Purchasing the Best Treadmills
Regardless of the new gadgets and gizmos hitting the home running equipment market these days, the treadmill continues to hold onto its popularity. Why? Simply put, the treadmill is one of the most superior pieces of equipment for a cardiovascular workout.
The treadmill ranked number one in burning calories at a perceived exertion intensity level of somewhat hard and hard in a study at the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee. Calories burned on the treadmill for 60 minutes, on average, was 865-705. What other equipment did it compete against and how did they rank? The stair equipment (746-637), rowing equipment (739-606), stationary cycle with levers (709-509), cross-country ski equipment (678-595) and the stationary cycle equipment (604-498). This is only one of many studies that put the treadmill at the head of the pack in the race for superiority.
For the average consumer, runner and fitness enthusiast, the treadmill scores high from a common sense viewpoint as well. Here are just a few reasons why the treadmill is a good piece of exercise equipment investment.
- The treadmill can be used by people of any age. Depending on your requirements, you can have a low or high impact workout. For those who don't have good balance, hand rails provide you with support while walking.
- The treadmill spans the spectrum of speed for versatility. It'll take you on a leisurely walk, get your heart going with a power walk and turn up the heat with a heart pumping jog or run .
- Most treadmills adjust for incline. Increasing the treadmill's incline is best to add intensity to your workout without increasing speed.
- The treadmill doesn't require you to be too terribly coordinated. You've already mastered the required movement, nothing fancy, just one foot in front of the other.
- The treadmill works the large muscles in your body for an excellent cardiovascular workout. Running or walking for 30+ minutes, 4-5 times per week, at a moderate intensity and you're on your way to a healthier lifestyle.
Once you've decided to purchase a treadmill , now what? First and foremost, get educated about treadmills ! Then shop around, test them out, and compare various models to find the treadmill best for you. Here are some things to look at:
Frame:
High alloy steel is usually more durable than aluminum; however they are heavier and must be coated to protect the treadmill from rust. Get on the treadmill , if it feels wobbly and flimsy, then it is. Selecting a treadmill with a welded frame is a better choice over a bolted one and avoid treadmills with plastic frames.
Hand Rails:
The best location of the hand rails is a matter of preference. Whether you desire a handlebar in front of the treadmill or two side rails, be sure they are sturdy and don't get in the way of your arm swings.
AC or DC Motor:
Most home equipment units are DC, but commercial treadmills may have either AC or DC. AC motors tend to be noisier and generally require a dedicated power line.
Horsepower:
Check for the continuous-duty rating for the treadmill motor's true horsepower. Any treadmill with less than 1.5 continuous-duty horsepower can quickly be worn out.
Speed:
Most treadmills run from 0 to 10 mph. A good treadmill will match the pace you feel comfortable walking or running . A safe starting speed of 0.5 mph or less is also very important for safety reasons.
Belt:
Be sure the length of the walking/ running surface is long enough for your longest stride. The width of the treadmill belt should be no less than 16" from a wear and tear standpoint as well as comfortable striding. Be sure you can comfortably reach the treadmill controls without stepping on the treadmill's motor housing.
Deck:
This is one of the critical quality elements of the treadmill . The best quality decks shouldn't need much maintenance and they operate at a low temperature.
Impact Resilience:
This is the treadmill's ability to absorb the force from the impact of your feet. The lower the impact on your body, the better .
Incline Adjustment:
There's a variety of ways to adjust the incline of a treadmill , from the automatic incline which changes depending upon your heart rate, to pushing a button on the treadmill's console, to the less sophisticated methods of a manual hand crank or manually setting pins. The best quality electronic incline adjustment shouldn't be noisy or cause the treadmill to shake at any grade.
Control Panel:
Generally computerized panels are standard on most treadmills . They range from basic and simple to the complex and fully programmable. It all depends on what bell and whistles you want on a treadmill . Price is influenced by the treadmill's control panel options, so purchase only what is best for your use.
Heart Rate Monitors:
This is generally optional. Accuracy varies widely with the ear and finger clips being less accurate than the chest strap monitors.
Warranty:
The best is a lifetime warranty on the frame and get a guarantee of 2 or more years on the treadmill's moving parts. Don't pay extra for manufacturer "extended warranty plans".
Price:
In any exercise equipment , you get what you pay for. You're going to invest $1,000 and up in a good quality motorized treadmill . Spending this kind of money ought to motivate you to do your homework and purchase treadmill equipment wisely.
Before you run out to purchase a treadmill , take your time shopping around, know what you're looking for and what options you need in order to choose the treadmill best for you.
About the Author:
by Vicki Pierson, Personal Trainer - reprinted courtesy of The Fitness Jumpsite at http://www.primusweb.com/fitnesspartner
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