|
Treadmill Running Machine
Welcome to our site about treadmill running machines. If you're into fitness then you will already know that one of the most effective ways to keep fit and lose weight is by running or jogging. Maybe you don't have time to go to a gym or have to stay in because you have kids? Well a treadmill running machine would allow you to keep fit without needing to leave your home. So hopefully here we will let you know what you need to consider when looking at buying one.
You would have thought it would be quite simple to choose one, however there's so many different types and prices available with a variety of different features. Plus you need to make sure it's going to last, so your expected usage comes into the equation too. Running and jogging are pretty much the most thorough all body exercise you can do. But if you buy a inferior product, you might risk injury for one, and you are much more likely to stop exercising because it's not easy or fun to use.
Treadmill Fitness Equipment
As stated before, there are a number of different types of treadmill fitness equipment. The treadmill running machine most people think of are the ones you see at the gyms which are all singing all dancing models and very robust to deal with the daily hammering of constant running and jogging by the gym members. This sort of model will set you back somewhere near the $2,000 mark and is usually way above what the normal home user will want to spend, so you need to consider exactly what features you really need.
If you are really on a budget, then the manual running machines are the best option. These as you would expect do not need a power supply or electric connection. These treadmill running machines generally work by using gravity, so you set a friction level and the gradient of the treadmill. So in theory the force of your weight makes it move downwards and fights against the friction level you have chosen - very similar to the spin bikes you see in gyms.
Obviously these can be difficult to get just right and you might spend more time tampering with it to get the speed just right that is enjoyable.
Exercise Equipment Treadmills
You need also to consider where you are going to put the exercise equipment. Treadmills are quite large and so you need to make sure there is not only enough space for the treadmill, but also a safe space around it. Generally you need a space about 3 metres by 1.5 metres. The size of the actual tread area does however vary, but a normal size is around 4 feet by 1.5 feet.
This size will make it comfortable and you don't feel like you are cramped, whatever your running style. How about functionality? Exercise equipment treadmills in gyms generally have lots of different training programs built in so that it speeds up and slows down automatically. We consider this to be a very useful feature to have in your home treadmill because it gives you some targets to keep you motivated, which is more of an issue if you are running at home. A lot of people will watch their favourite tv program instead to keep them distracted.
In fact you can now get exercise equipment and treadmills which have built in TVs. We think this is more a gimmick than anything. Firstly it's going to be bouncing up and down when you run, and secondly it's going to get all covered in sweat. And of course they cost a fortune and are generally only found in people's houses where they want the perceived best of everything.
Buy a Treadmill
So there's lots to consider when you buy a treadmill. We've covered the space required, whether a manual running machine would be sufficient and the drawbacks. We've also briefly touched on the availability of exercise programs. In addition to exercise programs, you can also get heart monitors built in.
Maybe you already have one of those polar watches and a heart strap - no point in buying a treadmill running machine with this feature built in if you can make do. There's more things to consider. How about the maximum weight of the user? You want to look for one that can support 300 pounds plus. This will make sure it's nice and sturdy. It does also usually mean that the actual machine is much heavier and bulkier, so think about this if you live on the top floor of a flat for example - you need to make sure you can get it into your home so check door measurements against the treadmill size.
Electric Running Machine
So we have summarised that manual running machines are only for those occasional users who are one a tight budget. If you are serious about running or jogging then you will need to go for an electric running machine. These can vary in price from $300 right up to $5000 for the ones with TVs! But let's break it down into the essential things you need to think about when choosing an electric running machine.
Here's the list:
- Space for the unit
- Your budget
- How you are to use it - running or just walking
- The maximum weight it can support comfortably
- The extra features such as digital display, exercise programs, data information such as how much distance / time / speed / calories you have used up.
The maximum speed is also one to look out for, try to aim for 12mph which is a decent fact jogging pace. You might also like to look for gradient control. You will see these often on electric running machines and they sometime link into the exercise programs and change the gradient of the treadmill automatically to simulate running up hills. We've never seen one that can run downhill, but I'm sure there must be treadmill running machine models out there that do this, but they would be very expensive and it's really unnecessary.
Treadmills For Sale
There's a few more things to think about when buying a treadmill. Have you considered noise pollution? If you live in a flat or in a house with thin walls you might need to consider your neighbours reaction to a constant pounding sound. So look for one that has good shock absorbsion. not only will this save your neighbours ears and minds, it will also make sure that you look after your knees because running can put pressure on your joints. Best thing is to give them a try - take your shorts to the shop and try a few treadmills for sale in shops.
If it feels comfortable to run on and has a nice spring to your foot falls then you won't lose your motivation and your knees will fare better in the long run. Also, if you are looking at treadmills for sale in shops you will want to ask for any extras that you get such as warranties, free delivery and free installation in your home. A decent treadmill will be too big for one person to move from your front garden to inside the house, so feed delivery and intallation is a big plus. Warranties are also definitely something you want.
Like any electrical equipment they are likely to go wrong at some point in the future, plus as they are built around an electric motor this too can develop problems. Some places will offer a service agreement for the more expensive models, but generally the longer the warranty the more life you can expect from the treadmills for sale. One last tip is to look for used treadmills for sale. Place like eBay or your local newspaper are great places to get a good deal. You will find that around March is the best time to find an almost new treadmill for sale second hand - why? Because there is the usual influx of buyers with new year's resolutions to get fit.
Then they either give up or realise they actually didn't have enough space for it after all, and will let it go cheap just to get rid of it. So hopefully with the information about treadmill running machines we have provided here you will not be one of these people advertising their running machines in March. Take your time and make sure you have thought about and considered it from all angles. Good luck with buying your new treadmill running machine with an informed mind.
Finding Time
There are three different ways that people incorporate running into their busy schedules. The first one is to simply go jogging outside in your local neighborhood. The second way people incorporate running is by using a treadmill running machine at their local gym or sports center. Thirdly, you can purchase yourself a treadmill running machine to use at home. They can easily be assembled and put into your basement or family room and used every day.
Many people find it hard to go out and run in parks or on trails. They just do not feel very comfortable going out to any place where they might meet people. This is normally due to a low confidence level, which is the whole reason you want to use a treadmill running machine to get in shape. Other reasons include having a busy work or family schedule. This can often get in the way of going to the gym or out to the park to exercise. For many people the answer is having a treadmill running machine at home. It still offers you all the health benefits of running, it is just easier to incorporate a 10 or 15 minute run into your daily routine.
Expensive?
Now you might think that purchasing a treadmill running machine is an expensive option. Think of it with the same attitude you would as when purchasing a car. Treadmill running machines are available for everyone's budget. Just remember you will get what you pay for. Cheaper treadmill running machine options may not be the best investment. They are often powered by you running on the machine to move the belt. Keep in mind that cheaper treadmill running machines may not come with options for the deck to be inclined to steeper angles. Think about what type of running or fast walking you want to do. If it is very basic then you can probably get away with a cheaper treadmill.
Of course, at the other end of the spectrum there are treadmill running machines which could easily run you a few thousand dollars. If you are a serious runner who enjoys running outside in good weather, then go for a mid priced treadmill running machine. You may want a model which includes a heart rate monitor, unless you have one all ready.
When looking for a good treadmill running machine, you want one that has a good electric motor and a decent top speed. Check out the length of the deck, if you are tall make sure it has the capability to take your longer stride. All treadmill running machines from the mid price range and up will come with a complete exercise program built into the system. This gives you different running tracks to run on each day.
Hydration
While running you should also be sipping water, so a bottle holder should be on your 'must have' list for your treadmill. Before you go shopping for your treadmill running machine, measure the dimensions of the space where the machine is going to be placed. You wouldn't want to come home and find that your brand new treadmill running machine does not fit into its new space. Whilst out shopping, dress comfortably, so you can actually try out several treadmills before making your final purchase. Above all, ensure that your treadmill is sturdy and will last. You really don't want to have to buy another one too soon!
|