The Basics: Treadmills
Treadmills are one of the most popular pieces of home exercise equipment available and with very good reason. Treadmills are simple to use and provide one of the best ways to improve cardiovascular fitness. Unfortunately, the huge popularity of treadmills means that there are many competing models to choose between and shopping for a home treadmill can be an overwhelming process for a lot of buyers. The quality and features of any treadmill is to a large extent reflected in the price of the unit. Basic models start at under $500 while advanced top of the range treadmills can set you back more than $5,000.
Basically, a treadmill consists of a wide belt that is stretched over a bed and around two or more rollers. Most units are powered by a motor but there are others powered solely by the user. They work only as fast as you walk or run. Motor choices include AC or DC powered. An AC motor commonly runs at one continuous speed and relies on a transmission to regulate speed. A DC-powered unit uses variable voltage to regulate the speed at which the belt spins.
The great attraction of a home treadmill is being able to exercise whenever you want to, regardless of the weather outside. It could be dark and snowing outside but with a home treadmill you can still get in an effective workout. You can set up a treadmill in front of the TV or plug in your headphones, open a book or watch over the kids, then all you have to do is simply step on the treadmill, press a button and begin walking or running. Some treadmills fold up for easy storage which makes them an ideal choice for those with limited space in a small apartment or condo for example. The downside to a folding model is, of course, the more effort it takes to wheel out from a cupboard and set up the treadmill, the more likely you are to use it as an excuse not to exercise regularly.
Walking is one of the best first steps just about anyone can take toward fitness. As you increase your fitness levels, a quality treadmill will continue to accommodate your exercise needs as you progress to light jogging and even intense running. A well-constructed treadmill is a piece of home exercise equipment that every member of your family can enjoy, from young to old.
Whether you use a treadmill to walk or to run, the machines are extremely effective at burning calories, raising heart rate and developing aerobic capacity. Any type of running, whether on a treadmill or outside, inevitably puts some strain on leg and hip joints. While the better quality treadmills provide excellent cushioning to limit the impact on knees, ankles and hips, if you have severe leg conditions then a treadmill may not be the best choice of home exercise equipment. Seek advice from your doctor if you have any doubts.
The latest treadmills come with an array of extra features. Some features, like heart monitors and safety keys that automatically stop the treadmill if you slip, are excellent and will contribute to the enjoyment and safety of your treadmill workout or help add motivation. Other features such as extra cup holders and built-in fans are more gimmicky and certainly not essential for you to get an ideal workout.
Most of the manufacturers of commercial treadmills found in gyms and health clubs also produce home versions of the same equipment. So if there is a treadmill you've enjoyed using regularly at your local gym or fitness center then it's a good idea to check to see if there is a home version available in your budget range. You're already familiar with its features and are comfortable using the machine and if it is produced by a commercial manufacturer, it's likely to be a reliable and well constructed treadmill.
How to Shop
The first thing to consider when shopping for a home treadmill is the kind of use you need it for. If you intend to use a treadmill purely for walking you are less likely to need an expensive top of the line machine. If you are looking for a heavy-duty treadmill that can withstand running as well as walking, be prepared to spend more. While less expensive models may be fine for walkers they may not hold up as well for regular runners.
Also, take into account any other members of your family or roommates who will be using the treadmill. The taller a person is the longer their stride and so you'll need to choose a treadmill with a longer and wider belt. The belt or deck is the area on which the actual running or walking takes place. What feels right to you may not accommodate others as comfortably. The deck area should provide enough space for you to exercise in comfort and the belt itself should work smoothly without slipping or sticking. Any treadmill with a belt that causes jerky movements while you run should be avoided.
A major consideration when buying a treadmill is the construction of the unit. You want a treadmill with an aluminum or high alloy steel frame that is strong enough to support the heaviest runner that will be using it. A high quality, sturdy treadmill may cost more but it should provide you with years of regular use. One indication into the likely longevity of a treadmill is to check the manufacturer's warranty. It should last for at least one year.
The motor on a treadmill is also an important aspect to consider. You can purchase a treadmill without a motor that is powered purely by the user but you're more likely want to opt for a unit with a motor that delivers 1.5 to 3 continuous horsepower. The key thing to remember here is that the larger motors tend to run cooler and usually require less repair and maintenance. Almost every treadmill comes with an electronic console that displays workout feedback such as speed, distance traveled, time you've been working out and calories burned. The more expensive models will also offer a selection of preprogrammed exercise routines. While such features are not essential to obtaining a good workout from a treadmill, they do help to provide motivation. The more programs the treadmill offers the more you can vary your workout and thus the more likely you are to continue exercising regularly. Any display panel should be easy to read and straightforward to operate.
A heart rate monitor is another useful feature to look out for. Some treadmills monitor your heart via sensors built into the frame that are gripped by the hands, although this can only be done if you're walking rather than running. Other treadmill heart rate monitors clip onto an ear or, for more accurate readings, strap on to the chest. Using a heart rate monitor enables the treadmill to automatically adjust speed and/or incline to keep your heart rate within the optimum zone. Again, this is a great feature if you can afford it.
One feature that is essential in a home treadmill is an emergency stop button or better still a safety key that automatically cuts the power if you should trip or fall. Safety features are especially important if you workout alone or if you have small children who might accidentally start the treadmill.
A lot of treadmills offer the ability to add an incline to your workout to replicate running or walking uphill and therefore increase the intensity of a workout. The less expensive models require you to manually change the incline, which can be frustrating if you want to make adjustments midway through a workout session. The more expensive treadmill models provide automatic incline adjustments according to the workout program selected and changes in heart rate. The more incline variation you want in a treadmill, the more expensive the model you'll need to select.
The level of noise that a treadmill makes during operation is something that a lot of buyers overlook. The smallest repetitive sound can drive you crazy over a period of time and provide you with another reason not to exercise. A noisy treadmill can also upset other household members and even neighbors if you live in an apartment or condo. The only way to make sure that your treadmill is sturdy and comfortable and doesn't operate noisily is to step on it and take it for a test run before you buy. Don't be embarrassed to bring your water bottle and towel to a store and give their treadmills a real workout. This is an important investment, regardless of the price. If it's not right for you, you don't want to find out after you've set the treadmill up at home.
Don't be bedazzled by gimmicky features such as an extra cupholder, built-in fans, CD players or other electronic gizmos. The most important thing with treadmills is how they hold up. Look for the best-built model treadmill that fits in your price range.
Once you've decided on the treadmill that's right for you, compare prices online to those of the bricks and mortar stores. Do remember to factor in the cost of delivery or shipping charges when purchasing a treadmill. The quality models tend to be heavy and so the delivery or shipping costs can add a sizeable chunk to the final cost of any treadmill purchase.
You'll also want to factor in the cost of maintenance of a treadmill as well. Once your equipment has been up and running for a while you'll likely also need to consider purchasing lubricants and cleaners to prolong the life of your treadmill and keep your exercise sessions running smoothlyhttp://products.howstuffworks.com/treadmills-buying-guide.htm
