When you’re searching for a treadmill for your local fitness center or your home gym, there are many factors to consider. There are endless choices from the incline and decline ranges to high definition touchscreens and differing belt qualities.
Another major factor (which might be considered too late) is your treadmill’s storage ability, which is imperative. Especially if you have a smaller living space, want to clean under the treadmill more efficiently, or store it away when not in use.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of folding treadmills, and you can decide if one is right for you.
Pros of Folding Treadmills
Treadmills that can fold are a bonus all the way around – even if you have a larger space that you’re working with. In general, Treadmills take up a large amount of room in a home or gym, partly due to their motor, the size of the belt, and the width of the track and step zones. However, with a folding treadmill, much of the machine’s bulk is cut down, making it easy to move and store when not needed.
This ease of use and movement makes it a simple task to clean up and put away. Since most treadmills that fold can stand vertically, you can fit one into a closet or up against a wall and get much of your floor space back.
Some treadmills can fold and lay flat, which are perfect for storing under a bed. When a folding treadmill is not in use, it’s easier to clean the floor around it than a traditional treadmill. Traditional treadmills are heavy and hard to move so that the floor can get filthy underneath.
Cons of Folding Treadmills
One of the most significant factors to consider when buying a folding treadmill is your ability to close it. Although they’re easier than regular treadmills to fold up and put away, they can still be heavy and can cause injury if lifted incorrectly.
Most of the treadmills on the market today have wheels on one end, making it reasonably easy to move around if needed to get it out of the way. However, suppose you have any present injuries to your lower back (or any injury in general that might hinder you from lifting a heavy machine). In that case, a folding treadmill might not be ideal if you need it stored away often.
Another potential con to folding treadmills is how much weight they can hold. Some machines have a lighter weight capacity. Going over that limit can cause wear and tear on the motor and the belt– essentially decreasing the life of your machine.
Ensure you know the weight limit of whatever treadmill you are considering to get a good return on your investment – and a good workout for many years to come!
Lastly, folding treadmills are often less stable than non-folding treadmills. This factor might not be a big deal to some people, but if you’re a hardcore runner, you might want to consider a treadmill with non-folding capabilities to have a bit more stability as you run.
Best ProForm Folding Treadmills
In essence, stability and ease of access and storage are the two significant factors to consider when deciding between a folding versus a non-folding treadmill. ProForm produces a wide variety of treadmills and other fitness equipment.
However, if you’re looking for their best folding treadmills, there are three different ones to choose from. This includes the ProForm Pro 2000, the Pro 9000, and the Carbon T10.
If you know you want a machine that folds away quickly and effortlessly, check out these three treadmills and see which would work best for your situation – and then get ready to log your miles with ease.