How to Unfold a Treadmill

Treadmills are the most commonly used equipment for people working out at home. It’s such a convenient way of getting some workout in. Also, you can always walk on it while watching a tv show, listening to music, and even working if it has a wide enough dashboard on it.

But why do people love treadmills so much? The versatility allows anyone to use it; people of different ages, fitness levels, and goals. You also save up on the long-term by using your own house as a home gym instead of investing in gym memberships.

However, one of the most important things you need to know is folding and unfolding a treadmill. As you are using it at home, you probably do not have all the space in the world to have it open all the time. Hence, you will inevitably fold it. But how do you unfold a treadmill?

How to Unfold a Treadmill

Most treadmills have a very straightforward approach to unfolding treadmills. However, it does get slightly different depending on the treadmill you are using. Some have extra buttons, some have levers, and some are too heavy to unfold without specific instructions.

Here are the general steps to unfolding a treadmill:

• Move the treadmill into a spacious area with ample room to open it.
• Find the latch, pin, or button holding your treadmill and lock it in place.
• Hold the frame in place with one hand to avoid any sudden falls that could injure you.
• Use your other hand to pull the knob or the pin to release the treadmill from the locked position.
• Slowly pull the frame down towards the ground using both hands.

On the other hand, there are slightly special instructions for specific treadmills or specific treadmill brands. Below is a list of a few treadmills and instructions on unfolding them.

NordicTrack Treadmills

NordicTrack Treadmills are some of the most popular among home fitness users. They used to utilize a pin folding system, which is the “old-fashioned” approach to treadmill unfolding. Now, they have upgraded to a hydraulic folding system, which combines both an air plunger and locking.

The hydraulic system makes these treadmills simultaneously raise themselves once you follow the proper steps. Moreover, this allows you to lower the treadmill frame down without using your hands, so there is no risk of injury as it falls towards the ground.

Put in mind that not all NordicTrack Treadmills fold up. The NordicTrack Incline Trainer Treadmills do not fold up and take up substantial space. Also, make sure you purchase a treadmill without the old spring system.

Unfolding a NordicTrack Treadmill

Below are the proper steps to unfolding a NordicTrack Treadmill

Step 1: Find a Space

The very first thing you do for any treadmill is to find a wide enough space for the treadmill to unfold.

Step 2: Lift the Deck

Now, lift the deck up slightly after everything is cleared out of the way. The treadmill would already be in an upright position. You will feel the deck lift off of the hydraulic system. Make sure you do not push too hard; you do not want to raise the main body of the treadmill.

Step 3: Press the Lock

Now, you use your foot to press the release latch at the bottom of the treadmill. You can see from the photo above where the latch is placed. It is found at the mid-point of the hydraulic system.

Step 4: Release and Step Back

Release the hatch now and step back away from the deck. The deck will automatically descend without having you hold it.

How to Fold a NordicTrack Treadmill

You also have to know how to fold one up to unfold a treadmill. For a NordicTrack Treadmill, here is how you do it:

Step 1: Move Treadmill

Move the treadmill to whichever area you want to store it.

Step 2: Find the Bar

Locate the bar directly below the running belt. Then, grab the bar and lift up the treadmill using it as a handle. Push the treadmill all the way up until you hear a click.

ProForm Treadmills

NordicTrack Treadmills are not the only ones who improved their unfolding process through new technology. ProForm Treadmills also use the hydraulic system, and it has provided a smooth folding transition compared to older models.

They replaced the old spring-loaded pin lock with the hydraulic system to save space and more straightforward lift technology. Hence, you won’t have to put much effort into the process of unfolding.

What are the steps to unfold a ProForm Treadmill

Here is how to unfold your ProForm Treadmill:

Step 1: Create Space

Create enough space around you to unfold the treadmill.

Step 2: Push Hands Against the Bottom

You obviously will not unlock the deck without lifting the deck up first. Hence, push up the deck slightly against the foot of the deck to release the ProForm deck. This technique is used to prevent accidental unlocking from its place.

Step 3: Disengage Lock

Once pressed up, press your foot on the hydraulic lock. There is a sticker on the treadmill telling you where to push.

Step 4: Step Away

Once you’re sure you disengaged the lock, step away from the treadmill and let it descend on its own.

Folding a ProForm Treadmill

Of course, you’ll need to learn how to fold up the treadmill as well. Here is how you do it:

Step 1: Move It

Move the treadmill towards the place you want to store it.

Step 2: Lift Up

Find the bar located at the bottom of the treadmill and lift the treadmill up using the bar. Push it all the way up until you hear a click, then release it.

Wrapping Things Up

All things concluded, unfolding a treadmill really is a straightforward process. Using the new hydraulic technology, things are generally smoother and easier for you. You won’t have to struggle with it as long as you make sure you’re following the steps and the treadmill does all the unfolding on your behalf