If looking to get fit is one of your goals for 2022, purchasing a foldable treadmill for your home is one way to do it. Don’t worry about finding time to hit the gym. With a foldable treadmill in your home, you can workout in a moment’s notice. Treadmills are also great for runners, but you never have to deal with the elements when you use one, unlike running outside. Not all treadmills are created equal, so find out the best foldable treadmills for sale in Australia in 2022.
What is a foldable treadmill?
A foldable treadmill features a running deck that pivots up and locks so it can be put away for easy storage when not in use. It usually has wheels so that makes it easy to move when you need to hide it away. Foldable treadmills are good for small houses or apartments where space can be limited.
When looking at a foldable treadmill, factors to consider include space, stability, cost, how easy it is to fold, how easy it is to move, weight capacity, and warranty. Also measure the spaces where you are going to use the treadmill, but also measure the space where you are going to store it away. If you are on a budget, determine how much you want to spend on the treadmill and then look at the stability of those within that price point.
Try out the treadmill in the store and see how easy it is to fold and wheel away. Some treadmills are easier to fold and move than others, so be sure you are able to do it before you leave the store. Next make sure the warranty is good. A good rule of thumb is one year of service, two years for parts, and five years for the motor. Walk away from any treadmill that only has a 90-day warranty.
How to use a folding treadmill
Treadmills are great for beginners of any fitness level. When you use a folding treadmill, make sure the dock is locked in place and completely reclined. Also, be sure to use it on a flat and stable surface. If you don’t make sure it’s locked, reclined, and steady, things could go wrong. Folding treadmills work much like non-folding treadmills when it comes to the workout.
First, make sure the emergency key is in place. Without it, the machine won’t start. Once you are sure this key is in, look for the start key, which is usually a button that allows for a quick start. A good rule of thumb for safety is to stand on the side rails before starting it, so you can see how fast it starts and then get on the treadmill after you adjust it to the speed that you want.
Getting to know the console and how to use the handrails is also important. You need to know how to control the speed, incline, and other options before starting a workout. You don’t want to be messing with these while the machine is in motion. Practice using them before you get on the treadmill. It’s also important to find the stop key and the speed dial so you can safely get off the machine when your workout is through.
Other aspects depend on which model to use. Some come with entertainment options, such as Bluetooth capability, tablet holders, headphone jacks and more, and if you know how to use these, you won’t be struggling with it while trying to use the foldable treadmill. Some have consoles that allow you to choose which workout you want. Once you are familiar with the foldable treadmill, you can try interval training or some of the other harder workouts the console provides.
Benefits of using a foldable treadmill
Besides providing a good workout, one of the biggest benefits of a foldable treadmill is that it can be stored away when not in use so it doesn’t take up as much space in your home. This is a huge benefit if you live in a small house or apartment. Foldable treadmills are also easy to move and clean.
A foldable treadmill offers the same health benefits a standard treadmill does. It works the cardiovascular system, burns calories, and strengthens muscles. The best way to lose weight is to burn calories, and a foldable treadmill allows you to do just that.
Features you should look for in a foldable treadmill
When it comes to buying a foldable treadmill, the range of prices, models and features can quickly become overwhelming. To cut through the noise, let's cover off the main features that you should consider in your buying decision.
Frame
It is important to make sure any foldable treadmill you purchase has a sturdy frame. Experts recommend that you try out the treadmill before you take it home. This can allow you to see if the frame is sturdy or not. A good rule of thumb is that the cheaper the treadmill, the flimsier the frame.
Treadmill frames are usually made out of steel or aluminium. There are pros and cons to both, even though steel is usually sturdier. A steel frame is heavier, but an aluminium one makes it easier to move and store away. Most frames are constructed either through welding or bolting. Bolting is considered to be sturdier, but welded frames can be just as tough as their bolted counterparts.
Motor size
Not all foldable treadmills come with the same size motor, which is measured in horsepower. The higher the horsepower, the more power your treadmill has. You should also look to see what the continuous duty rating is for that machine. A continuous duty motor keeps the treadmill running at the same horsepower during the duration of your workout.
If you plan to just walk on your treadmill, you only need a 2.0 continuous horsepower motor. Joggers should choose a 2.5 continuous horsepower motor. Those who want to run on the treadmill should choose a 3.0 continuous horsepower motor. The intensity of your workout really determines what horsepower motor you should look for.
Deck width
The size of the deck width is mostly measured by the belt width. The size belt you need depends on whether you plan to walk or run on it. If you are going to run on the treadmill, you should go for a minimum of a 22” wide belt. Walkers should go for a belt width of 20”.
Deck length
The length of the deck is also determined by the belt length. Again, what length belt you need depends on what you are going to use it for and how tall you are. If you are going to run on the treadmill, look for a belt width of 55”. If you are going to just walk on it, then you should look for a belt length of 50”. If you are over six feet tall, go for a belt length of 60”.
Cushioning
Cushioning is important when looking at which foldable treadmill to purchase. This is especially true if you have bad knees or other joints. The front of the deck should have a well-cushioned zone so it absorbs the initial impact of your foot. This is similar to the padded heel of a running shoe.
A moderately cushioned transition zone in the middle of the treadmill will provide comfort and stability as you work through your stride. The back of the deck should be firmly cushioned so you can gain momentum for your next stride. Thicker cushioning provides support for each part of your stride and promotes a faster recovery between workouts.
Try out the treadmill in the store to see how you move through your stride. With foldable treadmills, you can lift the deck and examine the cushioning yourself. Check to see if it differs from the front to the back of the machine.
Controls
The controls on a treadmill help determine different aspects of your workout. One of these is time, and once you start your workout, the time will recorded and displayed. Some treadmills go into a cool-down mode after 30 to 60 minutes.
Speed is another control on your treadmill and is determined by whether you want to walk or run. The right speed really depends on the person using the treadmill and differs greatly from person to person. The incline control allows you to choose how vertical the running surface is, and the higher the incline, the more it feels like going uphill.
Most treadmills also have controls to determine distance and pace. Distance on a treadmill is usually determined by belt revolutions. Pace is the number of minutes per mile, and knowing what your pace is allows you to train for and reach you fitness goals.
Display and screen
The display and screen on a foldable treadmill is often determined by the price point of the machine. The display and screen allow you to keep track of your workout. Many of these include a way to look at different scenery while you walk or run. Some will allow you to play your favourite music.
Most of the screens allow you to pick your favourite workout, and some even allow you to customize a workout for yourself. Nearly every display will keep track of and show you your speed, pace, how long you have been working out, how far you’ve walked or run, and your heart rate.
Weight capacity
It’s very important that you look at the weight capacity on a treadmill. If you weigh more than it calls for, you put extra work onto the motor and the deck, meaning it will wear out a lot faster than if you were under the weight capacity. Most higher price point models feature a larger weight capacity than their lower price counterparts.
The thickness of the deck is a key component of weight bearing capacity. A thicker deck will last longer and take a greater pounding than a thinner one. Most manufacturers don’t share common standards on how weight capacity is determined, but it’s still very important to purchase a folding machine that says it will hold your weight.
Workout programs
The console on a foldable treadmill will usually allow you to choose which workout you want. Some include a timed mile or climbing hills. Higher-end folding treadmills sometimes have customizable programs for the runner, where you can design your own workout.
Warranty
You should avoid any treadmill that only comes with a 90-day warranty. It’s best to look for a longer one. A good rule of thumb is one year of service, two years for parts, and five years for the motor. If a foldable treadmill doesn’t come with a warranty, walk away.
