Buying a Folding Treadmill
You can save time and money by exercising at home using a folding treadmill. Before you shop, determine your fitness goals, and then find a treadmill that suits your needs.
"Be sure to take measurements of the space you'll use and store the machine. You should prioritize those with a longer warranty," Sydney Bueckert, NASM-CPT tells SELF.
Deck Size
A treadmill that folds up is an ideal option for many exercisers. A treadmill that folds up is a great option for anyone looking to do some cardio during a meeting at work or even after dinner. With the American Heart Association recommending at minimum 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity every week, it's difficult to oppose the treadmill that allows you to get on for your daily cardio.
While earlier treadmills that fold were typically associated with poor quality modern models are more competitive than ever before. The latest folding treadmills have the same features and capabilities as nonfolding options. When you are choosing a treadmill that folds, the size of the deck is the most important. You'll need a deck sufficient to allow full strides. A deck that is at 55 inches in length and 20 inches wide will give even the most tall runners room to run comfortably.
Another factor to consider is the capacity for weight on the treadmill that folds. If you intend to use your treadmill for running, make sure it can support both your weight and any additional equipment, such as shoes. A folding treadmill of top quality should have a weight capacity of at least 350 pounds.
It's also important to make sure whether your treadmill folds easy to fold. Some treadmills that fold have the "fold-on-pin" design that raises the console mast above the running surface when in use, while others include hydraulics to help you quickly and effortlessly fold down the deck.
Once you've found your ideal folding treadmill, it's the time to get moving! You can track your progress with the built-in performance monitor which shows data such as speed distance, distance, heart rate and calories burned. You can pair your phone to the treadmill so that you can listen to music while working out or watching a movie. You can also participate in an online race against your friends or family via the Facebook and Twitter apps. If you're looking to up your game, consider one of 15 pre-loaded workouts with adjustable speeds and incline.
Capacity to Line Incline
Inclination settings can increase the intensity of your workout and target different muscle groups throughout the body. Walking at a slight angle strengthens the lower back and calves, while running at an incline will burn more calories than flat-running. You can add variety to your workout by changing the angle. This will keep it interesting and prevent boredom.
When you are looking for a treadmill with incline be aware that the higher the slope, the more challenging it will be for beginners. It is important to start with a low slope and gradually build up as you become more comfortable with your treadmill routine. By reducing the strain on your joints, adding an incline can help you avoid injury.
In addition to ensuring that the treadmill's incline capabilities are all treadmill inclines the same in line with your needs, you'll want to pay attention to the dimensions of the deck as well as motor horsepower. If you plan to power walk along with the occasional jog then a treadmill powered by an engine of 2.0-2.5 chp will probably suffice. If you're an avid runner, then you'll need to look for a model with a stronger 2.5 chp or greater motor.
Another thing to consider is whether or not the incline settings are either manually or automatically controlled. This can impact the experience you get from the treadmill as the controls on certain models require you to press the button to adjust the slope of the deck while others provide an automatic incline adjustment that can reach up to 10 percent grade.
Finally, you'll want to ensure that the incline feature is able to fold and unfold. This is important when you purchase a folding treadmill and have limited storage space in your office or at home. Some treadmills can be a pain to fold and unfold, requiring more than one person, and often requiring a person to hold up while you do it. Luckily, many of our picks have an automated folding mechanism that makes the process simple and quick and save you time and stress when you need to store your new portable treadmill incline.
Speed Capabilities
The best folding treadmills reach speeds that can reach 12 mph. This is enough speed for the majority of runners. If you're not a skilled runner, or you tend to walk most of your exercise, opt for a treadmill that has a maximum speed that's lower to around 8 mph. Choose a treadmill that can be connected to your device if you plan to use it for Zwift or Peloton classes. We also prefer models that have thumb dials that are mounted on handgrips, allowing users to swiftly change the speed or anincline. It's much easier than pressing buttons on consoles.
Check if the treadmill comes with safety features that are built-in like an emergency clip that can shut down the machine in the event that you fall or slip. These are important not only for safety reasons, but also to prevent damage to the motor and belt. A few of our choices include this feature, and we recommend checking before making a purchase.
When shopping take note of the weight capacity of the treadmill. The ones that cost more tend to be stronger and have a greater capacity for weight. This helps them not to swell over time. If you're concerned about the durability of a product, take a look at the warranty and customer reviews to determine how to change the incline on A treadmill it holds up.
Be aware that treadmills aren't used every day, and folding models could be more prone to wear and tear. "This puts more strain on the hinge and can cause problems later," says Mody. We suggest choosing a treadmill made by an organization with a track record of producing top quality equipment.
The newer models are catching up to older models that were associated with less functionality. They have similar features and capabilities to those found on more expensive treadmills.
Additional Features
Folding treadmills aren't any different. Like most things in life, you'll get what you pay. Folding treadmills typically require more components and materials than those that don't fold, including beefier metal tubing and safety mechanisms like gas shocks. These costs can add to the price but make the treadmill more durable and stable.
As a top-notch fitness trainer and fitness writer, Christine Luff has a keen eye for products of high-quality that can help boost performance. While she would rather run outdoors, she also loves to incorporate treadmill incline workouts into her fitness routine. An inclined treadmill can make a massive difference to your treadmill workout, whether you are looking to increase your heart rate or simulate the outdoors experience.
Luff recommends a foldable, sturdy treadmill that has an engine that can handle your weight and a frame that is robust. It should also have a large workout deck with speakers built in to blast your music. She also recommends evaluating the warranty and deciding on those with a long-term offer particularly for crucial parts such as the motor and frame.
The JRNY model from Bowflex was the most notable in our test of folding treadmills for its commercial-grade quality and simple design. The machine is quiet, meaning it is able to be used without disrupting other users. It's also simple to switch between profiles by pressing a button. It also comes with 26 integrated programs as well as coaching via the JRNY App and a convenient fan that cools the body just the right way.
The TF50 by Matrix is another option worth looking into. The compact treadmill with incline is built with a fold-on base (FOB) which makes it easier to fold or unfold when not in usage and provides it with more stability. It also has an integrated speaker that plays your favorite workout songs and can be connected to third-party apps for virtual training. It doesn't come with an incline, and its tiny fan may not be sufficient to keep users cool during a sweaty exercise.