What’s to like about the Echelon Stride treadmill:
- A clever, auto-foldable design
- Space-saving, compact frame
- Streamlined yet informative dashboard
- Durable, impact-absorbing deck
- 10% incline range with 12 speeds
- Bluetooth and USB connectivity
- Compatible with the Echelon Fit app
Rainy days and chilly mornings are upon us, so no surprise if your motivation for jogging and outdoor running drops to zero. Of course, home treadmills could solve the problem, but where to find a beginner-friendly model suitable for urban dwellers?
We scoured the web searching for top-rated treadmills for at-home cardio, and Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill ticks every box. So, here’s everything you should know about this well-designed fitness device.
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ECHELON FIT: HIGH-QUALITY FITNESS EXPERIENCE
Regarding the fitness scene, the Echelon brand needs no introduction. Yet, for those unfamiliar with the name, we’ll say a few words about the company.
Namely, Echelon has been around since 2000, manufacturing state-of-the-art fitness equipment for home use. In addition, the company offers various programs and classes for home workouts, whose popularity skyrocketed during the pandemic.
HOW TO BUY THE BEST HOME TREADMILL?
Companies like Echelon expect at-home training to stay in favor in the post-pandemic era, so they offer various treadmills, bikes, and rowing machines. Therefore, choosing the perfect solution for aspiring runners can be tricky.
Yet, the following checklist should point you in the right direction and help you separate the best treadmills from the rest.
– DIMENSIONS
Treadmills require a lot of space, and many models could be too massive for smaller apartments. Thus, the first aspects to consider when looking for a new treadmill are shape, size, and weight. In other words, grab the dimensions chart to ensure your cardio kit will fit into the bedroom without tearing down walls.
– BUILD QUALITY
Heavy footsteps and the resulting vibrations will leave plenty of wear and tear on any treadmill, so it’s essential to look for the most durable options. More precisely, the most dependable treadmills have heavy-duty decks, high-performance brushless motors, and rugged frames. If the device has a folding mechanism, ensure there are no squeaky parts.
– FITNESS PROGRAMS
Most modern treadmills have dashboards or touch screens that will keep you informed during the session. Likewise, the best treadmills for home running will provide effortless Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream training routines and programs to stay motivated for longer. So, check if your new treadmill offers a dynamic experience.
– PRICE
It’s no secret that most fitness bikes end up as coat racks, and you could argue the same about home treadmills. Thus, no one wants to spend a fortune on something they’ll stop using after a few months. The secret lies in assessing your needs realistically while comparing several top-rated home treadmills to find the ones that will give the best bang for the buck.
ECHELON STRIDE AUTO-FOLD TREADMILL REVIEW: PROS AND CONS
Released in August 2020, the Stride model from Echelon appeared at the perfect moment. Pandemic-induced quarantines and work from home increased the need for compact, easy-to-use treadmills that were urban-friendly and convenient.
The collapsible frame with the handy auto-fold system is Stride’s selling point, alongside a relatively light structure. The entire thing weighs ‘only’ 156 pounds, with a 20’’x55’’ running area.
From what we’ve seen, the Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected treadmill is a typical beginner-friendly fitness device. Intermediate runners could also make it work, but professionals might need treadmills with more HP and higher inclines. Here’s why.
AUTO-FOLD DESIGN
Advertised as the ‘ultimate space saver,’ the portable Echelon Stride will fit into most homes without problems. Aside from the two wheels at the front, this treadmill features an effective folding mechanism that will make the device flat in a matter of seconds. When folded, the Stride treadmill is not higher than 10 inches.
Of course, the system will do everything for you, leaving you to plan whether to tuck the treadmill behind the sofa or slide it under a bed. The third and most space-saving option for urban apartment dwellers would be to prop it against the wall.
Only a handful of home treadmills in 2022 come with the automatic folding feature, making Echelon Stride one of the most convenient options.
COMPACT YET STURDY
As we said, the Stride treadmill doesn’t have the most spacious running surface, but it makes up for it with a reliable, rugged frame. The weight capacity of this model is 300 pounds, meaning that the impact-absorbing deck will handle the average-sized runner without worries.
For the Stride treadmill, Echelon opted for a 2.75HP brushless motor with a top speed of 12 mph. The maximum incline is 10%, and these parameters should meet the needs of most beginner and intermediate runners.
The well-built handles will provide support during sprints and intervals, and the overall treadmill feels stable and secure.
MAXIMUM USABILITY
Even though the Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected treadmill doesn’t have a classic touch screen, it comes with an intuitive dashboard and a tablet holder. So, you can position your smartphone or tablet to follow running classes via the subscription-based Echelon Fit service.
The streamlined dashboard displays the most relevant information, such as the covered distance, running speed, and the current incline. Of course, it also tells time. Echelon Stride offers Bluetooth and USB connectivity, allowing for effortless communication with other smart devices.
In addition, we must mention the Echelon Fit app that provides access to an endless array of live and on-demand classes with top-level running instructors. Premium membership might be expensive for casual joggers, but if you want the best running experience and a motivating community—join the Echelon Fit program.
IS IT WORTH THE MONEY?
As you can see, the cool-looking Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected treadmill has plenty to offer, making it a top contender in the mid-range treadmill segment. It’s not without flaws, but most at-home runners will not even notice the compromises regarding power and speed. Overall, the Stride is an ideal device to get you moving again and return to the best shape of your life.
