How to Fold and Unfold Your Treadmill

Folding treadmills are popular for a reason. Once perceived as lighter or less stable than their more permanent counterparts, today’s folding units are the top sellers in every brand. And folding and unfolding these models just couldn’t be easier. When shopping for a new treadmill, figuring out where to place it is key. But if it’s a folding model, the fact it’s mobile makes a big difference. If you do ultimately decide to sell or get of it at some point, you’ll thank yourself when it’s rolled out the door instead of fully disassembled.

Read below to see the step-by-step requirements of folding up some of the top models around. Once you see it on one, you’ll understand how to work any.

Folding the Treadmill

Whether a NordicTrack EXP 7i, Horizon T101, or just about any other, the process of folding a treadmill is so similar and easy users of any level can do it.

1. Grasp firmly the back end of the treadmill by the deck.
2. Lift gently the end of the unit straight up.
3. Push the unit’s end upright until the lock engages and it feels secure.
4. Ensure the unit is securely latched.

Folding a treadmill is easy, even when it’s the larger NordicTrack X22i. Photo by: Jessica Jones / TreadmillReviews.net

When folding up a treadmill, lift all the way until the unit locks.

Folding treadmills come with an easy-to-use hydraulic system which makes the lifting easy. The system actually does most of the work for you and you’ll just need to guide the deck into an upright position.

Unfolding Your Treadmill

Unfolding the treadmill is as simple as folding it. Check your model to see the specifics, but there is typically a lock latch, whether on the upright or along the side. Depress the lock, either with hand or foot, and gently pull the deck downward. The lock is there to prevent the deck from falling while upright but is designed to tap in with ease. The hydraulics will prevent the deck from falling straight down and it should ride atop the cushion of air.

The NordicTrack EXP 7i has easy-to-read instructions on the lift mechanism.

Unfolding Your Treadmill

Year after year, folding treadmills happen to be among our most highly rated machines. Big enough for hard-core runners, they’re easy to fold up and move. This makes maintenance, cleaning, and storage so much easier. If you’re worried that the process of moving them around will be a problem, don’t. Users of any age or level can easily fold and unfold treadmills and yet the safety mechanisms are still in place to prevent accidents.