Why It's Important to Find a Treadmill That Folds Up
If you're preparing for your next race, or simply want to fit in some exercise at home, a treadmill could help you reach your goals. It's important to choose a treadmill that folds to make space.
To fold a treadmill, first lift the deck toward the display. Then, lock the latch knob in a secure manner to secure it.
Compact Design
Foldable treadmills are small enough to fit under a bed or in the closet when not in use but still provide plenty of running space. They are often cheaper than treadmills that fold, and can help you keep active even when the weather is bad or you're busy.
Consider your fitness goals and the way you plan to use the treadmill. Certain treadmills are designed to be used for walking, while others allow light jogging or even short runs. If you're interested in an exercise that involves running or faster speeds, it's important to check the treadmill's speed range as well as motor size before purchasing.
Non-folding treadmills are generally heavier and more stable at high speeds. However, they also have a design that can make them less durable particularly when they are used by runners who are pushing themselves to the limits. When selecting a treadmill that folds, look for one that comes with safety features, such as an emergency stop button, to ensure you can easily shut it down in the event that you lose control of the machine.
If you're planning to purchase a treadmill that folds that is safe for a runner, choose one that has a strong motor and a large deck size. A 2.5 horsepower motor is sufficient for casual joggers and sprinters. Serious runners, however, should choose at minimum 3.5 horsepower to ensure that they can run at high speeds comfortably. Likewise, look for treadmills that have built-in cushioning to lessen the strain on your knees so that you can train for long periods of time without fearing injury.
Convenient Storage
If you live in a tiny space, you must be able to fold your treadmill when not in use. Most folding treadmill s feature wheels and can easily be removed from the area where you exercise to allow room for other activities, like when kids come home from school or you have dinner guests arriving later. Non-folding models typically require more space as they are built to be permanent fixtures in your home.
Many treadmills that fold are small and space-saving, but they don't sacrifice speed or features. For example, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill folds up quickly due to its patent-pending EasyLift assist mechanism. This treadmill also boasts a 3.5 CHP motor and has both a 15% incline and 3% decline to help you increase your workout.
Sunny Health & Fitness also provides the SF-T7632, which is a treadmill that folds. This treadmill can easily be stored in a closet or under a table, and it offers an incredibly comfortable running deck. Its small size and sturdy construction make it an excellent choice for those who want to get some light exercise while at work or watching TV.
If you're considering purchasing a treadmill that folds, be sure to read the product description to learn how it is folded and stored. You'll also want to examine the frame's dimensions and weight as well as added transport features like transportation wheels and built-in carry handles.
Travelle Gaines, a personal trainer at Blocks Nutrition in Los Angeles she informs PEOPLE that one of the biggest hurdles to keeping active is not having enough time, which makes a folding treadmill ideal for busy people. "It lets you take a short run between work and after or even during lunch," she says.
Simple to Operate
The best treadmills for folding are simple 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 suggests looking for a treadmill with easy-to-use controls, like buttons for speed or incline, or touchscreen programming. Find a motor with 2.0-2.5 HP if you intend on using power walking and choose one that supports routine running if you're an avid running enthusiast.
Sydney Bueckert is an NASM CPT and Sunny Health & Fitness' lead in-house trainer. She says a good foldable treadmill will also have wheels to make it easy to move. "It's much easier to get on and off the treadmill with wheels, so you don't need to worry about moving it by yourself."
It's also worth searching for a model with additional features that are desirable, like ports for USB and headphone cables and holders for devices. The Echelon Auto Fold Connected Treadmill has a bright, crisp display that displays a wide range of motivational indicators. It can also connect it to fitness applications and monitor your heartrate, among other things.
Other features to consider are a safety clip, which stops the treadmill from running when someone walks on the treadmill while it's running and a deck that automatically folds to a 45-degree angle when you lift it from the bottom of the treadmill. Also consider a model with a gas shock that allows the deck to be lowered slowly and gently instead of hitting the ground (like some models do without this technology). Make sure your treadmill is in compliance with local safety standards.
Safety
When choosing a treadmill that folds up, make sure it's equipped with safety features. The majority of folding treadmills come with a safety lock that secures the deck when it is in storage mode. This feature helps to prevent accidental release of the deck while the treadmill is being used and also helps keep children from attempting to operate the treadmill.
Another crucial security feature to look out for is a lock on the power cord. This will help to ensure that the treadmill is turned off and away from reach after every workout session. This is crucial, particularly in the case of children who might be tempted to play with the cords or turn on the treadmill. If the treadmill isn't secured and shut off after each use, the treadmill might be able to be turned on accidentally. Children could pull the cord and cause it to speed up.
It is also crucial to ensure that you put the treadmill away from drapes and curtains that might hang close to it while you're using the treadmill. This can increase the risk of an accident and cause a trip-hazard. In addition, it is recommended that you wear proper shoes while running on treadmills. This reduces the chance of tripping and falling over objects around your home as well as help you maintain a steady stride when running or walking on the treadmill.
It is also a good idea to ensure that the treadmill is folded and secured before leaving it in public places such as gyms or schools. This will reduce the risk of injury to students and 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 that makes them more stable. It is less likely to fall over and cause injury if you slip on the treadmill or lean back too far. It also takes up less space, which can be important if you live in an apartment that is small or confined home. It is easy to transport a treadmill that could be folded. This can be a major benefit if you plan to carry it on workout trips or business travel. It is also a good idea to pick an adjustable treadmill that has wheels and a handle. This will make it easier to move around.
When selecting a treadmill that folds up, it is also important to think about the speed range and incline function. If you plan to use the treadmill for running at a speed of around 7.5 milliseconds is likely to suffice. If, however, you are a competitive runner it might be necessary to choose the fastest motor.
Additionally, you should also make sure that the treadmill is easy to fold and unfold. Certain models require two people to fold, while other models can be folded by one person. The best treadmills will come with clear instructions on how to fold it correctly. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for regular maintenance and cleaning.
Some treadmills that fold are simple to store and operate Some are more difficult. Always read the instruction manual to be aware of how the machine operates. You should then try using the machine before deciding if it is suitable for your fitness needs.