MAIN BENEFITS.
One of the best categories of home fitness equipment for improving cardiovascular
fitness. Treadmills are extremely easy to use and the most natural form of exercise
for most people. They are suitable for every level of fitness from complete
beginner to accomplished athlete. They are probably the best category of equipment
to choose to help develop fitness from quite a low level to intermediate or
above. You can walk, jog, run or sprint on most models. The majority of model’s
fold away to save space when not in use. Treadmills improve general health and
well being in many ways. When used at a comfortable level for 30 minutes 3 times
per week they will reduce blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart problems,
reduce the risk of diabetes and help lower body fat levels. When used for running
or sprinting treadmills are classed as a high intensity aerobic form of exercise,
and also high impact. When training this way the ratio of weight to fat loss
is less effective. This is explained by the fact some muscle tissue may also
be lost when training at high intensity and high impact levels.
People wishing to lose body fat but maintain maximum muscle tissue, such as
bodybuilders, would be best to choose a lower impact method of fitness training,
or if the treadmill is the only method available then keep to a fast walk with
incline to increase heart rate but keep the impact down. They are excellent
for Cardiovascular fitness and hence score very highly on the equipment buyers
guide.
An outstanding Treadmill bringing the quality you demand in the gym into your own home at an excellent price.The 507 has the most powerful motor in its class, a sturdy frame, a plush 4.4mm orthopaedic belt and extra large running area.
From the 08 range. A folding treadmill of superb value. Excellent size running track especially the length beating most in price range. Touch button speed and incline changes. Heart rate controlled programs for safe and effective training.
A new entry point level treadmill from Horizon. Truly excellent value for money. With a lifetime warranty on motor and frame even at this price. Good top speed of 10mph and automatic elevation. Features 7 pre-set programs.
Top of the range paragon treadmill. Has the longest running area plus a stronger motor and heavier user weight limit. Also features 5 user controlled programs, good for a family to all use. Has an Orthopaedic Belt.
KEY FEATURES.
1. WARRANTY.
First of all it would be wise to decide how long you intend to keep the Treadmill.
If you think you will change it in a few years for an updated model or different
type of equipment then the length of warranty is not as critical. If however
you think you will keep for a long time then go for a model with a good warranty.
Also consider the parts and labour cover this usually ranges from 1 to 3 years.
2. SIZE OF RUNNING TRACK
This is quite an important item to consider for several reasons. The length
of the track is important for your own height. If a user is over 5 foot 10 I
would recommend a length of 54 inches or more. If over 6 foot 2 then look for
a track length of at least 58 inches preferably 60 inches. This will allow for
comfortable and safe running without any feeling of going to fall of the back
of the treadmill. Also if running at high speeds it is better to have a longer
length track. The width of the track doesn’t vary a lot but if you a heavier
user I would go for a wider track again for comfort and safety.
3. MAXIMUM WEIGHT OF USER.
Quite explanatory just ensure you select a treadmill with a heavy enough weight
limit. There is a little more to this though the more sturdy and robust model’s
tend to have heavier user weight limits. So even if you are no where near the
top limit it may be worth considering as an indication of the robustness of
the machine.
4. SPEED.
This indicates the range of speed the machine can do. For example 0.5mph to
11 mph. It is important to consider the lower end of the range if you are recovering
from injury or are elderly. The lower the starting speed the more comfortable
it is to begin and also easier it is to get onto the treadmill. Some models
have direct access keys. This means if you wish to run at 7mph you can enter
this value and the machine will go straight to it. The majority of models will
have top speeds of 10, 11 or 12mph. Some will be lower. I would advise if it
is affordable to go for at least 10mph. This will allow for progress. Fitter
people and athletes should purchase treadmills with a top speed of 11 or 12mph.
5. INCLINE.
This indicates the range of incline available on the machine. For example 0
to 10 degrees. Most models feature an automatic incline feature but some of
the basic models only have a manual incline. If you want an incline feature
check it is automatic otherwise you have to get off the machine to change the
incline, meaning varying the incline whilst you where training would not really
be feasible. The incline feature lets you increase the intensity without increasing
the speed. Useful for variety of training and for reducing the stress impact.
6. PROGRAMS.
Most machines except the very basic will have some form of program. Some have
as many as 22! I will describe below the different types. The main benefits
are variety, safety, effectiveness of training, detailed feedback of progress
and individual monitoring of progress. Some models offer a recovery mode; although
this is not a program it measures how quickly the heart rate decreases after
training and is a recognised measure of fitness level.
MANUAL. The user varies all the components. I.e. Speed, time and incline.
PRE-SET PROGRAMS. Set by the computer. For example Hill run or Weight Loss.
These are fixed in time length and the computer will vary the speed and incline.
On some models it is possible for the user to increase or decrease the speed
and incline.
HEART RATE PROGRAMS. These are probably the safest and also most effective method
of training. The user chooses a target heart rate zone and the machine will
increase or decrease speed or incline to ensure the heart rate is kept within
the zone.
USER PROGRAMS. This is the ability of the computer to store individual data
for people and store and retrieve the programs they have designed themselves.
Some models will only store 1 set of data, some will store 5.
7. MOTOR SIZE.
The size of the motor determines how smooth and quiet the treadmill is. It is
measured in HP. A Continuous duty motor provides continuous power at any desired
speed. This results in less wear and tear to the machine.
8. BELT QUALITY.
This describes the thickness of the belt. The thicker the belt the more it will
absorb the impact shock so there is less stress on the joints for the user.
Some models feature Orthopaedic belts. These have far more cushioning and are
the optimum in absorbing the shock and reducing stress impact.
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