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 .

eMaxHealth.com
Guide To Horizon Fitness Elliptical Workout Trainer
eMaxHealth.com, NC - 1 hour ago
This article was written by Mike Reyes, a long time fitness equipment veteran with years of experience assembling, fixing, and marketing fitness equipment. ...

Solomon Times Online
Fitness Equipment for Solomons Leaders
Solomon Times Online, Solomon Islands - Jul 3, 2008
In a handover of fitness equipment to the National Parliament of Solomon Islands Wednesday, Mr. Chan stressed on the importance of each one's health. ...

Hotel donates cardio exercise equipment to SPD
Starkville Daily News, MS - Jul 2, 2008
Starkville police officers will have even more exercise equipment available to help them maintain physical fitness thanks to a recent donation by the local ...

Best investment in a bad economy? Yourself
Dallas Morning News, TX - 12 hours ago
Buying equipment. Think about longevity. If you can find a deal on fitness equipment, great. But making a bigger initial investment often means you're ...

24 Hour Fitness installing workout equipment with Nike+
Ars Technica, MA - Jun 30, 2008
By Justin Berka | Published: June 30, 2008 - 11:16AM CT Back in March, Nike announced that it would be working with manufacturers of fitness equipment to ...

Fitness studio opens in Utica Square
Tulsa World, OK - 19 hours ago
By Staff Reports A fitness studio has opened in Utica Square that offers a signature series of strength-training equipment, which the owners say is the next ...

PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung)
TAO TAO HEALTH EQUIPMENT FACTOTRY is the leading and professional ...
PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung), Austria - Jul 2, 2008
The fitness equipment is shipped from the Company's warehouses on CHINA,USA,UK,CANADA ECT Industry-leading warranties, quick shipping, extended service ...

iPhone gym equipment coming soon
Australian Personal Computer, Australia - Jun 29, 2008
Apple is about to take this concept to the next level by announcing partnerships with various fitness equipment producers including TechnoGym and ...
Nike+ gym equipment coming July -- iPhone integration imminent? engadget
all 80 news articles

Clifton Park fitness equipment retailer closes
Schenectady Gazette, NY - Jun 30, 2008
By James Schlett (Contact) CLIFTON PARK — I Love My Heart Corp., a company that billed itself as upstate’s oldest specialty fitness equipment retailer, ...

Get fitness success on a plate
WalesOnline, United Kingdom - Jun 28, 2008
The My3 Power Plate is the latest piece of celebrity-backed fitness equipment but at £995 you might need an A-list salary to buy one. So is it worth it, ...

Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

Can Home Fitness Get Better Results Faster Than A Gym?