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 a quick workout at home, a treadmill can make your goals more achievable. It's crucial to find one that folds up to save space.

To fold a treadmill, raise the deck towards the display. Then, carefully secure the latch knob to lock it.

Compact Design

Foldable treadmills are small enough to fit under a bed or in the closet when not in use however they still offer plenty of running space. They're usually less expensive than non-folding treadmills, and can allow you to stay active even when the weather isn't great or you have a busy schedule.

Think about your fitness goals and the way you plan to use the treadmill. Some models are meant for walking only, while others can be used for gentle jogging or even shorter runs. If you're interested in a workout that incorporates running or faster speeds, you should verify the treadmill's speed range and motor size before buying.

Non-folding treadmills tend to be heavier, which makes them remain stable at high speeds. But folding treadmills also have a design that can make them less durable particularly when they are used by runners who are pushing themselves to the limits. Look for a folding treadmill with safety features such as an emergency stop button that will ensure you can shut it down quickly should you lose control.

If you're looking to purchase a folding treadmill that is safe for runners make sure you choose one with a powerful motor and a large deck size. The general rule is that a 2.5 hp motor is sufficient for casual runners and occasional sprinters, but serious runners should strive for at minimum 3.5 hp to ensure they can comfortably run at high speeds. Also, consider a treadmill that includes cushioning built-in to minimize the impact on your knees so that you can train for long periods of time without worrying about injury.

Convenient Storage

If you live in a small space, you must be able of folding your treadmill when in use. Most folding treadmills feature wheels and can be easily removed from the area where you exercise to make space for other activities, such as when the kids come home from school or you have dinner guests arriving later on. Non-folding treadmills take up more space as they are made to be permanent fixtures.

While many folding treadmills are designed for smaller spaces, they don't compromise on features or performance. For example, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill folds up quickly thanks to a patent-pending EasyLift assist mechanism. This treadmill also boasts the 3.5 CHP motor, and an incline of 15% and a 3 percent decline to help up your cardio intensity.

Sunny Health & Fitness also offers the SF-T7632 folding treadmill. It can be placed in a closet or under a table, and it still offers an incredibly comfortable running deck. Its small size and sturdy construction makes it an ideal option for those interested in getting some light exercise at work or while watching TV.

If you're thinking of buying a folding treadmill, make sure to read the product description so that you learn how it is folded and stored. You'll also want to look at the frame dimensions and weight as well as added transport features like transportation wheels and built-in carry handles.

Travelle Gaines, a fitness instructor at Blocks Nutrition in Los Angeles she tells PEOPLE that one of the biggest obstacles to staying active is a lack of time. This makes a folding treadmill ideal for busy people. She says that a folding treadmill allows runners to run before or after work, or even during lunch.

Simple 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 a treadmill with simple controls, such as buttons for speed or incline, as well as touchscreen programming. If you're planning to walk on power, look for a motor that has between 2.0-2.5 horsepower. If you're a serious athlete, select an engine that supports running routines.

Sydney Bueckert is an NASM CPT and Sunny Health & Fitness' lead in-house trainer. She believes that the best treadmills Foldable Treadmill: Powerful Motor Shock Absorption Belt will also have wheels that make it easy to move. It's easier to get onto and off a treadmill with wheels. You don't need to worry about moving the machine by yourself.

It's also worth searching for a model that offers additional features that are desirable such as ports for USB and headphone cables as well as an accessory for your device. The Echelon Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill for instance, comes with an impressive and clear display that displays a lot of motivational statistics and allows you to connect it to fitness apps and monitor your heart rate, among other things.

Other features to consider are the safety clip, which stops the treadmill from running in the event that someone falls on it while it's being used and an automatic folding deck to a 45-degree angle once you lift it from the bottom of the treadmill. Look for a treadmill with gas shocks, which allow the deck to be lifted slowly and gently rather than slamming into the ground as some models do. Make sure your treadmill is in compliance with the safety standards of your area.

Safety

When you are choosing a treadmill that folds, make sure it has safety features. Most folding treadmills have an safety lock that locks 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 prevents children from trying to operate the treadmill.

Another crucial security feature to be looking for is a lock on the power cord. This will ensure that the treadmill is turned off and is away from reach at the end of every workout. This is important, especially when you have 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 it could be accidentally powered on. Children could pull the cord and cause it to accelerate.

It is also important to ensure that you set the treadmill away from drapes and curtains that could hang close to it while you're using the treadmill. This could increase the chance of injury and can create a risk of a trip. It is also recommended to run on a treadmill wearing the correct footwear. This will reduce the risk of falling over things at home, and will also aid in maintaining an even pace while running or walking on the treadmill.

It is important to ensure that the treadmill is folded up and secured before leaving it in public spaces like gyms or schools. 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 noise level of one in a noisy environment.

Stability

Folding treadmills have a lower center of gravity than those that do not fold, which makes them more stable. This means that it's less likely to tip over and injure the user if you slip off the treadmill or lean too far back. It takes up less space, which is important if you have a small apartment or home. It is easy to transport a treadmill that could be folded. This is a huge benefit if you plan to take it with you on business or workout travel. In addition, it's an ideal idea to search for a folding treadmill that has a built-in transport wheels and carry handle to make the process of moving it around easier.

It is important to consider the speed range and incline function when choosing a folding treadmill. If you intend to run on the treadmill with a maximum speed of around 7.5 mph is likely sufficient. If you are a competitive athlete you might require an engine with greater speed.

Additionally, you should also make sure that the treadmill is easy to fold and unfold. Some models require two people to collapse, while others can be folded by one person. The instructions for folding the most effective treadmills must be clear. It is also important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer for regular maintenance and cleaning of the treadmill.

While some treadmills that fold up are easy to operate and store however, some can be difficult to move. Always read the manual to fully comprehend the way the machine functions. You should then practice using the machine before deciding if it's appropriate for your fitness requirements.