Buying a Folding Treadmill

You can cut costs and time by training at home with a folding treadmill. However, before you start shopping, establish what your workout goals are and find a model that is compatible with your goals.

"Be sure to measure 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 a good option for a variety of fitness enthusiasts. Whether you're a longtime athlete seeking to add an extra mile or two to your runs or a newbie who wants to do some cardio in meetings at work or after dinner, a folding treadmill will make it easier to get in the workouts you need to. And with the American Heart Association recommending at minimum 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week, it's hard to argue against a treadmill that lets you hop on for your daily cardio.

While earlier treadmills that fold were often regarded as low quality modern models are more competitive than ever before. The latest models of folding treadmills provide the same features and functions as non-folding options. The most important aspect to consider when choosing a folding portable treadmill with incline is the size of the deck. It is essential to have a deck that is large enough to allow full strides. Ideally, a deck with a length of 55 inches and 20 inches wide will give enough space for even the largest runners to feel comfortable.

The weight capacity of a treadmill is also important. If you plan on using your treadmill for running, you'll need to make sure it's able to support your weight and any other gear, like shoes. A treadmill that folds up with good quality should have a weight capacity of at least 350 pounds.

Finally, it's important to ensure that your folding treadmill can fold easily. Some treadmills that fold have the "fold-on-pin" design that raises the console mast over the running surface when it's not being used, while other have hydraulics to help you quickly and easily fold down the deck.

When you've found the perfect folding treadmill, it's the time to get started working out! You can track your progress with the built-in performance monitor that displays information such as speed, distance, heart rate and calories burned. You can connect your smartphone to the treadmill so that you can listen to music while working out or watch a movie. You can also take part in a virtual race against friends or family via the Facebook and Twitter apps. If you want to step up your game, you can try one of 15 pre-loaded workouts that can be adjusted in speed and an incline.

Capacity to Line Incline

Incline settings increase the intensity of your workout and target different muscles. Walking at an angle of just a few degrees can strengthen the lower back and calves muscles, while running at an incline will burn more calories than flat-running. You can spice up your workout by altering the angle. This keeps it interesting and prevent boredom.

When choosing the treadmill with an inclined slope, keep in mind that the steeper the slope, the more difficult it will be for beginners. Therefore, it is important to begin with a low slope and gradually progress to more challenging inclines as you get more comfortable with your treadmill workout routine. By reducing the impact on your joints, using an incline can help avoid injuries.

You'll want to consider the deck size, motor horsepower, and the incline capabilities of the treadmill. If you plan to mostly power walk and throw in the occasional jog, then the treadmill with an 2.0-2.5 chp motor will likely suffice. If you are an avid runner, then you'll need an item with a motor that is at least 2.5 chp.

Consider whether the incline settings of your treadmill are set by hand or automatically. This can impact your experience on the treadmill since some models require you press a button to alter the slope. Some models offer an automatic incline that could be set at 10 percent.

Finally, you'll want to ensure that the incline feature is able to fold and unfold. This is particularly important if you're buying an adjustable treadmill that folds and lives in a tiny 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 accomplish it, and they may require to be held during the process. A majority of our treadmills come with an automated folding system that makes the process simple and quick. This will save you time and hassle when it comes to storage of your 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 are not a runner or prefer walking to work out then you should choose one that has a slower maximum speed, like 8 mph. If you intend to use your treadmill for Peloton classes or Zwift you should choose a portable treadmill with incline that connects to your device so you can keep up with your training. We also prefer models that have thumb dials mounted on handgrips, which allow users to swiftly change the speed or incline. It's much easier than pressing buttons on consoles.

Check if the treadmill comes with safety features built-in for example, an emergency clip that can shut down the machine in the event that you fall or slip. These features are crucial for safety and to prevent damage to belts and motors. We suggest that you look into this feature prior to buying one of our selections.

Finally, you should pay attention to the treadmill's capacity for weight when you're comparing. The higher-end folding machines tend to be more durable, and also have a higher capacity for weight. This helps them not to warp over time. If you're concerned about the durability of a particular model, make sure to check the warranty and reviews from past customers to see how it has held up over time.

Be aware that treadmills are not used every day, and folding models may be more prone to wear and tear. Mody states that this could cause problems in the future because it puts more pressure on the hinge. That's why we advise choosing a treadmill from a legacy fitness brand with an extensive history of producing quality equipment.

The latest models are catching up to older models that were tagged with less features. Many have comparable features and capabilities to those you'll find on higher-priced treadmills, like incline capability.

Additional Features

As with most things, the old saying "you get what you pay for" applies when it comes to folding treadmills. Treadmills that fold typically require more components and materials than those that do not fold, such as the use of stronger tubing made of steel and safety mechanisms such as gas shocks. These extra costs can push the price tag higher but create an exercise machine that is more durable and stable when used.

As an ace fitness trainer and fitness writer, Christine Luff has a keen eye for top-quality products that help improve performance. While she is a fan of running outside, she loves to incorporate treadmill incline workouts into her workout routine. An an incline can make a significant difference to your does treadmill incline burn fat workout, whether you're looking to increase your heart rate or simulate the experience of running outdoors.

Luff suggests choosing a foldable treadmill with a frame and motor that are strong enough to withstand the weight of your body, as well as a large workout area with built-in speakers to blast your favourite tunes. She also suggests evaluating the warranty to prioritize those that offer a longer warranty, especially for key parts like the motor and frame.

The JRNY model from Bowflex was the standout in our tests of folding treadmills for its commercial-grade quality and simple design. The treadmill is quiet, so it can be used without disturbing other users. It's also easy to switch between different user profiles by pressing one button. It also comes with 26 integrated programs as well as coaching via the JRNY App and a fan that cools the body just the right way.

The TF50 by Matrix is another option worth looking into. It has a fold-on base (FOB) design which makes it easy to fold and unfold when not in use and gives the unit more stability. It also has a built-in speaker that plays your favorite songs for workouts and can be connected to third-party applications for virtual training. It doesn't include an incline however, and its tiny fan may not be enough for most users to feel at ease during a sweaty workout.