Fitness Equipment

How to Fold & Unfold a Treadmill: An Easy-to-Understand Guide

Man folding the SOLE F89 Treadmill easily for compact storage in living room

Key Takeaways

  • Folding treadmills are a practical solution for small spaces with limited room and storage.
  • SOLE F63 uses a kick release system for easy folding and unfolding.
  • SOLE F65 features a release lever for a smoother, more controlled folding process.
  • These treadmills save space, making them ideal for small homes or apartments.
  • SOLE treadmills are designed for convenience, durability, and efficient home workouts.

How to Fold & Unfold a Treadmill?

Folding treadmills are excellent for saving space while maintaining your fitness routine. However, it's crucial to learn how to fold and unfold them properly to prevent damage and ensure they last longer.


At SOLE Fitness, we're proud to offer the best treadmills for your home or gym. These machines are crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and performance, ensuring they are ideal for anyone - from fitness novices to seasoned athletes.

Featured Product

SOLE Treadmills: Starting at $1,199.99, SOLE treadmills excel in ergonomic design, durability, and value. Equipped with advanced cushioning to minimize joint impact, powerful, quiet motors, and wide running surfaces, they suit any fitness level.

Woman standing beside folded SOLE F63 treadmill in a modern, spacious home gym.Store your treadmill effortlessly with various folding options, from classic to lever-release designs, ideal for conserving space in any home.
Different Ways Treadmills Fold

Traditional Folding: The deck folds up towards the console. Some treadmills feature electric motors to assist with this process, while others require you to lift it manually. A locking mechanism ensures the deck stays securely in place when folded.

Flat Folding: In this type, the console folds down to the deck, creating a compact shape. This design is great if you need to store the treadmill under a bed or against a wall.

Double Folding: These treadmills fold in two steps. First, the deck folds in half, then either the deck folds up to the console or the console folds down to the deck. This makes the treadmill very compact and easy to store.

Soft Drop: This system uses gas shocks or hydraulics to make folding and unfolding easier and safer. When you unlock it, the deck lowers slowly to the ground without much effort. High-quality treadmills, like the SOLE F63 and F65, often have this feature.

Manual Folding: With this basic design, you have to lift the full weight of the deck when folding or unfolding. It’s usually found in more affordable treadmills but can be harder to handle.

Release Levers: Many modern treadmills use release levers to make folding and unfolding easier. These levers can be kick-release, hand-release, or pin-and-lock types. For example, the SOLE F63 uses a kick release, while the SOLE F65 has a hand-operated release lever, making the process smoother and more controlled.


Woman folding SOLE F63 treadmill in modern, bright home gym with large windows and stylish decor.Advanced features like soft drop and release levers make folding the treadmill effortless and convenient.
How to Fold a Treadmill

SOLE F63 (Kick Release System)

Locate the Lock Mechanism: Find the kick release lever near the base.
Lift the Deck: Stand at the back of the treadmill, grab the end of the deck, and lift it. The hydraulic system will assist, so you won’t need much effort.
Secure the Deck: Ensure the deck clicks into place. Push gently to check it’s locked securely.

SOLE F65 (Release Lever System)

Locate the Release Lever: This is usually near the console or the side of the treadmill.
Lift the Deck: Pull the release lever to unlock the deck, and lift it effortlessly with the help of gas shocks or hydraulics.
Secure the Deck: Once upright, the deck will automatically lock into place. Double-check to ensure it’s secure.

How to Unfold a Treadmill

SOLE F63 (Kick Release System)

Release the Lock: Stand at the back of the treadmill and locate the kick release lever near the base.
Unlock the Deck: Push down on the lever with your foot to release the deck from its upright position.
Lower the Deck: Slowly lower the deck to the ground. The hydraulic system will assist in controlling the descent, ensuring a smooth and safe unfolding process.
Check Stability: Once the deck is fully lowered, make sure it is stable and level on the ground before use.

SOLE F65 (Release Lever System)

Locate the Release Lever: Find the release lever, usually near the console or side of the treadmill.
Release the Lock: Pull the lever to unlock the deck. The gas shocks or hydraulics will assist in gently lowering the deck.
Lower the Deck: Allow the deck to descend smoothly to the ground, ensuring that it doesn’t drop too quickly.
Ensure Stability: Once the deck is fully lowered, double-check that it is stable and securely positioned on the ground.

Benefits of Folding Treadmills

Space-Saving Solutions: Fold your treadmill to free up space when not in use. Perfect for small apartments or homes where space is tight.

Ease of Maintenance & Cleaning: With the deck folded, it’s easier to clean and maintain your treadmill. You can also clean the floor space underneath it.

Portability & Storage Convenience: Many folding treadmills have wheels, making them easy to move. You can set up your workout space anywhere and store the treadmill out of the way when you’re done.

Keep Your Home Gym Safe & Neat

Folding and unfolding your treadmill the right way is more important than you might think. It keeps your treadmill in good shape, saves space, and makes sure your workouts are safe. Whichever folding system you choose, knowing how to handle your treadmill helps you get the most out of it.

Why SOLE Treadmills?

SOLE treadmills are designed to be durable and easy to use. The SOLE F63, with its simple hydraulic folding system, is a practical choice for beginners and small spaces. The SOLE F65 is ideal for those who need more running space, offering a larger running surface. Both are easy to fold and perfect for home workouts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the Difference Between Kick Release and Release Lever Systems?
The kick release system lets you unlock the deck by pressing a lever with your foot. The release lever system unlocks the deck automatically, letting it lower slowly with help from gas shocks or hydraulics.

Can Folding Treadmills Save Space in My Home?
Yes! Folding treadmills like the SOLE F63 and F65 are made to save space. When folded, they take up little room, making them perfect for small apartments or homes with limited space.

Why Should I Choose the SOLE F63 or F65 Treadmill?
The SOLE F63 is great for beginners or those who like a simple, manual system with its easy kick release. The SOLE F65 is better for advanced users who want a more effortless and controlled folding experience with its release lever. Both models are easy to store.

What Are the Benefits of Soft Drop Folding Mechanisms?
Soft drop systems, like those in the SOLE F63 and F65, use gas shocks or hydraulics to gently lower the deck when unfolding. This makes the process smooth and safe, reducing the chance of injury or damage.

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Woman standing beside folded SOLE F63 treadmill in a modern, spacious home gym.
Woman standing beside folded SOLE F63 treadmill in a modern, spacious home gym.

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