Expert: Ken Alan - 10/12/2006

Question
Hello.  Over the summer, I have been doing a lot of jogging and
running outdoors.  Now that it is getting chilly, I am considering
buying a treadmill so that I can continue inside.  However, I have
limited space and I've been told that the folding treadmills aren't
really good for running and that you can't really get a good
workout.  I was wondering if you know anything about this.  I
would hate to buy it if I couldn't run on it, but I'd also hate to go all
winter without running now that I'm hooked.  :-)  Any information
you could give me would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

Answer
You can get a good workout on a folding treadmill.  In general, they are not as high-quality and durable though, as non-folding treadmills, because frames are smaller to be able to be foldable and portable. But they come in all price ranges, just like standard treadmills do. You should go to a fitness equipment store to try out various models and test them for how they feel to you.  How long a treadmill will hold up depends upon how often it's used, how long you use it for, how fast you go, how much you weigh, keeping the machine in good condition, etc.  Since you'll be using primarily for the winter months, it should last you quite a while.

Hope this helps.