Why It's Important to Find a Treadmill That Folds Up
If you're preparing for your next race or just need to squeeze in some exercise at home, a treadmill will help you achieve your goals. It's crucial to choose one that folds to make space.
To fold a treadmill, raise the deck towards the display. Then, lock the latch knob with care to ensure it is secured.
Compact Design
Foldable treadmills are small enough to fit under a bed or in a closet when not in use, yet still provide plenty of running space. They're usually less expensive than non-folding treadmills and can help you stay active even on days when the weather is bad or your schedule is busy.
Think about your fitness goals and how you intend to use the treadmill. Certain treadmills are designed to be used for walking, while others permit light jogging and even short runs. If you're planning to perform training that involves running or faster speeds, it's essential to check the treadmill's speed range as well as motor size prior to making a purchase.
Non-folding treadmills are generally heavier and more stable when running at high speeds. However, folding treadmills also have a design which can make them less sturdy, especially if they are used by runners who are pushing themselves to the max. Find a treadmill that folds with safety features, such as an emergency stop button that will ensure you can shut it down easily if you lose control.
Select a treadmill that has a powerful motor and a large deck should you decide to purchase a foldable one that is safe for runners. A 2.5 horsepower motor is adequate for casual joggers and sprinters. For serious runners, however, should choose an engine that has at least 3.5 horsepower to ensure that they can run at high speeds comfortably. Likewise, look for treadmills with built-in cushioning to reduce the force on your knees, so you can train for longer periods of time without fearing injury.
Convenient Storage
When you're not using your treadmill, you should be able to fold it up. Most treadmills that fold are equipped with wheels, which means they can be easily folded away to make space for other activities. For example when your children arrive home from school or guests arrive later. Non-folding models usually require more space since they are built to be permanent fixtures in your home.
While a lot of treadmills that fold are specifically designed for smaller spaces, they don't compromise on features or performance. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill, for example, folds up quickly thanks to the patented EasyLift mechanism. This treadmill comes with an 3.5 CHP engine as well as the 15% incline and an 3% decline.
Sunny Health & Fitness also provides the SF-T7632, which is a treadmill that folds. This treadmill can be easily placed in a closet or under a table and it has an incredibly comfortable running deck. Its small size and robust construction make it an excellent choice for those who want to do some exercise while working or watching TV.
If you're thinking of buying a folding treadmill, make sure you read the description so that you can learn how it is folded and stored. It is also important to take into consideration the dimensions of the frame and weight, as well as any added features such as wheels or carry handles.
Travelle Gaines is a personal trainer in Los Angeles at Blocks Nutrition. hometreadmills told PEOPLE that the biggest obstacle to staying active was not having enough time. A treadmill that folds is therefore ideal for people who are occupied. "It lets you do a quick run before or after work or even during lunch," she says.
Easy to Operate
The best treadmills that fold are easy to operate, whether you're making use of them for a quick walk or a workout at home. Look for a console that has simple, easy-to-use controls such as buttons for speed and incline as well as built-in touchscreen programming, says Victoria Brady, an ACE-CPT for fitness brand Fyt. If you're planning to walk with power in the park, you should look for motors that have between 2.0-2.5 horsepower. If you're an avid athlete, choose an engine that supports running routines.
Sydney Bueckert is an NASM CPT and Sunny Health & Fitness' chief in-house trainer. She believes that a good foldable treadmill will also have wheels to make it easy to move. "It's a lot easier to take off and on the treadmill with wheels so you don't have to worry about moving it by yourself."
It's also worth looking for a model with some extra nice-to-have features like ports for USB and headphone cables as well as a device holder. The Echelon Auto Fold Connected Treadmill has a bright, crisp display that displays a lot of motivational metrics. It can also be connected it to fitness applications and monitor your heart rate, among other things.
Look into models with gas shock that allows the deck to be lowered slowly and gently instead hitting the ground (like certain models do without this technology). You should also consider a treadmill with gas shocks that lets the deck lower gradually and gently instead of crashing into the ground (like some models do without this feature). You should ensure whether your treadmill meets the local safety requirements for its operation, too.
Safety
When selecting a treadmill fold up, you want to ensure that it is equipped with security features. The majority of folding treadmills come with an safety lock that locks the deck when it is in storage mode. This feature stops the deck from being accidentally released while the machine is being used. It also helps keep children from being around the machine.
A power cord lock is an additional important safety feature. This will ensure that the treadmill has been turned off and out of reach at the end of every workout. This is especially important if you have children who might be enticed to turn on the treadmill or play with the cords. If the treadmill isn't properly shut off and locked after each use, it could be turned on accidentally or children might accidentally pull the cord and cause the running belt to accelerate.
Also, make sure that the treadmill is placed away from things like drapes or curtains that could inadvertently hang down close to the treadmill when you are using it. This could increase the chance of an accident and cause a trip-hazard. In addition it is recommended that you wear the right shoes when running on treadmills. This will help to reduce the risk of falling over objects in your home and also ensure that you keep an even pace while running or walking on the treadmill.
It is also a great idea to fold the treadmill and secure it prior to leaving it in a public place like an exercise facility or school. This reduces the chance of injury to students and other patrons who are not familiar with the treadmill's operation or the noise level in a noisy area.
Stability
Folding treadmills have a lower center-of-gravity than other treadmills which makes them more stable. This means that it's less likely to tip over and injure the user if you slip off the machine or lean too far back. It also occupies less space, which is important if you live tiny apartments or a small home. It is easy to transport a treadmill that could be folded up. This can be a major benefit if you plan to take it with you on workout trips or business travel. It's also a great idea for you to choose a folding treadmill with wheels and a handle for carrying. This will make it easier to move around.
When choosing a treadmill that folds, it is also important to take into consideration the speed range as well as its incline and speed. If you intend to run on the treadmill at a speed of 7.5 percent of a mile will suffice. However, if you are an athlete it could be necessary to select the fastest motor.
You should also check whether the treadmill can be folded and unfolded easily. Some models require two people to fold while others can be folded easily by one person. The instructions for folding the top treadmills must be clear. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for regular maintenance and cleaning of the treadmill.
While some treadmills that fold up are simple to operate and store however, some can be difficult to maneuver. Always read the instruction manual to fully comprehend the way the machine functions. You should then try it out before deciding if it's the best choice for your fitness needs.