Faith Hindley

Buying a Folding Treadmill

You can save time and money by working out at home with an adjustable treadmill. Before you shop determine your goals for exercise and then find a treadmill that will meet your needs.

"Be sure to take measurements of the space you intend to use and store the machine and prioritize those with a longer warranty," Sydney Bueckert, NASM-CPT informs SELF.

Deck Size

A treadmill that folds can be an excellent option for a variety of exercisers. A folding treadmill is a great choice for those who want to do some cardio in between meetings at work or even after dinner. With the American Heart Association recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week, it's hard to argue against an exercise machine that allows you to get on for your daily workout.

While older foldable treadmills were often regarded as low quality, today's models are more competitive than ever. The latest folding treadmills have the same features and capabilities as nonfolding options. When selecting a treadmill that folds, the size of the deck is the most important. You'll want the deck to be large and wide enough to let you take full strides when running. Ideally, a deck that is 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will provide enough space for even the largest runners to feel at ease.

The capacity to support the weight of a treadmill is also crucial. If you plan to use your treadmill for running, make sure it can support your weight as well as any extra gear like shoes. A treadmill that folds in high quality will have a weight capacity of at least 350 pounds.

It's also important to check whether your treadmill with incline folds easy to fold. Some folding treadmills have an "fold on pin" design which raises the console mast over the running surface when the treadmill isn't being used. Some have hydraulics that enable you to fold the deck quickly and easily.

It's time to get moving! You can track your progress on an inbuilt performance monitor that displays information such as speed and distance, heart rate and calories burned. You can also pair your phone with the treadmill to listen to music or watch a video during your workout. You can also take part in an online race against your family or friends using the Facebook and Twitter apps. If you're looking to up your game, try one of 15 pre-loaded workouts that have adjustable speeds and incline.

Capacity to Line Incline

Inclination settings can increase the intensity of your workout, and also target different muscle groups in the body. Walking at a slight angle strengthens the lower back and calves muscles, while running at an incline burns calories more than flat running. You can spice up your workout by varying the speed at which you run. This keeps it exciting and prevent boredom.

When looking for a treadmill that has an incline, keep in mind that the steeper the slope, the more challenging it will be for beginners. This is why it is important to begin with a low slope and gradually move up to more challenging inclines as you become more comfortable with your workout routine. Incorporating an incline into your workout routine will also help you avoid injury by reducing the strain on your joints.

Aside from making sure the treadmill's incline capability is in line with 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 along with occasional jogs, then an exercise treadmill with a motor that's 2.0-2.5 chp should suffice. If you are an avid runner, then you'll need an item with a motor that is at minimum 2.5 chp.

Another thing to consider is whether the incline settings can be manually or automatically controlled. This can impact your experience using the treadmill, as certain models require you to press a button to alter the slope. Some models offer an automatic incline that can reach a 10 percent grade.

It is also important to make sure that the incline feature can be folded and unfolded quickly. This is especially crucial if you're purchasing a treadmill that folds up and you live in a tiny space or have a shared home or office space with small storage space. Some treadmills are difficult to fold and unfold. They require more than one person to accomplish it and may need to be supervised while doing it. Many of our choices come with an automated folding system which makes the process easy and quick. This will save you time and hassle when it comes to storage of your treadmill.

Speed Capabilities

The most efficient folding treadmills can achieve speeds of up to 12 miles per hour, which is enough for the majority of runners. If you're not a skilled athlete, or you tend to walk the majority of your time, opt for a treadmill that has the speed limit that is lower that 8 mph. If you're planning to use your treadmill incline benefits for Peloton classes or Zwift, choose one that connects to your device so you can keep on top of your training. We also prefer models that have thumb dials mounted on the handgrips that allow you to quickly change speed or incline. It's a lot easier than hitting buttons on a console.

Check if the treadmill comes with safety features built-in like an emergency stopper that will shut down the treadmill in the event that you slip or fall. These are important not only for safety, but also to prevent damage to the belt and motor. We recommend that you check this feature prior to purchasing one of our selections.

Finally, you should take note of the treadmill's weight capacity when you're shopping. The most expensive folding treadmills tend to be more durable and have a greater maximum weight capacity that will prevent the treadmill from becoming warped over time. If you're worried about the durability of the treadmill you're considering, check out its warranty and reviews from past customers to see how it performs over time.

Remember that most treadmills are not used every day and that folding models are more susceptible to wear and tear. "This places more strain on the hinge and could cause problems later," says Mody. We suggest selecting a treadmill from an established brand with a track record of producing top quality equipment.

The latest models are catching up to older models, which were characterized with less functionality. Many of them have comparable features and capabilities you'll find on more expensive treadmills with incline, including incline capabilities.

Additional Features

Like most things, the old adage "you get what do treadmill incline Numbers mean you pay for" is true with regard to folding treadmills. The treadmills that fold generally require more materials and components than those that don't fold, including beefier metal tubing and safety mechanisms such as gas shocks. These costs can increase the price but make the treadmill more durable and stable.

Christine Luff, a fitness expert and ace trainer, has a keen sense for high-quality products to enhance performance. While she is a fan of running outdoors, she is a fan of 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 outdoors experience.

Luff suggests choosing a foldable treadmill with a motor and frame that are sturdy enough to hold the weight of your body, as well as an expansive workout deck with built-in speakers to blast your favorite tunes. She also recommends evaluating the warranty and prioritizing those with a long-term guarantee, especially for important parts like the frame and motor.

In our evaluation of folding treadmills that we tested, the JRNY model made by Bowflex stood out for its commercial-grade quality and intuitive design. It is quiet, so it can be utilized in a space without disrupting or distracting anyone else--and it's easy to switch between various user profiles with the press of a button. It also comes with 26 integrated programs as well as coaching via the JRNY App, and a handy fan that cools the body to the perfect temperature.

Another option worth considering is the TF50 from Matrix. The treadmill is constructed with a fold-on basis (FOB) which makes it easy to fold or unfold when not in use and provides it with more stability. It has an integrated speaker that plays your favorite workout songs and can be connected to third-party apps for virtual training. It does not have an incline, and its tiny fan may not be adequate to keep users cool during a sweaty workout.