Buying a Folding Treadmill

You can save money and time by exercising at home using a folding treadmill. However, before you start shopping decide your goals for exercise and find a model that will meet your needs.

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

Deck Size

A treadmill that folds up is a great option for many exercisers. It doesn't matter if you're an experienced athlete looking to add an extra mile or two of your runs or a novice who's looking to do some cardio in a work meeting or after dinner, a folding treadmill can make it easier to fit in those much-needed workouts. And with the American Heart Association recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week, it's hard to resist the treadmill that allows you to get on for your daily cardio.

Despite the fact that earlier models were often associated with inferior quality Modern models are more competitive than ever. The latest folding treadmills offer the same features and functionality as non-folding options. When selecting a treadmill that folds, the dimension of the deck is important. You'll require a deck that is sufficient to allow full strides. Ideally, a deck that is 55 inches long and 20 inches wide will give enough space for even the largest runners to feel comfortable.

The weight capacity of a treadmill is also vital. If you plan to run on your treadmill, make sure it can accommodate your weight as well as any additional equipment like shoes. A high-quality folding treadmill should have a capacity of at 300 pounds or more.

Also, you should verify that the folding treadmill can fold easily. Some folding treadmills feature the "fold-on-pin" design that lifts the console mast over the running surface when it's not in use, while other models come with hydraulics that allow you to fold the deck quickly and easily. the deck.

When you've found the perfect folding treadmill, it's the time to start working out! 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 connect your phone to the treadmill so that you can listen to music while working out or watch a movie. You can also participate in a virtual race against family members or friends via the Facebook and Twitter apps. If you want to step up your game, try one of the pre-loaded exercises that have adjustable speeds and incline.

Capabilities for Incline

Incline settings increase the intensity of your workout and target different muscle groups. For instance, walking at an incline of just a little targets your glutes and calves, and strengthens your lower back muscles, while running on an incline will burn more calories than running flat. You can add variety to your workout by altering the speed at which you run. This will keep the workout interesting and avoid boredom.

When you are looking for a treadmill with an incline take note that the steeper the slope, more challenging it will be for those who are new to the sport. This is why it's crucial to start with a low slope and gradually progress to more strenuous inclines as you get more comfortable with your treadmill exercise routine. Incorporating an incline into your routine will also help you avoid injury by decreasing the impact on your joints.

Apart from ensuring the treadmill's incline capabilities are in line with your needs, you'll want to pay attention to the size of the deck and motor horsepower. If you plan to primarily power walk and throw in some jogging, then a treadmill with an 2.0-2.5 chp motor will likely suffice. If you're a serious runner then you'll need an exercise machine with a motor of at minimum 2.5 chp.

Take note of whether the incline settings on your treadmill are adjusted manually or automatically. This can impact your experience with the treadmill because the controls on some models require you to press an option to alter the incline of the deck, while other models have an automatic incline setting that can go up to 10 percent grade.

You'll also want to ensure that the incline feature can fold and unfold easily. This is especially crucial if you're purchasing a foldable treadmill and live in a small space or have a shared house or office with small storage space. Some treadmills are difficult to fold and unfold. They require more than one person to do it and may need to be held while doing so. Fortunately, many of our picks have an automated folding mechanism that makes the process quick and simple and save your time and stress when you need to store your new treadmill.

Speed Capabilities

The most efficient folding treadmills can reach speeds that can reach 12 mph. This is sufficient speed for the majority of runners. If you are not an avid runner or prefer walking during your workouts You should consider one with a lower maximum speed, like 8 mph. Choose a treadmill that can be connected to your smartphone should you decide to use it for Zwift or Peloton classes. We also recommend models that have thumb dials mounted on the handgrips that allow users to swiftly change the speed or the incline. It's a lot easier than hitting buttons on consoles.

Another feature to be aware of is whether the treadmill is equipped with safety features, such as an emergency stop clip that shuts down the treadmill when you fall or slip. These features are crucial for safety and to prevent damage to belts and motors. We recommend you test this feature prior to purchasing one of our picks.

When you shop for a treadmill, be aware of the weight capacity of the treadmill. The most expensive folding treadmills are generally stronger and have a higher maximum weight capacity which can help stop the treadmill from becoming warped over time. If Read More At this website concerned about the durability of a particular model, make sure to check the warranty and reviews from past buyers to see how it performs over time.

Remember that most treadmills are not used every day, and models that fold could be more prone to wear and tear. "This puts more stress on the hinge, which can cause issues later on," says Mody. That's why we advise choosing a treadmill from a legacy fitness brand with long-standing history of manufacturing high-quality equipment.

While older foldable treadmills were often associated with less features than standard treadmills, the newer offerings are getting better. Many of them have similar features and capabilities to the more expensive treadmills.

Added Features

Folding treadmills aren't different. As with most things in life, you'll get what you pay. Treadmills that fold typically require more components and materials than those that don't fold, including the use of stronger tubing made of steel and safety mechanisms like gas shocks. These additional costs can make the price up, but create a treadmill that is robust and stable being used.

As a top trainer and fitness journalist, Christine Luff has a keen eye for high-quality products that help improve performance. While she prefers to run outdoors, she also loves to incorporate treadmill incline exercises into her fitness routine. Whether you're looking to get your heart rate up or recreate the experience of running on pavement, an incline can make the world of difference in your treadmill workout.

Luff recommends selecting a treadmill that folds with a frame and motor that are strong enough to support the weight of your body, and an expansive workout deck with built-in speakers to blast your favorite music. She also recommends evaluating the warranty and prioritizing those with a long-term offer particularly for crucial parts such as the motor and frame.


In our testing of treadmills that fold that we tested, the JRNY model made by Bowflex stood out due to its commercial-grade quality and intuitive design. It's quiet enough that it can be utilized in a space without disrupting or distracting others. It's easy to switch between different user profiles with a touch of one button. It also comes with 26 integrated programs and coaching through the JRNY App and a convenient fan that cools your body to the perfect temperature.

Another option that's worth considering is the TF50 from Matrix. It is constructed with a fold-on basis (FOB) which makes it easier to fold or unfold when not in use and gives it more stability. It also has an integrated speaker that plays your favorite workout songs and can be connected to third-party applications for virtual training. It doesn't come with an incline and the small fan may not be sufficient to keep users cool during a sweaty workout.