Buying a Folding Treadmill

You can cut costs and time by working out at home with an adjustable treadmill. Before you shop decide what your workout goals are and choose a treadmill that will meet your needs.

"Be sure to measure the area you plan to use and store the machine. You should prioritize those with more warranty," Sydney Bueckert, NASM-CPT, tells SELF.

Deck Size

A folding treadmill is a good option for a number of exercisers. If you're an avid athlete seeking to add an extra mile or two to your run or a newbie who wants to squeeze in a bit of cardio during meetings at work or after dinner, a treadmill that folds will make it easier to fit in those much-needed workouts. And with the American Heart Association recommending at minimum 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week, it's hard to oppose the treadmill that allows you to get on for your daily workout.

While older treadmills that could fold were often regarded as low quality the latest models are more competitive than ever. The latest folding treadmills with incline offer the same features and functions as non-folding alternatives. The most important feature to consider when choosing a folding treadmill is the deck's size. You'll need a deck sufficient to allow full strides. A deck that is 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will provide enough space for even the most tall runners to feel comfortable.

Another factor to consider is the capacity for weight on an adjustable treadmill. If you plan on using your treadmill for running, you'll want to ensure it can support your weight and any additional equipment, such as shoes. A good quality folding treadmill must be able to support at 300 pounds at a minimum.

Also, you should check if your chosen folding treadmill has easy-to-fold technology. Some treadmills with folding capabilities come with an "fold on pin" design which raises the console mast over the running surface when the treadmill is not in use. Other treadmills have hydraulics to allow you to fold the deck quickly and easily.

Once you've found your ideal folding treadmill with incline, it's time to get moving! The built-in performance display shows data such as the speed, distance, heartrate and calories burned. You can also connect your phone with the treadmill to listen to music or watch a movie during your workout. If you're feeling social, you can even take part in a virtual race with family members or friends via the integrated Facebook and Twitter apps. If you're ready to step up your game You can try one of the 15 workouts preloaded with a variety of speeds and inclines that can be adjusted.

Incline Capabilities

Incline settings can increase the intensity of your workout and target different muscle groups in the body. For example, walking at an incline of just a little targets your glutes and calves, and strengthens your lower back muscles, while running on an inclined path burns more calories than running flat. Having the ability to change your incline can provide a variety to your workout to keep it engaging and avoiding boredom.

When selecting the treadmill with an incline, keep in mind that the steeper the slope, the more difficult it will be for beginners. It is essential to start with a lower electric incline treadmill and gradually work your way up as you become more familiar with your small treadmill with incline routine. By reducing the impact on your joints, incorporating an incline will help you avoid injury.

You'll want to consider the deck size, motor horsepower and the incline capabilities of the treadmill. If you're planning to power walk along with occasional jogs, then the treadmill that has a motor of 2.0-2.5 chp is likely to be sufficient. If you're a serious runner then you'll want to look for a model with a stronger 2.5 chp motor or more.

Another thing to think about is whether or not the incline settings can be manually or automatically controlled. This will affect your experience on the treadmill since the controls on some models require you to press a button in order to adjust the slope of the deck. Other models offer an automatic incline setting which can go as high as 10 percent slope.

You'll also want to make sure that the incline feature can fold and unfold easily. This is crucial in the event that you purchase a treadmill that folds and has limited storage space in your office or at home. Some treadmills are difficult to fold and unfold. They require more than one person to complete it, and might need to be supervised while doing it. Luckily, many of our choices have an automated folding mechanism that can make the process simple and quick which will save your 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 enough speed for the majority of runners. If you're not an experienced runner, or you tend to walk the majority of your time, opt for a treadmill with speeds that are lower than that 8 mph. If you're planning to use your treadmill for Peloton classes or Zwift you should choose a treadmill that connects to your device so that you can keep up with your training. We also like models that have thumb dials that are mounted on handgrips, which allow users to swiftly change the speed or anincline. It's easier than hitting buttons on consoles.

Be sure to check if the treadmill has safety features built-in like an emergency clip that can shut down the machine in the event that you slip or fall. These are crucial not only for safety reasons, but also to prevent damage to the belt and motor. We recommend you test this feature prior to buying one of our selections.

When shopping, pay attention to the capacity of the treadmill's weight. The ones that cost more tend to be stronger, and have a greater maximum weight capacity. This will help them not to swell over time. If you're concerned about the longevity of a particular model, make sure to check out the warranty and testimonials from previous customers to determine how it performs over time.

Remember that the majority of treadmills aren't frequently used and foldable models may experience more wear and tear than nonfolding counterparts. Mody states that this could cause problems in the future due to the fact that it puts more stress on the hinge. We suggest selecting a treadmill manufactured by an organization with a track record of producing top quality equipment.

While older treadmills with foldable features were often associated with less capabilities than standard treadmills but the latest models are catching up. They have similar features and capabilities as the more expensive treadmills.

Additional Features

Like most things, the old adage "you get what you pay for" is applicable when it comes to folding treadmills. The treadmills that fold require more components and materials than non-folding treadmills, such as heavy tubing made of metal and safety features like gas shocks. These extra costs can make the price up, but they create an exercise machine that is more robust and stable when being used.

Christine Luff, a fitness expert and top trainer has a keen eye for high-end products that enhance performance. While she would rather run outdoors, she is a fan of incorporate treadmill incline workouts into her fitness routine. If you're looking for a way to increase your heart rate or replicate the feeling of running on the real pavement, an incline can make the world of difference to your treadmill exercise.

Luff suggests choosing a foldable treadmill with a motor and frame that are strong enough to support the weight of your body, and a large workout area with built-in speakers to blast your favorite tunes. She also suggests evaluating the warranty and deciding on those that offer a long-term warranty, especially for important parts like the frame and motor.

In our testing of folding treadmills that we tested, the JRNY model made by Bowflex stood out for its commercial-grade performance and simple design. The machine is quiet so it can be utilized in a space without disturbing or distracting anyone else--and it's easy to switch between different user profiles with the click of a button. It also comes with 26 programs that are integrated as well as coaching through the JRNY app and a useful cooling fan that is the right spot.

The TF50 by Matrix Why Is Incline Treadmill Good another option worth looking into. The treadmill is designed with a fold-on base (FOB), which makes it easier to fold or unfold when not in usage and gives it more stability. Its built-in speaker system plays your workout tunes of choice and can also connect to third-party apps for virtual training. It does not include an incline, however and its tiny fan may not be enough for many users to be comfortable during a sweaty workout.