Why Treadmills Are So Versatile and Fit Any Lifestyle
Treadmills have been an integral part of home and gym exercise for decades, and they have remained one of the most popular pieces of equipment to be included in home gyms. In a culture inundated with fads and latest trends, what gives the treadmill such staying power? The answer is literally simple. The treadmill is so simple and versatile that it can fit easily into anyone’s lifestyle.
While other exercise machines sometimes intimidate beginners with their heavy weights or complicated-looking gears and levers, there’s nothing very intimidating about a treadmill; you just walk, something most of us have been doing our whole lives. Yet it only takes a few adjustments to speed and incline to give us a wide range of intensity from just one machine.
Walking is a very beneficial form of exercise for pregnant women and people with certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis, hypertension, and back pain– people for whom other types of exercise might be too risky. Even if you’re relatively healthy, walking or jogging can strengthen joints and improve muscle tone all over the body, which makes your heart stronger, and, of course, can help you lose weight. According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, a medium-intensity treadmill workout burns about 700 calories per hour, more than an exercise bike, rowing machine, or cross-country skiing machine.
Unlike regular walking or jogging, treadmills will keep you going at a steady pace of your choice, whether that pace is a relaxed walk or a challenging jog, so you don’t have to worry about inadvertently slowing down and reducing the effectiveness of your workout. The ability of many treadmills to adjust their incline to simulate uphill climbs adds even more opportunities for a challenging workout. With a treadmill, you don’t have to worry about bad weather, and you always have a smooth walking or running surface. You can watch TV, read a book, listen to music, or just look out a window with a nice view while you’re on the treadmill, and many models fold for easier storage when not in use.
There are a wide variety of treadmills to choose from on the market today, ranging from simple, manpowered treadmills that require no electricity, to state-of-the-art digital wonders with twenty different workout programs, monitors that show your speed and calculate your heart rate, and built-in fans and TV screens. While all these extras are great, here are some of the factors that you should consider first when you look for a new treadmill:
- Look for a reliable motor. Make sure the motor is rated “Continuous Duty” rather than “Peak Duty”. “Peak Duty” is misleading and refers to how high it can perform before breaking down, rather than its ideal performance rate. Larger motors will also tend to last longer and give you a smoother performance.
- Make sure the base of the treadmill is sturdy, and that the parts are made of durable material. You don’t want to be walking on something that feels like it’s about to fall apart. Try out the treadmills before making your decision, so you can feel for yourself how comfortable they are under your feet.
- Check how long the warranty lasts, if there is one, and how extensive its coverage is. A good warranty can give you a lot of peace of mind.
- Decide where you’re going to put the treadmill in your home, and whether it can stay in that spot all the time, or will have to be moved every time you exercise. While many treadmills fold for easier storage, some can be moved more easily than others.
- See if the treadmill has any safety features, such as an automatic shut-off if something gets stuck in the belt.
- Consider what kind of range of speed and incline will best fit your workout.
- Think about whether or not you will actually use all those extra programs and features. Remember, a treadmill’s main purpose is for walking and not for watching TV, and extras like fans or cup holders can be bought separately if necessary.
Treadmills are a great form of exercise, whether you have been working out for years or are just beginning. Give them a try!
Tags: cardiovascular fitness, exercise machines, treadmills