Serious runners and walkers eventually turn to treadmill workouts so that they can exercise safely and conveniently at any time of day or night in their own homes. Fitness experts agree that one of
best ways to get in shape and stay that way is by running or walking every day, but
reality is that it isnt always safe or practical to do so on "the open road." If your free time is in
early morning or late at night, or your route is by a roadway where there is heavy or high-speed traffic, your most important goal may become getting home alive, which misses
point of
whole thing. Also, it isnt fun or sensible to run in
snow, sleet, hail, rain, or
blazing sun. A treadmill workout is
answer to all these problems.There are health clubs and gyms that offer treadmill workouts to their clients, but you may have decided that you dont like
hours offered by
club or gym near you, or
locations are not convenient, or you prefer not to have an audience when you work out. Whatever drives you to it, if you are concerned about health and fitness, you will eventually buy a treadmill for home use, and you should make sure you are getting a good piece of equipment at a reasonable price. It is also important to select a model with features that you will use and enjoy:
If you have limited room in your home or apartment, you will be happiest with a fold-up machine that can be stored out of
way in a closet or under
bed.
If money is not a concern, you can combine fitness and entertainment by choosing a treadmill with a built-in television and speakers; or you may be happy with an inexpensive manual machine, which you can position in front of
TV.
There are treadmills with controls that monitor speed, pace, incline, time, distance traveled, calories burned, and with heart rate controls and pulse sensors.
Many models have built-in racks and nests to hold reading material, a water bottle, a CD player or a cell phone, and a towel.
If you would like sophisticated gadgetry on a treadmill but
cost is prohibitive, you should check out
used treadmills and
discount treadmills, which may offer what you want at a price you can afford.
A Variety of Treadmill Workouts are Available
There are treadmills that include workout CDs with energizing music and workout videos with spectacular scenery to create
illusion that you are outdoors, or you can buy these separately. (And if you want fresh air to go with it, you can open a window.)
Some treadmills have pre-set programs, such as interspersing flat surface workouts with inclines, or by varying speeds. Some programs are designed for weight loss and some for cardio fitness, and all will have different levels of intensity. There are programs that vary
speed and force of
workout to keep your heart rate within a pre-selected zone.
On some machines, you can design a personal program for yourself, and, of course, all treadmills allow
user to change
speed or incline during
workout, usually at
push of a button.
Treadmill Workouts Keep You Motivated
ProForm Some models of ProForm treadmills come with interactive workout disks that include music, incline and speed controls, and recorded advice by personal trainers to encourage you to monitor and gradually improve your cardiovascular fitness.