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

A treadmill can help you meet your goals, whether you're preparing for a race or just need to squeeze in some exercise. But you must find one that folds to save space.

To fold up a treadmill, first lift the deck towards the display. Then turn the knob with care to secure it.

Compact Design

Foldable treadmills can be stored under a bed, in a closet or when they are not in use. They offer plenty of space for running. Folding treadmills are usually cheaper than those that do not fold, and they can aid in keeping you active during days when the weather isn't ideal or when your schedule is hectic.

Be aware of your fitness goals and how you plan to use the treadmill. Certain models are made for walking only, while others are able to support moderate jogging, or even short runs. Before you purchase a treadmill ensure that you know its speed range and motor size.

Non-folding treadmill incline treadmills are generally heavier and therefore more stable at higher speeds. They can also be less stable, particularly if used by runners who push themselves to the limit. When choosing a treadmill that folds, search for one with safety features, for instance an emergency stop clip, to ensure that you can easily stop it should you lose control of the machine.

Select a treadmill that has an efficient motor, and a deck that is large if you want to buy a foldable one that is safe for runners. A 2.5 hp motor will suffice for casual joggers or sprinters. Professional runners should look for a motor with at least 3.5 horsepower to ensure that they can run at high speeds comfortably. Look for a treadmill with built-in cushions that reduce the force of your knees to allow you to train for longer periods without a fear of injury.

Convenient Storage

When you're not using your treadmill, it should be able fold it up. Most folding treadmills have wheels, which means they can be easily folded away to allow room for other activities. For instance when your children arrive home from school or your guests arrive later. Non-folding treadmills typically need more space because they are built to be permanent fixtures in your home.

While many folding treadmills are designed for smaller spaces, they don't skimp on features or performance. The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill, for instance, folds quickly thanks to an exclusive EasyLift mechanism. This treadmill has an 3.5 CHP engine and both the 15% incline and the ability to decrease by 3.

Sunny Health & Fitness also offers the SF-T7632, a folding treadmill. This treadmill is simple to store in a cupboard or under a desk, and it still offers an extremely comfortable running surface. Its small size and sturdy construction make it a good choice for those who want to get some light exercise while working or watching television.

If you are considering buying a treadmill that folds, be sure you read the description to learn how it is folded and stored. It is also important to look at the frame weight and dimensions as well as added transport features such as wheels for transportation and built-in carry handles.

Travelle Gaines is a fitness instructor in Los Angeles at Blocks Nutrition. She said to PEOPLE that the biggest obstacle to being active was the lack of time. A treadmill that folds is a great option for those who are always busy. "It lets you do a quick run before or after work, or even during lunchtime," she says.

Simple to Operate

The best folding treadmills are easy to use, whether you're running for a short jog or an at-home workout. Victoria Brady, ACE-CPT and fitness brand Fyt, recommends looking for a treadmill with easy-to-use controls, like buttons for speed or incline, as well as touchscreen programming. Look for a motor with 2.0-2.5 HP if you intend on using power walking and choose one that can support routine running if you're a serious runner.

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

It is also recommended to look for models with additional features, such as ports for USB cables as well as headphone jacks, and a device holder. The Echelon Auto Fold Connected Treadmill is bright and crisp with a display that shows a variety of motivational metrics. It can also connect it to fitness apps and monitor your heart rate among other things.

Other features to look for include the safety clip, which stops the treadmill fold up from working if someone steps onto the treadmill while it's running, and an automatic folding deck to a 45-degree angle once you lift it from the bottom of the treadmill. Consider a model that has a gas-shock, which allows for the deck to be moved gradually and gently instead of smashing into the ground like some models do. It is important to ensure that your new treadmill is in compliance with the local safety requirements to operate it.

Safety

When choosing a treadmill that folds up, you want to be sure that it is equipped with safety features. Most folding electric treadmill treadmills have the safety lock that holds the deck to its place when it is in storage mode. This feature helps to prevent accidental release of the deck when the machine is in use and also helps to keep children from operating the treadmill.

A power cord lock is a second important safety feature. This will ensure that the treadmill has been turned off and is out of reach at the conclusion of each exercise. This is especially important if you have kids who might be enticed by the temptation to turn on the treadmill or play with the cords. If the treadmill isn't properly turned off and locked after every use, it could be accidentally turned on or children may accidentally pull the cord, causing the treadmill to speed up.

It is also important to ensure that the treadmill is away from objects such as drapes or curtains that could accidentally hang close to the treadmill when you are using it. This could result in a trip hazard and increase the risk of injury. It is also recommended that you use a treadmill in the right shoes. This will reduce the risk of tripping over things at home and also help you maintain the same pace when running or walking on a treadmill.

It is also a great idea to fold the treadmill and secure it prior to leaving it in a public space such as an exercise facility or school. This will reduce the chance of injury to other patrons or students who aren't used to the treadmill's operation or the level of noise produced by one in a noisy environment.

Stability

A treadmill that folds up has a lower center of gravity than a non-folding model which makes it more stable. This means that it's less likely to tip over, causing injury to the user if you slip off the machine or lean too far back. It takes up less space, which is important for those who live in a small apartment or a home. It is also easier to transport a treadmill that could be folded up. This is an excellent advantage if you plan to take your treadmill on workout or business trips. In addition, it's recommended to look for a folding treadmill that has a built-in transport wheels and a carry handle to make moving it around more convenient.

It is essential to consider the speed range and incline function when choosing a treadmill foldable. If you plan to run on the treadmill the speed of 7.5 percent of a mile will suffice. If, however, you are an athlete, it may be necessary to select an engine that is faster.

In addition, you should be sure that the treadmill is simple to fold and unfold. Some models require two individuals to fold, while other models can be folded easily by one person. The instructions for folding the most effective treadmills should be clear. It is also essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer for regular maintenance and cleaning of the treadmill.

While some treadmills that fold are simple to store and operate some are difficult to maneuver. It is recommended to study the user's manual attentively to understand how the machine operates. You should then try using the machine before deciding if it is appropriate for your fitness requirements.