Treadmills – Keep On
Running
by: Martin Smith
There are benefits to the use of
treadmills as part of your exercise program. A treadmill provides a
wonderful cardiovascular workout for your heart, your lungs, and your
circulation. There is low impact on your joints, which makes it easier
and less painful to workout. This is an excellent workout for pregnant
women. Because it is low impact and cardio-vascular in nature it
builds endurance which no doubt helps during labor.
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Treadmills are easy to use and they are
not that expensive especially the lower end models. The use of a
treadmill will help you lose weight and body fat. A non-physical
benefit of a treadmill can be that they don’t take up a lot of space.
Oh there are some that could use a whole room but if space is the
issue then you can find manual treadmills that are powered by your
movement only that fold. Really do some research and talk to
professionals about which one might be appropriate.
It is best to compare different models.
What kind of features are you looking for on your treadmill? Here are
some things to look at when you are comparing various models. It can
be overwhelming because all you really want is to work out. The type
of motor is important as it can affect the size of your machine. The
belt trackers are the most important things to look at.
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It is the placement of the running belt
and the type of movement of the belt as you work out. You want a belt
that moves smoothly over the rollers as opposed to being jerky. Did
you ever see a check out belt in the market that starts and jumps and
then starts and jumps again? If the movement on your treadmill is like
that there can be more impact on your joints than necessary and injury
can result.
The length and width of the belt is
something else to look at. A belt that is not long enough can cause
you to ‘run-off’ the end of the belt. A belt that is too narrow will
not necessarily support your stance. Try out the machine if possible
or one very much like it if at all possible.
The type of incline and the percentage
of the incline will affect your workout and the impact on your joints.
Many treadmills have adjustable inclines so that as you progress you
can increase the slant to where you are walking like you would on a
steep hill. The speed, how fast the belt moves, should be adjustable
as well. What is the minimum and maximum speed? Knowing this will help
you plan your workout and make it more effective. |
One of the features you should look for
on your treadmill monitor console is a heart rate monitor. You can
make your workout more beneficial if you know your resting heart rate
and your target heart rate is the highest number you reach to get
maximum benefits from your work out. The console should also display
your speed, your time and the distance you have covered.
It is imperative that you learn to
properly run your treadmill before attempting to use it. The control
panel should be easy to read. Can the control panel be used without
the software program? You do not want a noisy treadmill. While there
will be some noise, you don’t want the noise to be overwhelming.
Is the noise level acceptable for you?
How thick is the belt? A thin belt could wear over time so you would
want a belt that is thick enough to last for a long time. Some belts
will begin to stretch. In order to help make your treadmill last be
sure you regularly check that the belt hasn’t stretched or cracked
anywhere. Make sure the monitor is functioning properly.
Other things to consider are how heavy
the machine is. Some delivery companies will only bring it to your
door, it’s then up to you to get it in the house and set it up. How it
looks is important because if you don’t like how it looks in your home
you will be less likely to use it. Will it be easy to store when not
in use? Most likely it will occupy the same space when it’s not in use
so you may want to consider (before you bring it home) if this will be
acceptable.
Your treadmill should be placed away
from walls to prevent injury from falls. It should be about eight feet
away from any ledge, wall, or windows. All wires and the power supply
should be out of the way of walking areas or taped down to prevent
someone from tripping when getting on or off your treadmill.
Here are a few tips on using your new
treadmill. Before you get on the belt straddle the belt and make sure
it is set at the proper speed. Keep your eyes forward as your eyes
will follow your feet. Be sure to stay in the center of the belt to
prevent some slips and falls.
(c)
www.1st-4-fitness-equipment.com
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About The Author
Martin Smith is a successful
freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a
variety of Home Fitness Equipment which includes Home Gyms,
Exercise Bikes, and more! His numerous articles provide a
wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant
information.
http://www.1st-4-fitness-equipment.com. |
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