Why It's Important to Find a Treadmill That Folds Up

A treadmill can help you achieve your goals, whether you're preparing for a race or just want to get in some exercise. But it's important to choose one that folds to make space.

To fold a treadmill, simply lift the deck towards the display. Then turn the knob in a secure manner to ensure it is secured.

Compact Design

Foldable treadmills are compact enough to fit under a bed or into the closet when not in use yet still provide plenty of running space. They're typically less expensive than treadmills that fold, and can help you keep active even on days when the weather isn't ideal or you have a busy schedule.

Think about your fitness goals and how you plan to use the treadmill. Some models are meant for walking only, while others can be used for moderate jogging, or even short runs. If you're interested in an exercise that involves running or faster speeds, it's essential to determine the treadmill's speed range and motor size prior to making a purchase.

Non-folding treadmills are generally heavier and therefore more stable at high speeds. However, folding treadmills also have a design that can make them less durable particularly when they are used by runners who push themselves to the max. When choosing a treadmill that folds, look for one that comes with safety features, such as an emergency stop clip to make sure you are able to stop the machine if you accidentally lose control of the machine.

If you're looking to purchase a foldable treadmill that is safe for runners, choose one with a powerful motor and an ample deck size. In general, a 2.5 horsepower motor is enough for casual runners and occasional sprinters, but serious runners should look for at least 3.5 hp to ensure they are able to run comfortably at high speeds. Find a treadmill that has built-in cushions that reduce the force of your knees to allow you to run for longer periods of time without a fear of injury.

Convenient Storage

If you live in a cramped space, you need to be able to fold up your treadmill when not in use. Most folding treadmills feature wheels that can be easily removed from the area where you workout to make space for other activities for instance, when your kids return from school or when you are expecting guests to dinner later on. Non-folding treadmills require more space since they are intended to be permanent fixtures.

While a lot of treadmills that fold are specifically designed for smaller areas, they do not skimp on features or performance. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill, for instance, folds quickly thanks to a patented EasyLift mechanism. It also has the 3.5 CHP motor and has an incline of 15% and a 3 percentage decline to help increase your fitness.

Another option is the SF-T7632 folding treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness. It can be stored in a closet or under a table and it also has an incredibly comfortable running deck. Its small size and sturdy construction makes it an ideal choice for people who are looking to do some light exercise at work or while watching TV.

If you're thinking of purchasing a treadmill foldable treadmill with incline, be sure to check out the product description for specifics about how it can be folded and stored. You should also look at the frame dimensions and weight along with other transport features like transportation wheels and carry handles that are built-in.

Travelle Gaines, a fitness instructor at Blocks Nutrition in Los Angeles, says to PEOPLE that one of the biggest hurdles to keeping active is not having enough time, which makes a folding treadmill ideal for busy people. She says that the folding treadmill lets people to run in the morning or after work, folding treadmills or during lunchtime.

Simple to Operate

The best treadmills that fold are simple to operate, whether you're making use of them for a quick jog or an at-home workout. Victoria Brady, ACE-CPT and fitness brand Fyt suggests looking for an option with easy-to-use controls, like buttons for speed or incline, as well as touchscreen programming. Choose a motor that has 2.0-2.5 hp if you plan on walking with power and select one that supports routine running if you're an avid athlete.

Sydney Bueckert is an NASM CPT and Sunny Health & Fitness' instructor in-house. She believes that an ideal treadmill that folds will also come with wheels that make it easier to move. "It's much easier to take off and on the treadmill with wheels, so you don't have to be concerned about moving it by yourself."

You should also consider models that come with extra features, such as ports for USB cables, headphone jacks and a device holder. The Echelon Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill for instance, has an impressive and clear display that shows a ton of motivational metrics and allows you to connect to fitness apps and track your heart rate, among other things.

Look into models with gas shocks which lets the deck lower slowly and gently instead of slamming onto the ground (like certain models do without this technology). You should also consider a treadmill with gas shocks that allows the deck to lower gradually and gently instead of hitting the ground (like some models that do not have this feature). It is important to ensure that your new treadmill is in compliance with the safety requirements of the locale for operating it, too.

Safety

If you're looking for a treadmill that folds, make sure it has safety features. The majority of folding treadmills come with an safety lock that locks the deck in place when it is in storage mode. This feature stops the deck from being released accidentally when the machine is used. It also helps keep children away from the treadmill.

Another crucial security feature to be looking for is a lock on the power cord. This will ensure that the treadmill is turned off and away from reach at the end of each workout. This is especially important if you have kids who might be enticed by the temptation to turn the treadmill on or play with the cords. If the treadmill is not properly shut off and locked after each use, it could be accidentally turned on or children could accidentally pull the cord, causing the running belt to accelerate.

It is also essential to ensure that you put the treadmill away from curtains and drapes that may accidentally hang close to it while you're on the treadmill. This could increase the chance of an injury and can create a risk of a trip. In addition it is recommended that you wear appropriate footwear when using a treadmill. This will reduce the risk of tripping and falling over objects around your home as well as help you keep a steady pace when running or walking on the treadmill.

It is also a good idea to make sure that the treadmill is folded up and secured prior to leaving it in public areas such as gyms or schools. This can help reduce the risk of injury to students or other patrons who aren't used to the operation of a treadmill and/or the noise level of one in a noisy setting.

Stability

A treadmill that folds has a lower center of gravity than a treadmill that is not folding which makes it more stable. This means that it is less likely to tip over and hurt you if you accidentally step off the treadmill or lean too far back. It takes up less room which is crucial for those who live in a small space or a home. A treadmill that folds also makes it easier to transport. This can be a big advantage if you intend to take it with you on workout trips or business travel. It is also a good idea to pick an adjustable treadmill that has wheels and a handle. This will make it easier for you to move around.

It is important to consider the speed range and incline function when choosing a folding treadmill. If you plan to run on the treadmill the speed of 7.5 miles per hour is likely to be sufficient. If you are a competitive athlete you might require a motor with greater speed.

Additionally, you should ensure that the treadmill is simple to fold and unfold. Some models require two people to collapse however, others can be easily folded by one person. The best treadmills will have clear instructions on how to fold them correctly. It is also important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer for regular maintenance and cleaning of the treadmill.

While some treadmills that fold are simple to use and store some are difficult to move. Always go through the user's manual thoroughly to learn how the machine works. You should then try it out before deciding if it's the best choice for your fitness needs.