How Treadmills Work

Have you jumped on a treadmill machine lately? When you want a great workout, treadmill is one of finest ways to tone your lower body in an exciting and rewarding fashion. Day after day, you can work various muscle groups as you run, jog or walk your way to better fitness. Run on an incline, run at a faster speed. But have you ever wondered, as you were running, how it all works? How it all fits together?

A treadmill is essentially a machine that gives you a multi-terrain experience from comfort and privacy of your own home. You can walk, jog or run in a variety of environments—all on a belt that is specially designed to give you highest level of aerobic exercise possible. With a frame that surrounds a cushioning belt, powered by a matching motor and array of features, such as speed and incline, user can get a multitude of fitness programs and an overall versatile workout each time he or she jumps on board.

The platform and belt are essential components to treadmill. A treadmill has been shown to last a long time because exercise mimics our natural movements. The platform and belt are important parts to ensure you have a smooth, comfortable exercise. A good belt should be no less than 18 inches wide and 48 inches long; a very tall person should have a belt no less than 20 inches wide and 54 inches long.

The motor – variable speed is an important part of your workout. Altering motor speed can help you work out to your own pace—in a comfortable, yet challenging manner. The basic treadmill will have a minimum rating of 1.5 horsepower. The workout on a minimum 1.5 will give you a poor workout and frequently suffer breakdowns. This minimum rating cannot hold up well to repeated use of treadmill day after day. A good treadmill has a 2HP continuous motor and can withstand year after year of abuse.

10 Quick Tips for Buying Treadmills

Thinking about purchasing a treadmill? Before you make a purchase, read these important tips for buying machine. This fitness equipment will be an important investment, both financially and physically. Read these important considerations before you decide which make, model and style work best for you.

1. Price ranges for treadmills generally break down in following:

    - Budget: $500 - $1500

    - Mid-Range: $2500-$3000

    - Quality: $3000 and up

With treadmills, you get what you pay for—literally. With every additional dollar, you are assured a superior product. Stronger belts, motors, premier monitors, more exciting fitness programs—the list goes on and on. Look for a smooth ride on treadmill machine, easy-to-adjust incline, water bottle holders and additional features that will make all difference on your run. With every additional dollar, you will also ensure increased use, year after year.

2. Your fitness level can dictate what type of treadmill you should buy. Do you see yourself frequently running or do you prefer to walk? Daily fitness lifestyles determine model you should purchase. If you prefer walking, you need a strong belt with easy-to-adjust incline levels to give you multi-faceted workout you want. If you are a fast, strong runner, a longer belt will be a better fit for you. Ensure that you have strong, steady arm rails that can support your body. A beginning walker should have an incline of at least 10% and a 15% for advanced users for maximum output.

Walkers should be able to attain a speed of 5 mph or 8 to 11 mph for runners. The speed should increase incrementally so that user does not fall off while adjusting speeds. All machines should have an auto-switch in case of accidents or emergencies.

3. The deck length and width can substantially affect your workout experience. If you frequently walk, you will want a treadmill that is wider to give you plenty of room to exercise. Runners prefer a longer deck to enjoy a full range of motion while exercising. Either way, you will get a great lower body workout with high cardiovascular intensity that can lengthen your life—and improve your daily experience.

4. A good treadmill deck should be low-impact and a least a quarter-inch think. Low-impact decks provide stress relief on your joints and back. Read more on Flex decks vs. Standard decks to see which one fits your fitness lifestyle best. Overall, more cushion on a deck, more motivation fitness user has to take next step... and next step... and next step.