Folding Treadmills
A folding treadmill is often the pick of consumers who don’t have a lot of space to dedicate to workout equipment in the home, or for those who are on a limited budget. Most models are sold under $1,000 and offer a combination of easier storage, smaller size, and lower price ranges.
So, which folding treadmills are the best for residential use? The answer really depends on what you are looking for and whether you are going to be walking or running. A fold up treadmill is better matched to someone who is going to use it for lighter walking workouts, or very slow jogging. There are some models that fold up that have stronger frames and motors, but they are usually much larger than most people want to consider in a space saving model.
One of the cheapsest out there is the Weslo Cadence GTX Folding Treadmill. It retails for around $500 with sale prices running much less online. It offers a 2.25 HP motor, which is not a continuous power motor. This means the walking or jogging experience may not be completely consistent, especially for heavier people or runners. It is suitable for users up to 250 pounds, or less if you want to run.
The benefits of this machine are the 4 preprogrammed workouts and ability to go up to 10 mph. There are also several options for incline walking and the simplistic console includes a motivating race track display. The 16” x 50” belt is roomier than most smaller space saving treadmills, and there is a pulse sensor for heart rate monitoring.
This may be considered the best folding treadmill for these convenience features, but the warranty is extremely light.
The Horizon Evolve Compact Folding Treadmill offers a better warranty but sells for a bit more. It is an ultra compact model that folds to a mere 10” high and 59” long. The motor is also small at 1.25 HP continuous power. Thus, the maximum speed is contained to 6 mph and the belt is smaller at 17” x 45”. It is suitable for walkers up to 250 pounds.
ProForm CX12i Folding Treadmill reviews may be harder to find, but this model is worth mentioning. It offers a 2.5 HP motor that operates at 1.5 HP continuous power. The belt is decent sized at 18” x 50” and it will go up to 10 mph with a maximum 10% incline. It also includes a heart rate monitor, but the warranty is extremely limited.
If you are considering the purchase of a folding treadmill for your home and want one that will support heavier running workouts, consider moving up in price and size so you do not wear the motor out too quickly.