Folding Vs. Non-Folding Treadmills - Whats the Real Difference?

Most people buying a treadmill will be probably be faced with the choice: "Do I want a folding or non-folding treadmill?"

Folding treadmills (also called fold-up, foldable and fold-away) are a popular choice among treadmill buyers.

But apart from the obvious reason to choose a folding treadmill (to save space) - what are the REAL differences between a folding vs. non-folding treadmill? Here's a quick overview:

The main advantages to choosing a folding treadmill are:

- you save space - if you have a small home gym or space is at a premium, folding your treadmill up and/or wheeling it out of sight is a great option to have

- it makes cleaning easier - just fold it up and you can vacuum or clean the floor area under the treadmill easily

Because of these advantages, having a treadmill that folds is often seen as just another added feature to the treadmill - like an extra water bottle holder or a pair of handweights.

However there are also distinct advantages to buying a non-folding treadmill that might make you think twice before purchasing one that folds.

According to Runner's World, the most important quality of a good treadmill is stability. For example, does it feel solid and secure when you run on it? Does it wobble or shudder when you pick up your pace?

Because of the requirements of the folding frame design, most folding treadmills are naturally less stable than non-folding treadmills. (That doesn't mean they aren't stable - it just means that non-folding units are more stable).

That is why, if you look at stability ratings for treadmills, non-folding treadmills almost always come out on top.

That's also why you'll notice that as you get into premium treadmills ($2000+), very few of them will fold up. If you're paying that much for a treadmill you want one that feels as stable as a commercial unit. (Ever notice that the treadmills at health clubs don't fold?)

So the main advantage to non-folding treadmills (and it's a compelling one - especially if you're a runner) is that they are generally more stable than folding treadmills.

There are a few exceptions to this rule of course, but that's really the main difference when comparing folding versus non-folding treadmills.

Regardless of which option you choose, keep in mind that while non-folding treadmills might be a little more difficult to move, they can offer some great added benefits to your workout itself.

Kathryn O'Neill is chief editor for Treadmill Review, a consumer oriented website focusing on the home treadmill market.

For buying tips, brand reviews, and best buys, visit Treadmill Review at: http://www.treadmillreview.net .

---

Powered by Feedzilla

Websites For Sale

Master Resell Rights Ebooks

How to Choose an Elliptical Trainer that Suits Your Needs

When choosing an elliptical trainer, you'll want to consider a... Read More

Magazine Ratings of Treadmills ? Compare Expert Opinions to Get the Best Deal!

Reading magazine ratings of treadmills is a great way to... Read More

Home Sweet Treadmill

For those of you trying to stay in shape or... Read More

Home Treadmill Review: Things To Watch Out Before Buying A Treadmill

Treadmills are known to be the most popular and most... Read More

Life Fitness Equipment for Every Type of Workout

Life Fitness equipment is among the best in the world.... Read More

What Is A Heart Treadmill?

A heart treadmill, used by physicians to determine their patients'... Read More

Wheel Chair Ramp

Some people order fomr various companies when in need of... Read More

Treadmill vs. Elliptical -- Whos In The Lead?

See ya later stationary bikes and row, row, rowing to... Read More

The Problems with Epic Treadmills

Epic treadmills have long been on the market and have... Read More

Who Else Knows These Facts About Trampolines

"El trampolino" was the Mexican word for "diving board", and... Read More

Refurbished Treadmills ? What Exactly Are They?

Refurbished treadmills are big business. Because treadmills can be so... Read More

How to Shop for a Treadmill

Treadmills have become the hottest home exercise choice. According to... Read More

What You Should Know About Epic Treadmills

Epic is a well-known manufacturer of budget priced treadmills. Epic... Read More

What You Need to Know Before Buying a Pedometer

Question: What's small, weighs about an ounce, and comes in... Read More

Elliptical Trainer Benefits

Considering an elliptical trainer? Wondering how an elliptical trainer can... Read More

Aerobic Equipment - Find The Best Deals On The Best Equipment

The benefits of aerobic exercise are well documented. Aerobic exercise... Read More

Burn Calories On The Nautilus Elliptical Trainer

The Nautilus elliptical trainer is made by Nautilus which is... Read More

Create Your Own Fitness Center with Home Exercise Equipment!

If joining a fitness center is not for you, and... Read More

Vertical Platform Lifts

I wish I would've looked into vertical platform lifts a... Read More

Treadmills Prove Health Concerns Are No Longer An Excuse Not To Exercise

Walking has long been praised for its health benefits. It... Read More

Recumbent Exercise Bikes - Advantages

There are so many exercise bikes available that it's easy... Read More

Do Elliptical Machines Work?

In today's fitness minded society, people are trying new fitness... Read More

Exercise Bikes vs. Treadmills

You've decided you want to exercise at home. There are... Read More

The Benefits of Home Gyms

If it's a struggle for you to get to the... Read More

Speed of Movement & the Mighty Metronome.

Tempo refers to the speed of movement and is usually... Read More