Why It's Important to Find a Treadmill That Folds Up
A treadmill can help you reach your goals, whether you're preparing for a race, or just need to squeeze in some exercise. But you must find one that folds up to make space.
To fold a treadmill, raise the deck towards the display. Then, lock the latch knob with care to secure it.
Compact Design
Foldable treadmills can be tucked away under the bed in a closet, or under a bed when not in use. They provide plenty of space to run. They're typically less expensive than non-folding treadmills and can allow you to stay active even when the weather isn't great or you're busy.
Be aware of your fitness goals and how you intend to utilize the treadmill. Certain treadmills are designed for walking, whereas others allow light jogging and even short runs. Before buying a treadmill, ensure that you know its speed range and motor size.
Non-folding treadmills are generally heavier, which makes them remain stable at high speeds. But folding treadmills also have a design which can make them less sturdy especially when they are used by runners who are pushing themselves to the limit. Choose a treadmill that folds with safety features, such as an emergency stop button to ensure you can shut it down quickly in the event of a loss of control.
Pick a treadmill with an efficient motor, and a large deck size If you are looking to purchase a folding model that is safe for runners. In general, an 2.5 horsepower motor is enough for casual runners and occasional sprinters but serious runners should strive for at minimum 3.5 HP to ensure they are able to run comfortably at high speeds. Additionally, you should look for a treadmill that includes cushioning built-in to minimize the strain on your knees, so you can train for long periods of time without worrying about injuries.
Convenient Storage
If you live in a cramped space, you must be able to fold up your treadmill when not in use. Most treadmills that fold up have wheels and can be easily rolled away from the area where you exercise to make space for other activities for instance, when your kids return from school or when you have dinner guests arriving later on. Non-folding treadmills take up more space, as they are made to be permanent fixtures.
Many folding treadmills are compact and space-saving however, they don't compromise performance or features. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill, for instance, folds quickly thanks to a patented EasyLift mechanism. The treadmill also features a 3.5 CHP motor, and an incline of 15% and a 3 percent decline to help up your cardio intensity.
Sunny Health & Fitness also provides the SF-T7632, which is a folding treadmill. This treadmill is easy to put in a cupboard or under a desk, and still has an incredibly comfortable running surface. Its small size and sturdy construction make it a great choice for those who want to get some light exercise while at work or watching television.
If you're thinking of buying a folding treadmill, make sure you read the description so that you find out how it can be folded and stored. You should also take into consideration the dimensions of the frame and weight, along with any added features such as wheels or carry handles.
Travelle Gaines is a trainer in Los Angeles at Blocks Nutrition. She explained to PEOPLE that the biggest obstacle to staying active was a lack of time. A folding treadmill is therefore ideal for people who are always busy. "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 regardless of whether you're making use of them for a quick jog or an at-home workout. Victoria Brady, ACE-CPT and fitness brand Fyt suggests looking for an option with simple controls, such as buttons for speed or incline, or touchscreen programming. Choose a motor that has 2.0-2.5 horsepower if you plan on walking with power, and opt for one that supports routine running if you're an avid runner.
Sydney Bueckert is an NASM CPT and Sunny Health & Fitness' instructor in-house. She believes that an ideal treadmill that folds will also have wheels to make it easy to move. "It's a lot easier to get on and off the machine with wheels, so you don't have to worry about moving it by yourself."
It's also worth searching for a model that has other features you'd like to have such as ports for USB and headphone cables and a device holder. The Echelon Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill, for instance, has a crisp and bright display that displays a variety of motivational statistics and allows you to connect to fitness apps and track your heart rate, among other things.
Other features you can look for are an safety clip that prevents the treadmill from operating in the event that someone falls on the treadmill while it's running, and an automatic folding deck into a 45-degree incline when you lift it from the bottom of the treadmill. You should look for a treadmill that comes with gas-shocks, which allow for the deck to be lifted slowly and gently, rather than smashing into the ground like some models do. Check to see if your treadmill meets the safety standards of your area.
Safety
When selecting a treadmill fold up, you want to make sure it's equipped with safety features. The majority of folding treadmills have a safety lock to keep the deck in in storage mode. This feature prevents the deck from being accidentally released while the machine is being used. It can also help keep children from being around the machine.
Another crucial safety feature to look for is a power cord lock. This will ensure that the treadmill has been shut off and away from reach at the end of every exercise. This is crucial, particularly if you have young children who may be enticed to play with the cords or turn on the treadmill. If Home Treadmills isn't properly turned off and locked after each use, it may be turned on accidentally or children could accidentally pull the cord, causing the running belt to accelerate.
It is also crucial to ensure that you set the treadmill away from curtains and drapes that could be hung close to it when you are using the treadmill. This can increase the risk of injury and can create a risk of a trip. It is also recommended that you use a treadmill with the right shoes. This reduces the chance of falling and tripping over objects in your home as well as help you maintain a steady stride while running or walking on the treadmill.
It is also a good idea to fold up the treadmill and secure it before leaving it in a public space such as the gym or at school. This can help reduce the chance of injury to other patrons or students who may be unaccustomed to the operation of a treadmill and/or the noise level of one in a noisy environment.
Stability
Folding treadmills have a lower center of gravity than non-folding models which makes them more stable. It is less likely to tip over and cause injuries if you step on the treadmill or lean back too much. It takes up less space, which is important if you have a small apartment or a home. A treadmill that folds also makes it easier to transport. This can be a big advantage if you intend to take it for workouts or business travel. It's also a good option to select a folding treadmill with wheels and a handle. This makes it easier to move around.
It is important to consider the speed range and incline functions when selecting a treadmill that folds. If you plan to run on the treadmill at a speed of about 7.5 miles per hour is probably sufficient. If, however, you are an athlete it might be necessary to select an engine that is faster.
In addition, you should ensure that the treadmill is easy to fold and unfold. Certain models require two people to fold, while other models can be folded with ease by one person. The best treadmills will have clear instructions on how to fold them correctly. It is also crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for regular maintenance and cleaning the unit.
While some treadmills that fold up are simple to store and operate some are difficult to maneuver. Always read the manual to fully understand how the machine works. You should then practice using the machine before deciding if it's right for your fitness needs.