Folding treadmill buyers guide
Out of all the cardio equipment available today, the treadmill still remains one of the most popular choices for those looking to get in shape from the comfort of their own home. If you are lacking in space and don’t want to travel to the gym, then a folding treadmill can be an excellent choice.
Folding treadmills function just as a normal treadmill does with the added benefit of being compact enough to conveniently store away when not in use. They can give you a super aerobic workout that can improve your cardiovascular fitness whilst strengthening your lower body muscles and core.
There are so many foldable treadmills to choose from it may seem overwhelming to the uninformed. That’s why we have complied this handy guide of the best folding treadmills for exercising at home and what you should look for when making your decision.
back to menu ↑What are the best folding treadmills?
Here we will take a look at our best folding treadmills from the hundreds of folding treadmill reviews that we have researched and analysed in great detail.
back to menu ↑How to choose the best folding treadmill for you
If you have made the positive choice to start exercising regularly then you should be aware of a few things to keep in mind when shopping for your folding treadmill.
Whilst you will find that nearly all folding treadmills will have the features and functionalities required for an intense cardio workout, some are more effective than others.
Here we explore some of the most important things to consider in order to help identify the best folding treadmill for your individual requirements.
back to menu ↑Size
Folding treadmills come in various shapes and sizes. It is important to check the dimensions to make sure that it will fit in the space you have for it within your home. Thankfully, a foldable treadmill will generally take up less room when compared to other fitness equipment.
back to menu ↑Portability
There are folding treadmills that come with wheels on the underside which makes them easier to manoeuvre around. This is useful for when you are not using the treadmill and don’t want it taking up unnecessary space. How often you plan on use it can determine the importance of mortality.
The weight of the treadmill is important. You want to make sure you will be able to handle moving it yourself without over exerting yourself.
back to menu ↑Weight Capacity
Folding treadmills can have different weight capacities. It is therefore important that you check to make sure that the folding treadmill you are considering is able to support your weight. You wouldn’t want to cause any damage to the running deck or even worse, any injuries to yourself. Usually, the larger the weight capacity the treadmill can hold, the more stable it will feel when you are running on it.
back to menu ↑Height Range
The folding treadmill may have an incline feature that allows you to raise the running deck to create a scenario similar to running up a hill. You should check what the maximum possible incline on the treadmill is and add your height to this in order to ensure there will be at least 1 to 2 feet between your head and the ceiling.
back to menu ↑Physical Limitations
If you have some specific physical limitations such as joint problems, you should check that the folding treadmill will offer you adequate support. There are some specialist treadmills that are designed for users who have previous or existing injuries that can aid in the recovery process.
back to menu ↑Speed
Most treadmill users will be walking, jogging and running. Whilst all folding treadmills will support these activities, there are some that can reach a higher speed than other. Check to make sure that the maximum speed is suitable for the needs of anyone who will be using the treadmill.
It is also worth considering how the treadmill speed is adjusted. Some will adjust the speed automatically according to the selected programme, whereas others will require the user to manual adjust it.
back to menu ↑Safety
There should be a safety clip on the folding treadmill that you connect to your clothes and plug into the machine. It will automatically stop the machine when it is pulled out to prevent you from injury.
back to menu ↑Motor Power / Horsepower
One of the most important things to check is the folding treadmill motor, specifically the continuous duty power rating. This measures what the minimum horsepower delivered at all points during a workout is. Generally speaking, continuous duty motors are powerful, durable, and deliver a smooth performance.
Most treadmill motors will be between the 1.5 HP to 3.0 HP mark. A 2.0 HP should be sufficient for the average user but if you plan on frequently running on the treadmill, you may consider looking at a 2.5 HP motor and above.
Most folding treadmills for home use will have a DC motor as they make less noise. Commercial grade treadmills will typically use an AC motor as they require more power because they get more use. AC motors tend to give of more noise and require a dedicated power line.
Keep an eye put for a treadmill that has a warranty which includes the motor, ideally for at least 1 year. This can give the peace of mind that you are protected should anything go wrong.
back to menu ↑Running Deck
The treadmills running deck is the surface that you will be running on. It is therefore important to check it has sufficient space. Taller runners have a longer stride so may need a longer deck to accommodate this. If you have joint problems, you might want to look for a cushioned deck for added protection.
back to menu ↑Belt Material
You want a folding treadmill that uses quality materials as this can have an effect on how comfortable and stable it feels. A well-built treadmill should last the test of time and be able to easily handle frequent use at various intensities. Generally speaking, the more layers the treadmill belt has, the better the shock absorbance and durability will be.
back to menu ↑Shock absorption technology
The best folding treadmills will have shock absorbers under the area of the running deck where the belt rests. These help to ensure that you put less impact on your joints when running.
back to menu ↑Incline / Decline
The folding treadmills with an incline/decline feature can give a more accurate replication of running outdoors. Inclines can range from 10-40%+ up whereas declines can go down to 6% or more. Whilst an incline can give you a more intense workout, you can still have a great exercise session with zero incline. Even just walking and jogging for a sustained period of time can get your cardiovascular system going and tone your muscles.
back to menu ↑Display Monitor
The treadmills computer display will show your exercise statistics. This can include distance travelled, calories burned, speed, heart rate and more. Check to make sure that the display contains all of the information you require and that it has a user-friendly interface.
It would also be worth checking if there are any preprogramed workouts and quick controls for adjusting the treadmill speed and inline/decline. If you use any third-party fitness apps or tools, you will want to ensure they are compatible with the treadmill.
back to menu ↑Budget
Having covered some of the folding treadmills key features, the final decision you make is likely to depend on your budget. Once you have narrowed the treadmills down according to features, you can then pin-point suitable options within your price range.
The best folding treadmills can go into the thousands but they will last a very long time and have all of the features that any user will need. If a treadmill is more expensive, you may be more willing to use it! In saying that, you can still get an excellent treadmill for a very reasonable price if you do your research and shop around.
back to menu ↑Other Key Features
Here we will list some other features worth keeping in mind when in the market for a folding treadmill;
- Does it have Bluetooth?
- Can it connect to your smart device?
- Is there a smart device holder?
- Is there a water bottle holder?
- Are there inbuilt speakers?
- Does it have motion sensor technology?
- Is there any floor protection included?
- Are there any safety rails?
- Is it battery or mains operated?
- Is it easy to assemble or will you need help?
Types of folding treadmill
There are a few different types of folding treadmill to consider;
- Motorized treadmills
- Manual Treadmills
- Curved Treadmills
You will find that the majority of folding treadmills will be motorized. These are the types of treadmill you see at the gym. Manual treadmills require more effort whereas a curved treadmill is a modern concave-shaped running machine that’s powered solely by your legs.
back to menu ↑Benefits of folding treadmills
Treadmills can be quite bulky in general. Without a doubt, apart from the obvious health benefits of exercising, the main benefit of a folding treadmill is that it can easily be stored away when not in use. Here are some of the main benefits of owning a folding treadmill;
- Improve your cardiovascular fitness
- Strengthen your lower body muscles
- Burn calories and lose weight
- Exercise in the safety of your own home
- Save money on gym membership costs
Tips for using your folding treadmill
It can be an exciting time introducing a brand-new piece of fitness equipment into your home. But before you hop and start breaking the 100m record, here are a few tips to help you get the best folding treadmill experience;
- Take your time to set it up
- Walk before you start jogging then running
- Test out the different incline/decline levels
- Keep hydrated throughout your workout
- Listen to music for motivation
- Have a towel handy to wipe off any sweat
- Don’t step on or off if the treadmill is in operation
- Keep the treadmill in a location where you will use it
Conclusion
If you have made it this far, you are well on your way to becoming a treadmill expert!
Whilst this folding treadmill guide has focused on finding the best folding treadmills, there are some things you should not negotiate on. This can be the price, speed, incline or whatever else matter the most for you.
That being said, the majority of people who are looking to get fit and stay in shape will do just fine with a modestly priced treadmill. The more advanced runners will want to look into the premium range treadmills for something that will cater to their more demanding needs.
Whatever your background, experience or fitness level, there is a treadmill for everyone.
Stay motivated, stay healthy, and have a good time choosing the BEST folding treadmill for YOU!
Happy running!
Rich
Rich is an avid bodybuilder who has dedicated over 20 years of his life to the sport. He has a strong passion for health and fitness, living a clean lifestyle with a commitment to helping others educate themselves and fulfil their true potential.
