The treadmill market is huge. Treadmill buyers include professional athletes, weekend warriors, and those who simply love to work out. But what are they looking for in a treadmill? Is it a reliable piece of equipment that will help them lose weight? Or perhaps they want one that will make the workout fun and keep them from getting bored.
The choice of the right treadmill is important. Many people do not know how to tell the difference between an average treadmill that are well made and one that have low quality components. Treadmills with poor quality construction will have wobbling steps and heavy weights or no handles at all. On the other hand, treadmills with good frame and springs will be more stable. Some have programs built into them that allow the user to alter their incline or decline.
When choosing a treadmill ergometer, price should not be the only factor. Before you decide on the best brand, it's important to compare the features offered. The features that you are looking for should include a heart rate monitor, a calorie counter, a lap timer, and an optional weight scale. A few other features to look for are a stopwatch, a timekeeper, and a display of the number of calories that you've burned.
What to Consider while Buying a Treadmill
Once you've decided which model you want, you need to decide where you are going to use the treadmill. For many people, their workout at the gym is sufficient. However, if you are exercising at home or have other responsibilities, a stair climber may be more appropriate for your needs. If you are only planning to use the machine at home, there are several models available that don't require you to climb stairs.
The next step in purchasing a treadmill is to decide how you will use it. If you have a busy lifestyle and can only devote a few minutes a day to your workouts, you may not want to invest in a top-of-the-line treadmill. For those who exercise regularly and find time for a short walk or jog between runs, a mid-level treadmill should be more than adequate. In addition, if you have an extra-large family or an active teenager, a commercial machine may be best so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of working out on their own.
Once you have decided how you want to use your treadmill, you need to decide what features you want. Do you need to have an incline? Do you need a hand rail? If you run often, is a speedometer better than a console? Consider whether you prefer a console or a computer. Many people like the ease of a computer and think they can do more without one, but treadmills are still a form of exercise and having one is essential.
You also need to consider whether you want a manual or automatic treadmill. Manual treadmills are used to exercise the body directly by pushing the foot forward and then stepping back. They provide great cardiovascular exercise and can help with flexibility. However, most people do not find the motion very enjoyable and so an automatic model is often preferred.
Once you have a treadmill, you are ready to begin using it. It is best to get a few practices runs through before you actually begin exercising. This will allow you to get comfortable with the way the treadmill works. Also, be sure to change into a different pair of shoes each time you use it. It is very easy to slip when starting an intense workout so it is essential that you keep your original shoes when using the treadmill. Over time your feet will adjust to the motion and become more comfortable so that you won't be adjusting them as you work out.