Buying a Folding Treadmill

A treadmill that folds down will save you time and money by allowing your training at home. Before you shop, determine your fitness goals and then find a treadmill that suits your needs.

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

Deck Size


A treadmill that folds is a great choice for a number of exercisers. A treadmill that folds up is a great option for those who want to get in a bit of cardio during a meeting at work or after dinner. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity exercise. It's not difficult to agree with a treadmill that lets you to jump on and get your daily workout.

Despite the fact that earlier models were often associated with lower quality, modern models are now more competitive than ever. The latest folding treadmills offer the same features and functionality as non-folding models. The most important feature to take into consideration when selecting a treadmill that folds is the deck's size. You'll want a deck that is wide and long enough to allow you to take full strides when running. A deck that is at 55 inches in length and 20 inch wide will allow even the biggest runners room to run comfortably.

The capacity to support the weight of a treadmill is also vital. If you intend to run on your treadmill ensure that it can accommodate your weight as well as any extra gear like shoes. A folding treadmill of good quality will have a weight capacity of at least 350 pounds.

Finally, it's important to verify that the folding treadmill is easy to fold. Some treadmills that fold feature an "fold on pin" design that raises the console mast over the running surface when the treadmill isn't being used. Others have hydraulics that enable you to fold the deck quickly and easily.

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 and distance, heart rate and calories burned. You can also connect your treadmill with your phone to listen to music or watch a film during your workout. If you're enjoying socializing, you can even take part in a virtual race alongside family members or friends using the integrated Facebook and Twitter apps. If you're looking to improve your performance You can test out one of the 15 workouts preloaded with a variety of speeds and inclines that can be adjusted.

Capacity to Line Incline

Incline settings increase the intensity of your workout and target various muscle groups. For example, walking at a slight incline targets the calves and glutes and strengthens your lower back, while running on an inclined path burns more calories than running flat. You can add variety to your workout by changing the incline. This keeps the workout interesting and avoid boredom.

When choosing a treadmill that has an incline, remember that the steeper the slope, the more difficult it will be for those who are new to the sport. Therefore, it is important to begin at a lower level and gradually progress to more strenuous inclines as you get more comfortable with your workout routine. By reducing the strain on your joints, adding an incline will help you avoid injury.

You'll need to think about the dimensions of the deck as well as the motor's horsepower and incline capability of the treadmill. If you plan to power walk with occasional jogs, then the treadmill that has a motor that's 2.0-2.5 chp is likely to suffice. If you are a serious runner, you'll need an item with a motor of at minimum 2.5 chp.

Another thing to consider is whether or not the incline settings are either manually or automatically controlled. This can impact your experience with the treadmill because the controls on some models require pressing an option to adjust the incline of the deck, while other models have an automatic incline setting that can reach up to 10 percent grade.

In the end, you'll need to ensure that the incline feature is easy to fold and unfold. This is particularly important if you're buying an adjustable treadmill that folds and lives in a cramped space or have a shared house or office that has small storage space. 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 picks have an automated folding mechanism that makes the process easy and quick which will save you time and stress when it comes to storing your new treadmill.

Speed Capabilities

The best folding treadmills can reach speeds up to 12 mph, which is enough for most runners. If you're not an avid runner or prefer walking for most of your workouts then you should choose a treadmill that has a slower maximum speed, for instance, 8 mph. If you intend to use your treadmill for Peloton classes or running Zwift you should choose a treadmill that connects to your device so you can keep on top of your training. We also prefer models with thumb dials mounted on the handgrips, allowing users to swiftly change the speed or anincline. It's a lot easier than hitting buttons on the console.

Another thing to take into consideration is whether a treadmill is equipped with safety features like an emergency stop-clip that shuts down the treadmill in the event of a fall or slip. These are crucial not only for safety reasons, but also to prevent damage to the motor and belt. A few of our picks include this feature, and we recommend checking before making an purchase.

Also, make sure to be aware of the treadmill's weight capacity when you're shopping. The more expensive folding machines tend to be more durable, and have a larger capacity for weight. This will ensure that they do not warp over time. If you are worried about the durability of a product, take a look at its warranty and reviews from customers to determine how it holds up.

Finally, remember that the majority of treadmills don't get frequently used and foldable models might experience more wear and tear than nonfolding counterparts. Mody states that this could result in problems in the future because it puts more pressure on the hinge. treadmills with incline suggest selecting a treadmill from an established brand with a history of producing quality equipment.

While older treadmills with foldable features were typically associated with less capabilities than standard treadmills, the newer offerings are getting better. Many of them have comparable features and capabilities to those you'll find on higher-priced treadmills, such as incline capabilities.

Additional Features

Folding treadmills aren't different. As with most things in life, you pay what you pay. Treadmills which fold require more components and materials than non-folding treadmills that include heavy tubing made of metal and safety features like gas shocks. These costs can raise the cost, but they make the treadmill more durable and stable.

As a top trainer and fitness journalist, Christine Luff has a keen eye for top-quality products which can improve performance. While she is a fan of running outdoors, she is a fan of incorporate treadmill incline exercises into her fitness routine. If you're looking to get your heart rate up or replicate the feeling of running on pavement, an incline can make a huge difference in your treadmill exercise.

Luff suggests a foldable, robust treadmill that has a motor that can withstand your weight and a frame that is durable. It should also come with a large deck for workouts with speakers built in to blast your favorite music. She also suggests evaluating the warranty to prioritize those that have a longer-term warranty particularly for the most important parts like the frame and motor.

The JRNY model from Bowflex was the most impressive in our testing of treadmills that fold for its commercial quality and intuitive design. The machine is quiet, meaning it is able to be used without creating a disturbance to others. It is also easy to switch between different user profiles by pressing a button. It also comes with 26 integrated programs, coaching via the JRNY App, and a handy fan that cools your body just right.

The TF50 by Matrix is another option worth considering. It has a fold-on base (FOB) design which makes it easier to fold and unfold when not in use. It also gives the treadmill more stability. It also has an integrated speaker that plays your favorite workout music and can be connected to third-party programs for virtual training. It does not have an incline and its small fan might not be enough to keep users cool during a sweaty exercise.