Treadmill Buying Guide
Treadmills are fast becoming the most popular
fitness choice in gyms and at home. Treadmills can be used for
jogging or walking and so have a wide appeal to people of all
ages and levels of fitness.
The main advantage of purchasing a treadmill for your home is
convenience. You never have to compromise a run because of bad
weather. You don’t even have to worry about getting down
to the gym at a set time, you can run whenever you like. And if
you find exercise a bit of chore, replace your settee with a treadmill
and combine keeping fit with keeping up with your favourite shows!
Treadmills have enormous health benefits. Jogging,
even walking gives your heart, lungs and blood circulation a great
boost. Regular use will see a significant improvement in you fitness
and muscle endurance.
Treadmills are also a lot easier to use than some
other fitness equipment – you just go at your own pace.
There is a large range of treadmills on the market
today. Depending on how you intend to use the treadmill some features
will be more important than others. This guide will provide a
clear idea of what YOU need from a treadmill before you hit the
web.
Frame
Be sure to choose a quality treadmill frame. Look
out for solid designs and frames made of hard enduring materials.
This is important both for the longevity of the treadmill and
also providing stability when running at high and low speeds.
Motor
There are two types of treadmills available: motorised
or non-motorised.
Non-motorised treadmills are powered by your steps,
so you will always control the pace you walk/run at. These types
of treadmills are also much easier to operate. However with motorised
treadmills you can pre-set your workout pace, which is great if
you have specific fitness goals. The treadmill ensures you keep
exercising at a consistent rate, so you are more likely to reach
those goals.
Horsepower
This is a feature to pay special attention to.
Where possible always check the treadmill’s continuous-duty
horsepower. A high horsepower indicates that the treadmill can
withstand greater weight and impact levels. Essentially treadmills
with high continuous-duty horsepower are more robust.
However many manufacturers quote ‘peak performance’
or ‘peak horsepower’ which actually is the highest
rate of power the treadmill can provide under the least stress.
This can prove somewhat deceptive when comparing models –
so watch out!
If you are going to use the treadmill for walking
only, any motor will be fine. However if you are going to run
on the treadmill choose a motor with a continuous-duty horsepower
of 1.75 or more.
Speed
Treadmill speeds generally range from 0 to 12mph.
The range you require will depend on what you plan to use the
treadmill for. A speed range of 0-8mph is more than enough if
you plan to use the treadmill for walking only.
Also check that the treadmill has a low starting
speed, which prevents the treadmill from jolting to a high speed
and throwing you off balance.
Running Deck
If you are planning to use the treadmill for walking
only, a shorter running deck will be sufficient. However if are
planning to jog as well you will require a longer deck.
Most people also feel more comfortable exercising on a treadmill
that has a wider deck.
To protect you joints most treadmills have some
sort of shock absorption for the deck. As a general rule the more
expensive the treadmill, the better the deck cushioning.
Belt
Where possible, always opt for a thick preferably
two-ply treadmill belt. These are much more hardwearing and will
not curl at the side. However models with these belts do tend
to be more expensive.
Incline
Most treadmills include an incline function. This
is a great feature for those of you wanting to build up your fitness.
Increasing the incline means that your body has to work harder
to keep at the same speed.
There are three main incline options:
- Manual - You will find levers on the deck to
raise the incline.
- Button Controlled –You just press a button
on the console when you want to push yourself harder. With this
option you don’t need to stop in the middle of your workout.
- Automatic – Here the incline will automatically
adjust in response to changes in your heart rate.
Monitor
Most treadmills display general information like
speed time and distance as standard. They can also provide additional
information like calorie burn, calories per minute and the percentage
of the incline.
Programs
Many treadmills offer a variety of pre-programmed
workouts such as fat burning, cardio, hill etc… to help
you achieve your fitness goals easily. The treadmill incline and
speed will automatically adjust according to the programme. These
programs also make using the treadmill less repetitive.
Heart Rate Control
Many of the higher end treadmills incorporate
a heart rate program. Your heart rate will either be tracked through
a pulse grip or a chest transmitter. The treadmill will then respond
to changes in your heart rate. For example if your heart rate
falls the treadmill will automatically increase the incline or
speed, to make you work harder. So you will always exercise at
your optimum heart rate, and ensure the most effective workout.
Space
If you would prefer a larger treadmill but space
is limited you can opt for a folding treadmill for compact storage.
However when choosing a folding model make sure you don’t
compromise on stability.
You now have to decide which features will be
most important to you and weigh this up against the cost. |