Buying a Folding Treadmill

You can cut costs and time by working out at home with the folding treadmill. But before you go shopping, establish your goals for exercise and then find a treadmill that is compatible with your goals.

Sydney Bueckert (NASM-CPT) tells SELF: "Measure the area where you'll store and use the machine, and give priority to those with longer warranties."

Deck Size

A treadmill that folds up is a great choice for many exercisers. Whether you'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 a work meeting or after dinner, a folding treadmill can make it easier to incorporate those workouts that are so needed. With the American Heart Association recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity every week, it's tough to oppose a treadmill that lets you get on for your daily cardio.

While older treadmills that could fold were often regarded as low quality, today's models are more competitive than ever. The latest models of folding treadmills come with the same features Compact And Powerful 2.5HP Treadmill with Bluetooth Control features as nonfolding models. The most important thing to take into consideration when selecting the best folding treadmill is the size of the deck. You'll want a deck that is long and wide enough to allow you to run in full stride. A deck that is at minimum 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will allow even the tallest runners enough space to run comfortably.

Another important consideration is the capacity for weight on the treadmill that folds. If you plan to run on your treadmill, make sure it can support your weight as well as any extra gear, such as shoes. A treadmill that folds in good quality will have a weight capacity of at least 350 pounds.

It is also essential to ensure whether your treadmill folds easy to fold. Some folding treadmills feature the "fold on pin" design which raises the console mast above the running surface when the treadmill is not being used. Some have hydraulics that allow 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 also pair your treadmill with your phone to listen to music or watch a video during your workout. If you're enjoying socializing you can join a virtual race with friends or family members via the integrated 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

Inclination settings boost the intensity of your workout and target various muscle groups. For example, walking at an incline of just a little targets your calves and glutes and strengthens your lower back, while running on an incline burns more calories than running flat. You can spice up your workout by altering the incline. This keeps the workout interesting and avoid boredom.

When shopping for a treadmill that has an incline be aware that the higher the slope, the more challenging it will be for those who are new to the sport. For this reason, it is important to begin at a lower level and gradually progress to more challenging slopes as you become more comfortable with your treadmill workout routine. Incorporating an incline into your workout routine can also aid in avoiding injury by reducing the strain on joints.

Aside from making sure the treadmill's incline capabilities match your objectives, you'll want to pay attention to the dimensions of the deck as well as motor's horsepower. If you're planning to power walk with the occasional jog then the treadmill that has a motor that's 2.0-2.5 chp is likely to be sufficient. If you're an avid runner, then you'll want to find a treadmill that has a more powerful 2.5 chp or greater motor.

Consider whether the incline settings of your treadmill are adjusted by hand or automatically. This will impact your experience using the treadmill, as certain models require you to press a button to adjust the slope. Others provide an automatic incline which can reach a 10 percent grade.

You should also make sure that the incline feature can be folded and unfolded easily. This is crucial if you are buying a folding treadmill and have little storage space in your home or office. Some treadmills are difficult to fold and unfold. They require more than one person to do it, and might need to be held during the process. Luckily, many of our picks have an automated folding mechanism that makes the process quick and simple and save you time and stress when you need to store your new treadmill.

Speed Capabilities

The top folding treadmills have speeds that can reach 12 mph. This is sufficient speed for the majority of runners. If you're not an avid runner or prefer to walk to work out then you should choose a treadmill that has a slower maximum speed, for instance, 8 mph. If you're planning to use your smallest treadmill with incline for Peloton classes or Zwift you should choose a treadmill that connects to your smartphone so you can keep up with your training. We also prefer models with thumb dials positioned high on the hand grips that allow you to make big jumps in speed or incline. It's much more fluid than hitting buttons on a console.

Another thing to consider is whether a treadmill has built-in safety features, such as an emergency stop button that shuts down the machine if you slip or fall. These features are important for safety and to avoid damage to motors and belts. We suggest that you look into this feature prior to buying one of our picks.

When you shop for a treadmill, be aware of the weight capacity of the treadmill. The ones that cost more tend to be stronger, and also have a higher capacity for weight. This will help them not to swell over time. If you're concerned about the longevity of a treadmill, take a look at its warranty and reviews from customers to see how it stands up.

Keep in mind that most treadmills aren't used all day and that folding models are more susceptible to wear and tear. "This puts more stress on the hinge, which can cause problems later," Mody explains. Mody. That's why we suggest selecting a treadmill from an old-fashioned fitness brand that has a long history of manufacturing high-quality equipment.

While older foldable treadmills were often associated with less features than standard treadmills, the newer offerings are catching up. Many of them have comparable features and capabilities you'll find on more expensive treadmills, such as incline capabilities.

Additional Features

As with most things, the old saying "you get what you pay for" is applicable with regard to folding treadmills. Treadmills that fold typically require more components and materials than those that do not fold, such as the use of stronger tubing made of steel and safety mechanisms like gas shocks. These extra costs can make the price tag higher but they create a treadmill that is more robust and stable when in use.

As a top fitness trainer and fitness writer, Christine Luff has a keen eye for high-quality products which can improve performance. While she is a fan of running outdoors, she also loves to incorporate treadmill incline exercises into her workout routine. An an incline can make a significant difference to your treadmill workout, whether you want to increase your heart rate or replicate the experience of running outdoors.

Luff suggests selecting a treadmill that folds with a frame and motor that are sturdy enough to withstand the weight of your body, and a large workout area equipped with speakers that blast your favorite tunes. She also recommends looking over the warranty to choose those with a longer offering particularly for the most important components such as the frame and motor.

The JRNY model of Bowflex was the most notable in our test of treadmills that fold up due to its commercial quality and easy design. The treadmill is quiet, which means it can be used without disrupting other users. It's also simple to switch between user profiles by pressing the button. It also includes 26 programs integrated, coaching via the JRNY App, and a handy fan that cools your body to the perfect temperature.

Another option that's worth considering is the TF50 from Matrix. The treadmill is a fold-on-base (FOB) design, which makes it much easier to fold and unfold when not in use. It also gives the unit more stability. It comes with a built-in speaker that plays your favorite workout music and can be connected to third-party programs for virtual training. It doesn't include an incline however, and its small integrated fan might not be sufficient for many users to feel comfortable during a sweaty workout.