4/9/2017

A Quick Buying Guide to Treadmills

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As one can infer from the rows of people walking and running at varying paces, the treadmill is one of the most popular, if not the most popular, exercise machines today. Treadmills allow people to perform cardio exercises like speed walking and jogging without having to travel great distances. Many people aim to become fit and healthy, and the treadmill can certainly help them in that cause. We may have differing body goals in mind (some may want to bulk up, while others may prefer a smaller, trim build), I'm sure we can all agree that we just want to live a long and healthy life.

One of the best advantages of having a home treadmill that only the owner can use is the level of flexibility and convenience it affords. While gym goers have to contend with schedules, opening times, crowds and the traffic, treadmills owners can perform low-impact exercises in the comfort of their homes, at any time or day they choose, without having to travel. Treadmills are also accessible to people regardless of skill level or experience. Adjustable settings allow people to reduce or raise the level of difficulty and intensity of the workout.

Exercising on a treadmill confers a range of fitness and health benefits to its users. For instance, regular runners can enjoy increased stamina, better endurance, improved strength as well as overall weight reduction. The health of the cardiovascular system is also improved as regular running can strengthen the heart. These benefits have marked an improvement in overall fitness.

Over the last few decades, the treadmill has enjoyed a sudden rise in popularity. Manufacturers, adjusting to a changing market, have redesigned and improved the basic treadmill. Consumers now have a wide range of options, from the spartan to the high-tech, with differing designs, features and price tags.

If you are looking to purchase a treadmill for your home, there are a number of factors to consider to better inform your decision. One of the most important considerations you have to make is the scale of your needs. What you need and want directly influences the treadmill you are going to get. There are many types of treadmills for sale, whether online or from a brick-and-mortar outlet. I hope this guide can help you some of your questions.

THE BASICS OF TREADMILLS

Treadmills can be categorised into two major types: Manual Treadmills and Motorised Treadmills. Each type of treadmill has its own pros and cons, and you will have to find out what your needs are so you can properly choose the right treadmill for you.

1. Manual Treadmills

Manual treadmills are the sort that runs purely on its user's strength. They are not electrified, and the running belt is wrapped around rollers which are moved by the force and movement of the user. While the rollers move the running belt, the user exercises in place.

Manual treadmills are relatively spartan and barebones, and they are cheaper to buy and maintain compared to motorised treadmills. Since there are few components, manual treadmills are lighter and easier to move. There are no electrical parts and fewer moving parts, making them easier to clean and maintain.

However, manual treadmills are designed only for light use. They cannot be used for a long time. The user also derives fewer health benefits since the treadmill's pace is directly influenced by the user's speed.

2. Motorised Treadmills

Motorised treadmills, on the other hand, rely on an electric motor to run. Instead of taking its cue from the user's movement, the electrical system directs the treadmill's movement. These are the treadmills that you probably know and often see at the gym. The motorised treadmills available on the market range from basic, no-frills running machines with basic incline and speed settings on the dashboard to high-tech, cutting-edge machines that can monitor the runner's vital signs in real time.

Exercising with a motorised treadmill allows users to realise more health goals and benefits compared to running on a manual treadmill. Since the speed and rhythm of the running belt are independent of the user's movement, and instead, relies on the motor and the electronic system, the user can either run at a steady pace of their own choosing or play catch up with the preset setting.

However, since motorised treadmills boast more features than manual treadmills, a top-of-the-line model can easily cost a great deal of money. Even the most basic motorised treadmill costs more than a manual treadmill. Users also have to take note that motorised treadmills require far more maintenance and cleaning owing to the presence of the motor, more moving parts and the in-built electronic system.

Tags: Treadmills / Fitness / Exercise