Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
Whether you’re a fitness buff or you just want to shed a few pounds, it has been scientifically proven that running is one of the best forms of exercise. While some individuals might prefer exercising outdoors, there’s a ton of advantages of doing it indoors on a treadmill. You can get your workout done without the stress of worrying about harsh weather conditions, while even doing other things like watching the news or TV, etc... A treadmill offers lots of great advantages over the traditional form of running outside
A good treadmill should feel less like a hamster wheel, and more like the road; they are built for both walkers and runners and are mostly automatic. These machines aren’t necessarily designed to be glamorous because, in the end, they are just motorized belts which are meant to get you from one point to another while providing you with exercise. Even though treadmills are supposed to be straightforward pieces of equipment, they are also some of the most decorated ones.
There are several types of treadmills built for different purposes; while the task of picking out the right one might seem daunting, this article is here to help ease you through the process. Before you pick out any equipment, first consider your budget and space; then what you want to use it for, as this would help narrow down your options considerably.
What to consider when picking out the right treadmill:
Below we have listed the following points that everyone should consider before buying a treadmill.
The Quality of the Treadmill
A lot of the higher end treadmills come equipped with state-of-the-art systems, and the best types of materials are used in their construction. This is why a lot of people prefer to buy the pricey but superior models, as they normally last longer than the cheaper and low-quality ones. Since the treadmill would be used for strenuous activities, it makes more sense to purchase the models that can withstand the stressful nature of your workout.
Running Surface
The running surface of the treadmill is a critical component of the machine. Most fitness experts recommend the ones that have a double ply material; because they have the ability to withstand a lot of abuse to the appliance, as well as cushion the feet of the user better.
Treadmill Motor
The power of a treadmill's motor is another important factor to consider when purchasing this equipment. Almost all the devices seen in the homes of extreme gym enthusiasts use the 4 HP motor. Treadmills with powerful engines tend to perform satisfactorily and efficiently.
Space
It is also essential to consider where you would store the treadmill when you buy it; this is because it’s always good to have enough space to move around when working out. Proper storage also improves its lifespan considerably.
The Incline and Decline a Treadmill Offers
Several treadmills come with this function, and so it is imperative to note what kind of incline the machine specifically offers. The majority of the top versions provide an incline angle of 15%, and this usually works for most type of treadmill workouts. Also, check if the machine possesses the ability to adjust this setting electronically because it would be terrible to have a machine that makes you stop your workout whenever you need to change the decline angle. This feature comes in handy whenever you need to simulate climbing an uphill or downhill surface.
Treadmill Belt Width and Dimensions
This feature is also essential for an outstanding workout experience, as the size of the surface is the difference between jogging at a comfortable pace and being confined to a cramped up space. A smaller surface makes it extremely difficult to hit your full stride while running because you’d have to shorten your pace to accommodate the treadmill artificially.
One of the first considerations you should make for your treadmill is the running surface size. The largest surfaces you’re going to encounter are about 60-62 inches long, and 20-22 inches wide. If it’s too short, you will find yourself either tripping on the front side of the treadmill or at the back.
Always remember that it isn’t necessarily a good idea to go for compact treadmills, as this would hinder any long-term fitness plan, even though it is suitable for space.
Computer Functions
Often, people tend to get bored when they just run on a regular treadmill every single day. Thanks to newer inventions, the boredom factor has been taken care of by the treadmill computers which come up with innovative routines that help you forget that you’re running on a piece of metal. Some treadmill computers have comprehensive workout packages that adjust a lot of the machine’s different factors such as the incline angle, duration, and the speed.
The best ones in this category can even connect to online fitness apps to spice up your workout routine even further.
Heart Rate Monitoring
This option is provided on almost every available treadmill right now, but not all of them are always accurate. It’s because of this fact that it’s essential to purchase the right treadmill with this feature. Your heart rate would be monitored with the aid of a thumb sensor, a chest strap, or even contact sensors on the grips of the treadmill. The chest strap is the most efficient and accurate form used when exercising to monitor heart rate. It allows you to get into your workout routine without having to worry about cramping your running style by grabbing anything to take a reading while exercising.
Advantages of Using a Treadmill:
Faster Burning of Calories
It’s a proven fact that running helps burns calories faster than any other workout routine. When specific exercises are designed for calorie-burning, you will notice that the pounds would be shed in a little amount of time. Workouts such as interval training or even high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are perfect for burning calories.
The interval training causes the heart rate of individuals to be raised at a rapid rate, which makes the body use up more oxygen during the lower interval; thus burning more calories than regular exercise routines.
Top Notch Cardio Workout
Not only is the high-intensity interval training (HIIT) great for increasing your body’s metabolism and burning calories, it is also essential for building endurance and stamina. Treadmills accommodate these kinds of exercise routine effectively in a controlled environment. One real merit of running on a treadmill is that you don’t have to worry about changing road conditions and passing cars while exercising.
Lower Impact
Running on a treadmill would help alleviate the pains that come with running on rough surfaces. The impact when using a treadmill is significantly reduced as opposed to when one is running on a concrete or pavement. The decks of the equipment are designed with this requirement in mind. Most treadmills have the ability to absorb about 40% or more of any impact.
It’ll Make You Feel Great
“Runner’s High” is a real thing, and it’s one of the reasons that athletes become addicted to exercise. Working out the body frequently releases endorphins into the brain, which then causes mood changing responses. You’ll find out that when you put in a 30-45 minute workout every day on your treadmill, you’ll discover that there’s no better way to feel awesome.
Other Factors to Consider After Purchasing a Treadmill:
Maintenance & Care
Whenever any equipment is subjected to extreme use and strain, it’s essential to take good care of it. After every workout session, endeavor to wipe down the equipment for use next time, even if you’re exhausted. Never expose your treadmill to direct sunlight or harsh weather conditions, because it contains delicate parts that could get damaged as a result of this. Keep it clean and dust free.
Purchasing Appropriate Gear
The second most important aspect of working out is getting the right gear and attire for the process. Since it’s indoors, the shoes you’d need would be different from the ones you’d use for outdoors. Most people prefer using low profile shoes because the treadmill offers a decent level of protection to the soles of your feet.
Checking The Calibration
This part is critical for a good workout process because most treadmills lose their calibrations over an extended period. Get it serviced from time to time by the manufacturer or other professionals.
