The Essential Guide to Shopping for Treadmills |
Posted: July 12, 2017 |
Treadmills are one of the most popular and effective exercise equipment available. They allow the user to walk, jog, or run in one place by moving on the running belt. I’m sure many people, yourself included, strive to achieve their goal of becoming fit and healthy. While our body goals may differ (some may want a trim, toned physique while others might prefer a muscular build), we all share the aim of transforming our bodies into one we can be proud of. Owning a personal treadmill at home affords the user an unmatched level of convenience and flexibility not found when going to the gym. Having your own treadmill means you can exercise at any hour, whether during the day or night, without travel, closing times or recurring gym fees to worry about. They’re also open to users of all skill levels. Exercising for the very first time? Just start running on the treadmill. Looking for a more strenuous workout? Simply adjust the settings and you can simulate running on hilly terrain. Using a treadmill imparts a variety of health and fitness benefits to the user. Regular treadmill runners get to enjoy an increased level of stamina, improved endurance, increased strength as well as an all-around better cardiovascular condition. All of these benefits round up to a greatly improved fitness. The treadmill’s explosion in popularity has prompted manufacturers to design more treadmill models and accessories. Ranging from the basic to the high-tech, now more than ever users are faced with a myriad of options for their treadmill, with differing sizes, designs, functions and even versatility. There are a lot of aspects you have to consider before choosing the right treadmill for you. Not only that, you also have to realise your own needs so you can match what you need with what is offered in the market. There are lots of treadmills for sale online, all of them claiming to be the best. This guide is designed to help you answer the questions you haven’t thought of asking. TYPES OF TREADMILLS There are two major types of treadmills available: manual and motorised treadmills. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. I will explain in detail each treadmill type, and see if your needs fit the treadmill described. 1 - Manual Treadmill Manual treadmills are powered purely by the user. The treadmill belt is wrapped around multiple rollers, which is moved by the sheer force and movement of the user’s feet and the weight of the user’s body. The user remains in place as the rollers move the running belt. Manual treadmills are relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain, compared to motorised treadmills. They’re lighter, and easier to move and store. Designed for light use and occasional runners, manual treadmills have no electric parts and fewer moving parts to maintain. However, manual treadmills cannot be used for an extended period of time. If the user slows their speed or the tempo, so will the treadmill. The manual treadmill will just follow and adjust to the user’s pace. This leads to reduced fitness benefits and fewer calories burned. 2 - Motorised Treadmill Motorised treadmills are powered by an electric motor to direct its movement. These kinds of treadmills range from the basic, with only rudimentary speed and incline controls, to the state-of-the-art, with real-time monitoring of the user’s vital signs, among other things. Using a motorised treadmill imparts far more fitness benefits compared to using a manual treadmill. The steady speed and rhythm allows the user to run at a steady, controlled pace, while the motor can be set to increase and decrease the speed quickly and when needed. The adjustable speeds can be fit to the user’s preferences: they can walk, jog, or run. However, motorised treadmills can cost into the thousands, depending on the features available. They’re also heavier and more difficult to move and store. The electronic system, engine and moving parts also require maintenance and eventual replacement. FACTORS TO CONSIDER While there are a lot of factors to consider when selecting between many kinds of treadmills, individual components like safety features and real-time monitoring is essentially dictated by the user’s tastes and specifications. These are the three main factors you need to consider when choosing a treadmill. 1 - Frame The vast majority of treadmills built and sold today are either made of aluminum or steel. Aluminum frame treadmills offer more flexibility when it comes to design and construction. They are also lighter, more portable, and easier to store than steel frame treadmills. Steel frame treadmills, on the other hand, are made of a denser material and more rigid construction. While they are heavier and less portable than aluminum frame treadmills, steel frame treadmills are stronger and far more durable. 2 - Motor The motor is one of the most important component of the motorised treadmills. The motor provides the energy that propels the running belt forward and the power required to run the treadmill’s various instruments and electronic accessories. Basic treadmills only have one motor, while treadmills that allow running on inclines rely on a second motor to power the inclining and declining apparatus. Most people would do well with a 1.5 horsepower engine, however, if you plan on using your treadmill frequently, choose a treadmill powered by a 3 horsepower motor. 3 - Belt Not all treadmill belts are the built the same, and they are not interchangeable. You will need to consider your weight and height to choose the right treadmill with the right belt length and width. Taller people would perform better with longer belts, and allow for more room to run on.
|
||||||||||||||||
|