Buying a Folding Treadmill

You can save time and money by training at home with an adjustable treadmill. Before you shop determine your goals for exercise and then find a treadmill that matches.

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

Deck Size

A treadmill that folds up is a great choice for a variety of fitness enthusiasts. If you're an avid athlete looking to add an extra mile or two of your runs or a newbie who wants to do a bit of cardio during meetings at work or after dinner, a folding treadmill can make it easier to incorporate those workouts that are so needed. The American Heart Association recommends at minimum 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity exercise. It's difficult to argue using a treadmill that allows you to hop on and enjoy your daily cardio.

Despite the fact that earlier models were frequently viewed as lower quality the latest models are more competitive than ever. The latest treadmills that fold offer the same functionality and capabilities as non-folding options. When you are choosing a treadmill that folds, the dimension of the deck is most important. It is essential to have a deck large enough to run with full strides. Ideally, a deck that's 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will provide enough space for even the largest runners to feel comfortable.

Another important consideration is the capacity for weight on a folding treadmill. If you plan to run on your treadmill ensure that it is able to support your weight as well as any additional equipment, such as shoes. A top-quality treadmill that folds will need to be able to hold at 300 pounds or more.

It's also important to check that your treadmill is easy to fold. Some treadmills that fold come with the "fold on pin" design that raises the console mast above the running surface when the treadmill isn't in use. Others have hydraulics that allow you to fold the deck quickly and easily.

It's time to get moving! You can monitor your progress using the built-in performance monitor which displays data including speed distance, distance, heart rate, and calories burned. You can also pair your treadmill with your phone to listen to music or watch a film during your workouts. You can also participate in a virtual race against family or friends using the Facebook and Twitter apps. If you're looking to up your game, you can try one of the 15 workouts preloaded that have adjustable speeds and incline.

Incline Capabilities

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

When selecting a treadmill with an incline, remember that the steeper the slope, the harder it will be for those who are new to the sport. It is important to start with a lower incline and gradually work your way up as you become more familiar with your treadmill routine. Incorporating an incline in your routine can also aid in avoiding injuries by reducing the strain on your joints.

You'll want to consider the deck size as well as the motor's horsepower and the electric incline treadmill capabilities of the treadmill. If you plan to primarily power walk and throw in the occasional jog, then an exercise machine with an 2.0-2.5 chp motor is likely to suffice. If you're a serious runner, you will need an item with a motor of at least 2.5 chp.

Another thing to consider is whether the incline settings are manually or automatically controlled. This can impact your experience with the treadmill as the controls on some models require pressing a button in order to alter the slope of the deck, while other models have an automatic incline setting which can go as high as 10 percent gradient.

It is also important to make sure that the incline feature can be folded and unfolded easily. This is important in the event that you purchase a folding treadmill and have small storage space at your home or office. Some 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 choices have an automated folding system that makes the process easy and quick. This will save you time and headaches in storage of your treadmill.

Speed Capabilities

The best folding treadmills can reach speeds as high as 12 miles per hour, which is enough for most runners. If you're not an avid runner or prefer walking during your workouts then you should choose a treadmill with a slower maximum speed, for instance, 8 mph. Pick a treadmill that is able to be connected to your smartphone in case you intend to use it for Zwift or Peloton classes. We also like models with thumb dials that are mounted high on the hand grips to let you quickly make huge leaps in speed or incline. It's more fluid than trying to hit buttons on a console.

Another thing to take into consideration is whether a treadmill is equipped with safety features, such as an emergency stop button that shuts down the treadmill if you slip or fall. These are essential not just for safety, but also to prevent damage to the belt and motor. We recommend you test this feature prior to purchasing one of our picks.

Finally, you should take note of the treadmill's weight capacity when you're looking for. The ones that cost more tend to be more durable, and have a larger capacity for weight. This helps them not warp over time. If you're concerned about the longevity of a model, look at its warranty and customer reviews to determine how it holds up.

Remember that most treadmills aren't used all day and that folding models may be more prone to wear and tear. Mody says that this can result in issues in the future as it puts more stress on the hinge. This is why we recommend choosing a treadmill that is an established fitness brand with an extensive history of producing high-quality equipment.

The newer models are catching up to older models that were tagged with less features. Many of them 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 pay what you pay. Folding treadmills typically require more components and materials than those that do not fold, such as beefier metal tubing and hometreadmills safety mechanisms such as gas shocks. These additional expenses can push the price tag higher but result in an exercise machine that is more robust and stable when in use.

As an ace trainer and fitness journalist, Christine Luff has a keen eye for products of high-quality that help improve performance. While she would rather run outdoors, she also loves to incorporate treadmill incline workouts into her workout routine. Whether you're looking to get your heart rate up or replicate the feeling of running on real pavement, an incline can make a huge difference to your treadmill workout.

Luff suggests a foldable, sturdy treadmill with a motor that can withstand your weight and a frame that is durable. It should also have a large workout deck with built-in speakers to blast your music. She also suggests evaluating the warranty to prioritize those that offer a longer warranty, especially for key parts such as the frame and motor.

The JRNY model from Bowflex was the most impressive in our tests of treadmills that fold up due to its commercial quality and easy design. The treadmill is quiet, so it can be used without disrupting other users. It's also simple to switch between user profiles by pressing one button. It also comes with 26 integrated programs 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. It is constructed with a fold-on basis (FOB) which makes it simpler to fold or unfold when not in use and also gives it more stability. It comes with an inbuilt speaker that plays your favorite songs for workouts and can be connected to third-party applications for virtual training. It doesn't come with an incline, however, and its small fan might not be enough for most users to feel at ease during a sweaty workout.