloton classes. We also prefer models with thumb dials that are mounted high on the hand grips to allow you to quickly take big leaps in speed or incline--it's more fluid than trying to hit buttons on the console.

Another aspect to be aware of is whether the treadmill comes with safety features built-in like an emergency stop button that shuts down the machine if you slip or fall. These are important not only for safety reasons, but also to avoid damage to the belt and motor. A few of our choices come with this feature, which we suggest you check before making a purchase.

Also, make sure to be aware of the treadmill's weight capacity while you're looking for. The more expensive folding machines tend to be stronger, and have a greater capacity for weight. This will ensure that they do not warp over time. If you're worried about the durability of a particular model, check the warranty and reviews from previous customers to determine how well it holds up over time.

Also, keep in mind that the majority of treadmills aren't used all the time and foldable models could be more prone to wear and tear than their non-folding counterparts. "This places more strain on the hinge and can cause problems later," says Mody. This is why we recommend choosing a treadmill from a legacy fitness brand with long-standing history of manufacturing quality equipment.

While older treadmills with foldable features were typically regarded as having lesser capabilities than standard treadmills however, the newer models are moving up. They have similar features and capabilities to the ones found on higher-end treadmills with incline for sale.

Additional Features

As with all things, the old saying "you get what you pay for" applies with regard to folding treadmills. Treadmills that fold typically require more components and materials than non-folding machines, including the use of stronger tubing made of steel and safety mechanisms like gas shocks. These added costs can push the price tag higher but result in an exercise machine that is more robust and stable used.

Christine Luff, a fitness expert and top trainer, has a keen sense for high-end products that increase performance. While she prefers to run outdoors, she also loves to incorporate treadmill incline exercises into her workout routine. If you're looking to get your heart rate up or recreate the experience of running on pavement, an incline can make the world of difference to your treadmill workout.

Luff recommends a foldable, sturdy treadmill with a motor that can withstand your weight and a frame that's sturdy. It should also come with an ample workout deck with speakers built in to blast your favourite music. She also recommends looking over the warranty to choose those that offer a longer warranty, especially for key parts like the motor and frame.

In our evaluation of treadmills that fold, the JRNY model from Bowflex stood out due to its commercial-grade performance and simple design. It is quiet, meaning it is able to be used without disturbing others. It is also easy to switch between profiles by pressing the button. It also includes 26 programs integrated into it as well as coaching through the JRNY app and a convenient cooling fan that hits just the right spot.

The TF50 by Matrix is another option worth looking into. The treadmill is a fold-on-base (FOB) design that makes it simpler to fold and unfold when not in use and gives the unit more stability. The built-in speaker system plays your favorite workout music and can also connect to third-party applications for virtual training. It doesn't come with an incline and the small fan may not be sufficient to keep users cool during a sweaty exercise.