Buying A Treadmill
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An exercise treadmill can provide the benefits of cardiovascular, aerobic exercise to people of all ages, and general fitness levels, not only in the gymnasium – which, after all, requires that you first find, and join, a gym, and then have the necessary discipline to keep going – but also, increasingly, in the home.
A treadmill caters for safe, and adjustable, exercising, from a short, gentle stroll over flat “terrain”, to vigorous sprinting up simulated slopes, of varying degrees, and, as treadmills are affordable, and can be comfortably be accommodated in the most homes, can become a valuable acquisition in the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.
Treadmill Features
Treadmills can be divided into two basic types – “manual” treadmills, where the treadmill belt, itself, is driven by the walking, or running, action of the user, and “motorised” treadmills, where the belt is driven, unsurprisingly, by an electric motor, with variable speed control. Treadmills of both these types are available in collapsible, or foldaway, models, which can be put away when not in use, if floor space is at a real premium.
The majority of treadmills also allow you to adjust the incline, or degree of steepness, of the surface on which you are running, or walking. This may, for example, be accomplished manually – although this can become somewhat irritating, and you obviously have to stop your exercise to adjust the incline by hand – but more sophisticated methods include a powered incline, operated by pushing a button, and even an incline that responds to your heart rate, automatically adjusting itself to keep your heart within its optimum limits. The Carl Lewis MOTC1 Treadmill, as one example, allows two levels of incline, manually adjusted, while the Carl Lewis MOTY5 Treadmill, as another, offers a powered incline between 0 and 10%.
Treadmill belts vary quite widely, in both physical dimensions, and quality, so, if you’re a larger user, or you’re intending to use a treadmill often, or for long periods, try to find one with a cushioned, shock absorbing belt, to avoid the possibility of stress and strain injuries. In addition, make sure that the belt is long enough to accommodate your longest running stride, and wide enough to cater for any lateral movement of your body while exercising.
Treadmill motors also vary, in their power output, measured in horsepower (HP), but are usually in the range of 1.0 to 3.0HP – with, perhaps, 2.0HP being the minimum that you should look for. Lowered powered motors are fine for gentle, infrequent use, but do not stand up so well to vigorous, more intensive exercise as the more powerful models. The Carl Lewis MOT50A Treadmill, for example, a foldable model, offers continuous power of 2.0HP.
Conclusion
Make sure that a treadmill is suitable for your body weight, and shape – sturdily constructed, with adequate cushioning of the belt, and belt dimensions that allow you to use it comfortably, without chopping your stride. Comfortable handgrips, to the front, or to the side, of the treadmill frame are also a useful addition.
Remember, too, that if you subject a low powered motor to excessive use, it may be subject to failure, from, for example, overheating – so try to find a retailer, or manufacturer with a reputation for decent customer service – if things do go wrong, it’s reassuring to know that they will be put right quickly, and inexpensively.
Responsible Exercise
Any form of exercise, whilst potentially of great benefit, is not entirely without risks and the use of exercise bikes or any other type of exercise equipment may not be appropriate for you. To reduce the risk of any injury, illness or other adverse effects you should ALWAYS consult your doctor before beginning any form of exercise program. You should also seek advice from a suitably qualified fitness professional as to the suitability of your proposed fitness programme as this will be determined by your age, weight, gender, current fitness level, any medical conditions and other factors. As with any exercise, if at any point during the use of an exercise bike you begin to feel faint, dizzy, light headed or experience any other form of physical discomfort, you should stop immediately and consult a doctor.
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