Why It's Important to Find a Treadmill That Folds Up
A treadmill can help you achieve your goals, whether you're preparing for a race, or just want to get in an exercise session. But you must find one that folds to make space.
To fold a treadmill, lift the deck towards the display. Then turn the knob carefully to secure it.
Compact Design
They can be folded and stored under the bed in a closet, or under a bed when not in use. They still offer plenty of space to run. Folding treadmills are usually cheaper than non-folding treadmills, and they can aid in keeping you active on days where the weather is bad or when your schedule is hectic.
Consider your fitness goals and the way you plan to use the treadmill. Some models are designed for walking only, while others can be used for gentle jogging or even shorter runs. Before you purchase a treadmill be sure to verify the speed range and size.
Non-folding treadmills are generally significantly heavier, which helps them remain stable at high speeds. However, folding treadmills also come with a design that could make them less durable especially when they are used by runners who are pushing themselves to the max. Choose a treadmill that folds with safety features such as an emergency stop button to ensure you can shut it down easily should you lose control.
Choose a treadmill with an efficient motor, and a large deck If you are looking to purchase a folding model that is safe for runners. A 2.5 horsepower motor is adequate for casual joggers and sprinters. Serious runners should choose a motor with at least 3.5 horsepower to ensure that they can run at high speeds comfortably. Find a treadmill that has built-in cushions that reduce the knees' impact to allow you to train for longer periods without fear of injury.
Convenient Storage
If you don't use your treadmill, it should be able to fold it up. The majority of treadmills that fold have wheels and can easily be rolled away from the area where you exercise to allow room for other activities, for instance, when your kids return from school or when you have guests coming over later. Non-folding treadmills take up more space since they are intended to be permanent fixtures.
While a lot of treadmills that fold are made for smaller spaces, they don't compromise on features or performance. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill, for example, folds up quickly thanks to an exclusive EasyLift mechanism. The treadmill also features a 3.5 CHP motor, and an incline of 15% and 3 percent decline to help up your cardio intensity.
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 still offers a comfortable running deck. Its compact design and robust construction make it an excellent option for those looking to exercise while at work or watching TV.
If you're considering purchasing an adjustable treadmill that folds, make sure you read the description so that you can understand how it folds and stored. You should also take into consideration the dimensions of the frame and weight, as well as any other features, such as wheels or carry handles.
Travelle Gaines is a trainer in Los Angeles at Blocks Nutrition. She told PEOPLE that the biggest hurdle to staying active was not having enough time. A treadmill that folds is the perfect option for those who are always busy. She says the folding treadmill lets people to run in the morning or after work, or even at lunch.
Easy to Operate
The best folding treadmills are easy to operate regardless of whether you're making use of them for a quick walk or a workout at home. Victoria Brady, ACE-CPT and fitness brand Fyt, recommends looking for a console that has easy-to-use controls, like buttons for speed or incline, as well as touchscreen programming. Choose a motor that has 2.0-2.5 horsepower if you plan on walking with power and select one that supports routine running if you're a serious running enthusiast.
Sydney Bueckert is an NASM CPT and Sunny Health & Fitness' instructor in-house. She believes that an ideal treadmill that folds will also come with wheels to make it easy to move. "It's much easier to take off and on the treadmill with wheels, so you don't need to worry about moving it yourself."
It's also worth looking for a model that offers some extra nice-to-have features, like ports for USB and headphone cables and an accessory for your device. The Echelon Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill, for instance, comes with a crisp and bright display that displays a variety of motivational indicators and lets you connect it to fitness apps and monitor your heart rate, among other things.
Other features you can look for are a safety clip, which stops the treadmill from working if someone steps onto it while it's in use, and a deck that automatically folds to a 45-degree angle once you lift it from the bottom of the treadmill. Also consider a model with gas shocks that lets the deck lower slowly and gently, instead of hitting the ground (like some models do without this feature). You should ensure that your new treadmill is in compliance with the safety standards of the area for operating it, too.
Safety
If you're looking for a treadmill that folds up and down, ensure it comes with safety features. Most folding treadmills come with the safety lock that keeps the deck in place when it is in storage mode. This feature stops the deck from being released accidentally while the machine is being used. It helps to keep children away from the machine.
Another important security feature to look out for is a lock on the power cord. This will ensure that the treadmill has been shut off and away from reach at the conclusion of every exercise. This is particularly crucial if you have children who might be enticed by the temptation to turn the treadmill on or play with the cords. If the treadmill is not properly turned off and locked after every use, it may be turned on accidentally or children could accidentally pull the cord and cause the running belt to accelerate.
It is also crucial to ensure that you place the treadmill away from curtains and drapes that could hang over it while you're on the treadmill. This could result in an accident that could cause a trip and increase the risk of injury. It is also recommended to use a treadmill with the right shoes. This will decrease the chance of slipping and falling over objects around your home as well as help you keep a steady pace when walking or running on the treadmill.
It's also a good idea to fold up the treadmill and secure it prior to leaving it in a public place such as a gym or school. This will help to minimize the risk of injury to students or other patrons who aren't used to the operation of a treadmill and/or the loudness of one in a noisy setting.
Stability
Folding treadmills have a lower center-of-gravity than those that do not fold that makes them more stable. It is less likely to roll over and cause injuries if you step on the machine or lean back too far. It takes up less space and is essential for those who live in a small space or a home. It is also much easier to transport a treadmill that can be folded. This is a huge advantage if you intend to take it with you on business or workout travel. In addition, it's an ideal idea to search for a treadmill that folds and includes a transport wheels and a carry handle to make the process of moving it around more convenient.
It is essential to consider the speed range and incline feature when selecting a treadmill that folds. If you intend to run on the treadmill, a speed of 7.5 mph will likely be sufficient. If treadmills that fold flat are a competitive athlete, you may need a motor with more speed.
In addition, you should ensure that the treadmill is easy to fold and unfold. Some models require two people to collapse, while others can be easily folded by one person. The most reliable treadmills will come with clear instructions on how to do this correctly. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for regular maintenance and cleaning of the treadmill.
Some treadmills that fold can be easy to store and use Some are more difficult to operate. You should always study the user's manual attentively to understand how the treadmill works. It is recommended to practice using the machine before deciding if it is right for your fitness needs.