Folding Treadmill Reviewed

   

  Folding Treadmillfolding treadmill

Hello, I'm Jada. Most people have seen treadmills either at a gym or in some kind of advertising. Folding treadmills are becoming more and more popular as people  look for  an economical peice of fitness equipment that doesn't take up space. But there is so much choice out there and it's easy to end up with something that you don't want or something that doesn't last as long as it should.

That's why we've created this special page within the site to try and give some pointers and things to think abut when choosing a treadmill. There are all kinds of considerations to take into account but by doing your homework, there's no reason you can't find what you want at the price you want and start enjoying a machine that will keep your fitness levels where you want them.

 

The treadmill is the most popular type of home exercise equipment. Of all the fitness machines on the market, the treadmill is the one with the lowest drop off rate - meaning that once people start using it, they keep at it.

A good treadmill will have a cushioning system that means you can use it without having to worry about wear and tear on your joints. You'll get a good aerobic exercise just by walking or jogging. It should feel smooth (lower quality models will grind and get rough after use) and will have several different programs to choose from, depending on your fitness goals.

It's a great tool to burn fat and get to the weight you want and just using this piece of fitness equipment is enough to achieve whatever level of fitness you want. If you're using your treadmill for running, you'll want to get one that is rated for at least 300 pounds. If you're going to use it only for speed walking, you can probably get away with a model rated to 250 pounds. Either way, if used properly, you'll get a great workout.

The prices for treadmills range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. You don't need to go to the very top of the line, but beware of the really cheap ones. You get what you pay for and the lower end models don't last. They should all come with a warranty, but some are better than others. Make sure you get a life time warranty on the frame and you should expect a ten year warranty on the motor. Parts and labour should be three years.

A treadmill should have a speed range between .5 and 10 miles per hour (or 1 - 15 kilometers per hour). Some have an elevation option up to 10 per cent and all of them should have very simple speed controls. In addition, treadmills today come with numerous pre programed fitness routines that work on different strategies: fat burning, cardio, endurance etc.

The treadmill continues to be the most popular peice of home fitness equipment by far. It is the easiest way to get a cardio workout without leaving home and it is probably the most efficient way to loose weight. If you had to pick just one type of equipement for cardiovascular fitness or weight control, this is it.
If you don't have a lot of space but are looking for a good option in fitness equipment, you might consider a folding treadmill. There are plenty of different models on the market, but make sure you know what to look for.

The advantage of a folding treadmill is obvious - when you aren't using it you can fold it up and store it in a very small space. The disadvantage is that when you introduce a hinged design, you sacrifice strength and stability. Obviously, you want to find a balance.

This type of machine is just what you need if you intend to use it only for walking or speed walking. And that's a great way to improve and maintain your level of fitness. A good speed walk is an excellent way to get your rate up for a good workout - you don't need to jog to do that.

If a folding model is what you need, compare different models before you buy. Grab the handrail and shake it front to back and left to right. You want to make sure the machine is strong and stable enough to last and you need to make sure there is no excessive vibration. Folding treadmills that vibrate excessively don't last.

You might also want to make sure you can actually fold it while you're in the store. Some of these fitness machines are quite heavy and it's no good buying something you won't be able to manipulate when you get it home!

It's also a good idea to make sure the joint is not near the front roller. Several models are made this way, but the roller will wear prematurely. Just don't go there. You should also try to find a model that has a separate pedestal so that the deck is one piece and can fold up independently. This indicates a much more stable machine and will be easier to stow away.

A folding treadmill is a perfect option for some people. But really, if you want a machine for jogging, you should stay away from this option. The joint in the design inherently makes the machine less stable and the shock absorption system will not be what you want for the pounding on your joints that jogging introduces. But for walking, or power walking, a folding treadmill is perfect.




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are many great reasons to consider a folding treadmill. They take very little space when you aren't using them. They're a great machine to improve and maintain your physical fitness. It's all you need to loose weight and keep weight off. And you can get an excellent aerobic workout from them.

Or most people can. Folding treadmills are really only suitable for walking or power walking. If you need to jog to stay in shape, don't buy one of these - go for a fixed machine because you'll need the strength and stability of a frame without a joint.

Fitness equipment is a billion dollar industry and treadmills are the most popular of all of them. There's a ton of choice out there so make sure you know what you need before you spend the money and compare several models. If you think you have to have a folding treadmill, space is probably a consideration.

Make sure the belt is big enough for you - look for something at least 18 inches wide and just as important, make sure the machine is long enough for you. They come in different sizes and any store will have a chart which recommends size according to your height. Obviously, your stride will be much longer if you're taller so you'll need a longer deck.

Take the time to look at the motor as well. Many companies claim the motor is 2.5 continuous horsepower (the minimum you want) but in reality, some of them are very liberal with the definition of horse power and too many misrepresent this. Check the plate on the motor itself and if the rating isn't continuous horse power look for another model because the motor won't last.

If you are getting a folding treadmill just for walking or power walking, don't be tricked into thinking you won't need a chicken switch. This is designed to immediately stop the machine should it become necessary. Just about all models come with something, but make sure the equipment you're considering has something and you understand how to use it.

Because these types of treadmills are inherently less strong due to the joint in the frame, a warranty is as important as ever. Make sure the frame, the motor, the belt and parts and labour have appropriate coverage. Having said that, if you do your homework and take care of your machine, there's no reason you won't get years of use out of it. Folding treadmills are ideal for apartments and no matter what your age or level of fitness, you will be able to get a good workout every time you use it.
When picking a treadmill, the first consideration is how you're going to use it. If you intend just speed walking, you probably don't need a higher end model made of steel - an aluminum model may well be sufficient. However, keep in mind a machine constructed with bolts (as all aluminum models are) will not give the same smooth operation you find at a gym.

Today's treadmills normally come with a variety of exercise routines programmed into the machine. Some are designed as fat burning options and are great for losing weight. Others are for a good cardio workout. And of course, any model should have a manual mode where speed is set by you and any change in speed must be initiated by you.

A treadmill doesn't take up that much space either - which is one of the reasons it makes a perfect home exercise machine. You can get in shape and stay in shape using just this piece of fitness equipment. You simply don't need anything else.

A few other points to consider when trying to chose the right model for you:

Decide whether you want a steel welded frame or aluminum bolted (steel is much more robust and will be a more stable model)

Do you want a model that has an elevation feature or not? This will add to the cost, but in the long term is something worth considering if you're serious about fitness and losing weight.

Ensure the motor is rated at least 2.5 continuous horse power. And you can look at the plate on the actual motor - many retailers make claims that aren't true - the only way to know for sure is to check the motor yourself. If it isn't continuous horse power, walk away.

A treadmill warranty is also something you should compare. The frame should be life time, the motor should be at least ten years and parts and service should be three years. Also find out who is going to do any warranty work - is it the retailer, the manufacturer or someone else?

Buying a treadmill is a big investment but if you do your homework, there's no reason you won't end up with a fitness machine that will last for years and years and provide all the help you need to loose weight and stay in shape.

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