Jul 29, 2013

Treadmills 101 - What You Need To Know

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By Russel Hayes


The Need For Exercise

Today's times are becoming more sophisticated and high-tech every second, but the same can't be said for health in general. If you would like your overall health to peak to desirable levels, though, then you have to exercise. If you find it hard to add regular fitness and workout into your hectic schedule, a treadmill at home can offer the flexibility of exercising whenever best. Start searching for some treadmill reviews for some fitness ideas.

Benefits Of Treadmills

Hopping on a treadmill-even if you are simply walking or running-can do wonders for your body and overall condition. Such cardio-intensive exercise allows you to shed more calories than a cycling machine or some other gym workouts. You can pick the treadmill workout program that suits your goal best, like shedding off those pounds, for example. The treadmill's convenience and wonderful benefits make it the top choice for the person who wishes to up their health and fitness level.

Common Treadmill Features

All treadmills come with a speed-adjustment feature. Other basic features include those that will let you adjust and vary your workouts as per your health goal. Manufacturers create these treadmill variations to make your exercise routine more challenging and unique each day.

Modern treadmills have many inbuilt workout programs. The feature works simply: just select the program that corresponds to your health goal, and you're good to go. You don't need to think about changing your speed and incline while you exercise because the machine does the modifications itself. You even have complete control on how you want the adjustments to come, be it gradual or in a set manner.

Some workouts are meant to control heart rate together with a heart rate monitor. This monitor should be clipped to your body or gripped in your hand. Clipping your monitor to your body offers a much better reading, though, something that treadmills of more modern make have in common. This means that, it can track your cardiovascular fitness level and the intensity of your exercise routine.

Spare yourself the hassle of entering your personal exercise settings by saving them in the treadmill's built-in memory. This is a useful feature especially if you're not utilizing your own treadmill. Modern treadmills also have the power to keep your exercise history and past fitness levels, perfect for pacifying your obsessive-compulsive side.

One high-tech feature that makes treadmills exciting workout venues is the iFit Live. For instance, athletes can train from home for a marathon being held in another city. With the iFit Compete Live course, you can pit yourself against other treadmill users training on the same course. Get an iFit Live-compatible treadmill and a stable Internet connection, and you can try out this feature for yourself. Modern treadmills even have full-color LCD touch screens and a music player to keep your rhythm going as you exercise.

The Different Parts Of A Treadmill

The treadmill is mainly composed of an electrically controlled conveyor belt. Because the belt is designed to move backward, you will need to move in a forward motion and match its pace so you stay on it. The belt is fitted into a running deck that extends into the frame of the treadmill and supports your physique weight. It's possible to modify the deck's angle as desired. This increases your workout's intensity level and adds variety.

Damping elements are put under the deck to help in shock absorption. A cushioned belt minimizes the jarring effect on your feet while moving; the tension in the cushioning can be adjusted for your comfort and ease and resistance requirement. It's safe to assume the motor, belt, deck, and rollers are every treadmill's body, heart, and soul.

The frames of treadmills are usually folded or not. The foldable variety are best for home gyms where room is bound. Foldable treadmills, with the deck meeting the arms when folded up, are all about being compact. Keep in mind that the long-lasting foldable treadmills are more expensive compared to their nonfoldable counterparts. Non-foldable platform treadmills are excellent for personal training studios, as the treadmills here are constantly in use and need to withstand a lot of wear and tear.

Treadmills And Their Variants

Treadmills are also created with their users in mind. It helps to note what the treadmill is for considering that some treadmills-like those for runners, for instance-cost more than, say, treadmills for walkers. More body weight causes more impact and wear on the treadmill; it needs a much more powerful motor to support heavy users thus comes at a greater price. Taller users need to have a treadmill with a longer tread belt that can easily support their long strides. How often will the treadmill be used, and how many persons will make use of it? If the treadmill is for a number of individuals, go with the more stable units that can stand the daily wear and tear.

Wrapping It Up

No home gym is ever complete without getting a treadmill. Yet there are things to consider before selecting one for your needs. Also, appraise the space available at home to put the treadmill and consider the type of users and expected usage. Opt for the system that not only fits




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