Why It's Important to Find a Treadmill That Folds Up

If you're training for your next race or simply need to squeeze in some exercise at home, a treadmill could help you reach your goals. But it's important to choose one that folds to save space.

To fold up a treadmill, first raise the deck toward the display. Then, you can close the latch knob to secure it.

Compact Design

Foldable treadmills can be compact enough to fit under a bed or into a closet when not in use, but still provide plenty of running space. The treadmills that fold are usually less expensive than non-folding ones and can help you keep active during times when the weather isn't ideal or when your schedule is hectic.

Be aware of your fitness goals and how you plan to utilize the treadmill. Some treadmills are designed for walking, while others permit light jogging and even short runs. If you're looking to do training that involves running or higher speeds, it's important to check the treadmill's speed range as well as motor size before purchasing.

Non-folding treadmills tend to be significantly heavier, which makes them stay stable even at speeds of high. But folding treadmills also have a design that can make them less sturdy particularly when they are used by runners who push themselves to the limits. When choosing a treadmill that folds, search for one that comes with safety features, like an emergency stop clip, to make sure you are able to stop it should you lose control of the machine.

Choose a treadmill with a powerful motor and a large deck size if you want to buy an adjustable model that is safe for runners. In general, a 2.5 hp motor is sufficient for casual runners and occasional sprinters, however serious runners should strive for at least 3.5 HP to ensure they are able to run comfortably at high speeds. Look for a treadmill with built-in cushions to lessen the knees' impact so that you can run for longer periods of time without fear of injury.

Convenient Storage

If you live in a tiny space, you must be able to fold up your treadmill when not in use. The majority of treadmills that fold have wheels and can be easily removed from where you workout to make room for other activities, for instance, when your kids return from school or you have dinner guests arriving later on. Non-folding treadmills need more space, as they are designed to be permanent fixtures.

While a lot of treadmills that fold are designed for smaller areas, they do not skimp on features or performance. For instance, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill folds up quickly thanks to a patent-pending EasyLift assist mechanism. This treadmill has a 3.5 CHP engine, and an incline of 15% as well as a 3% decline.

Sunny Health & Fitness also offers the SF-T7632, a folding treadmill. This treadmill is easy to put in a cupboard or under a desk, and still has an extremely comfortable running surface. Its small size and sturdy design makes it a great choice for people who are interested in getting some light exercise while working or watching television.

If you're thinking about purchasing a treadmill that folds, be sure to look over the product's description for specifics on how it can be folded up and put away. You'll also want to look at the frame dimensions and weight and also the added transport features, such as transportation wheels and carry handles built-in.

Travelle Gaines, a personal trainer at Blocks Nutrition in Los Angeles She tells PEOPLE that one of the biggest obstacles to keeping active is a lack of time, which makes a dynamax runningpad folding treadmill treadmill ideal for busy people. "It lets you do a quick run before or after work or even during lunch," she says.

Simple to operate

The best folding treadmills folding treadmills can be operated easily regardless of whether they are used for short runs or a leisurely workout at home. Check for a console with clear, intuitive controls like buttons for speed and incline as well as touchscreen programming built-in, says Victoria Brady, an ACE-CPT for fitness brand Fyt. If you're planning to walk on power, look for motors that have between 2.0-2.5 horsepower. If you're an avid athlete, select a motor that can support running routines.

Sydney Bueckert is an NASM CPT and Sunny Health & Fitness' lead in-house trainer. She believes that an ideal treadmill that folds is also equipped with wheels to make it easy to move. "It's a lot easier to take off and on the machine with wheels, so you don't have to be concerned about moving it by yourself."

It's also worth searching for a model that offers some extra nice-to-have features such as ports for USB and headphone cables as well as holders for devices. The Echelon Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill for example, has a bright and crisp display that shows a ton of motivational metrics and lets you connect it to fitness apps and monitor your heart rate, among other things.

Other features to look for are a safety clip, which prevents the treadmill from operating in the event that someone falls on it while it's in use and an automatic folding deck into a 45-degree incline when you lift it from the bottom of the treadmill fold up. Also, consider a model that has gas shocks that allows the deck to lower slowly and gently, instead of slamming onto the ground (like some models that do not have this feature). It is important to ensure whether your treadmill meets the safety requirements of the locale for its operation, too.

Safety

When choosing a treadmill that folds up, be sure that it is equipped with security features. The majority of folding treadmills that fold up come with the safety lock that holds the deck to its place when it is in storage mode. This feature stops the deck from being released accidentally when the machine is utilized. It can also help keep children away from the machine.

Another important security feature to look out for is a lock on the power cord. This will help to ensure that the treadmill is off and away from reach after each workout session. This is especially important if you have kids who might be enticed to turn on the treadmill or play with the cords. If the treadmill isn't secured and shut off after every use the treadmill could be accidentally powered on. Or children could pull the cord, causing it to accelerate.

It is also crucial to ensure that you put the treadmill away from drapes and curtains that could hang close to it while you are using the treadmill. This could increase the chance of an accident and cause a trip-hazard. Additionally it is recommended you wear the right shoes when running on treadmills. This will decrease the chance of tripping and falling over objects in your home and will also assist you maintain a steady stride when 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 area such as the gym or at school. This can help reduce 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 busy environment.

Stability

Folding treadmills have a lower center-of-gravity than other treadmills, which makes them more stable. This means it is less likely to tip over and injure you if you step off the treadmill or lean too far back. It takes up less space and is essential for those who live in a small space or a home. It is also easier to transport a treadmill that can be folded up. This can be a big benefit if you plan to take it with you on workout trips or business travel. In addition, it's a good idea to look for a treadmill that folds and comes with a transport wheels and a carry handle to make the process of moving it around more convenient.

It is crucial to think about the speed range and incline function when selecting a treadmill that folds. If you intend to run on the treadmill at a speed of about 7.5 mph is likely sufficient. If you are an athlete in competition you might require a motor with a higher speed.

It is also important to ensure that the treadmill can be folded and unfolded easily. Certain models require two people to fold while others can be folded by one person. The best folding treadmill treadmills will come with clear instructions on how to fold them correctly. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for regular maintenance and cleaning of the treadmill.

While some treadmills that fold are simple to store and operate, others can be difficult to navigate. Always read the manual to fully understand the way the machine functions. You should then try it out before deciding if it is the right choice for your fitness needs.