The Benefits of Having a Treadmill at Home
Walking regularly on a treadmill burns calories, improves cardiovascular health and helps you shed weight. Having one at home breaks down barriers that can hinder you from getting regular exercise. It can be difficult to find time to go to the gym or dealing with the inclement weather.
If you plan to run on your treadmill, look for a machine with a running deck that's at least 60 inches long. Personal trainers suggest measuring the power of the motor against the treadmill used in commercial facilities.
Convenience
You can do a cardio exercise at home, without leaving the house. It will aid you in staying on track with your fitness goals, particularly when the weather or other conditions make it difficult to workout or run. A lot of the top treadmills for your home have various of programs, entertainment options and other features that will keep you motivated.
The best treadmill for you will depend on your fitness goals and budget. Experts suggest looking for models that are able to adjust the speed and incline, as well as an easy-to-read screen and controls. Some models come with built-in programs that can automatically adjust your speed and incline to help you build endurance or improve speed. However, these treadmills often tend to be more expensive than those without them.
If you reside in an apartment or have a limited space at home, choose one that folds and can be stored when not in use. Many folding treadmills are smaller when folded and can be stored under a bed or in the closet. However, don't fret about losing functionality when you fold the belt - even these smaller models have longer decks, with more cushioning, that can handle light running.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration when selecting a treadmill is its safety. Some of the best treadmills at home are equipped with safety clips that will stop the belt if the user falls off during a workout. Certain treadmills also come with the ability to shut off the machine in an emergency.
The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week. Treadmills are a convenient and cost-effective way to meet this recommendation, particularly for those who don't have access a gym or live in weather that is unpredictable.
Safety
Treadmills are a great addition to your home fitness equipment, but they also present particular safety issues. Ideally, your treadmill should be placed in a locked room or with other measures to stop children from getting access. Children can be injured by treadmills when they accidentally run through the machine or their hands get stuck in the belt. In certain instances, children fall off the treadmill and suffer injuries like abrasions and contusions. They can also sustain broken bones or head trauma.
When you are not using the treadmill, it's essential to take the key off and keep it out of the reach of pets and children. Make sure you wear a helmet and appropriate running shoes while using a treadmill, says Endres. Treadmills are a good choice for those who are brand new to running since they allow users to regulate running, walking and jogging speed, she adds. Some advanced treadmills even let users control their workout by adjusting the belt speed based on heart rate, which helps avoid pushing too hard in the beginning.
The most common treadmill mistake that beginners make is increasing their speed or incline too rapidly she explains. Trying to maintain a high speed could result in injury, so it's best to increase the speed and incline gradually until you feel at ease. It's also a good idea for you to take a short break from the treadmill if you're doing intense workouts.
People who aren't familiar with how to use the treadmill could also risk injury, says Miele-Pascoe. They could jump off the treadmill while it's moving, or walk back onto it without realizing that the
treadmill best is moving. To help prevent such accidents, a safe treadmill should have an "stop" button that you can press to stop the belt instantly and stop it from moving, she says. It's also a good idea to use a treadmill with side handrails, and to look ahead rather than looking at the console display.
She also points out that a treadmill that is safe will have an safety clip that you can clip to your clothing and pull if the deck is slippery. The accidents on treadmills can result in injuries to wrists, ankles and feet. It's important to exercise in a controlled manner and maintain a firm grip on the handrails.
Customization
If you're preparing for a marathon, or simply looking to boost your cardio workouts,
treadmills home provide a wide range of customization options. Runners, in particular will want to ensure the treadmill's running surface is large enough for an easy and natural stride. Mid-range treadmills usually have spacious running decks that allow runners to maintain a constant and long stride when running high-speed sprints and distance runs.
Treadmills specifically designed for runners often feature adjustable incline options that allow you to simulate various terrains and strengthen your feet and legs. These machines are often equipped with sophisticated shock-absorbing systems that lessen the stress on knees, backs and hips. This reduces the risk of injury and makes your workout more enjoyable even if you're training for a long run or marathon.
Treadmills designed for seniors prioritize safety, offering big controls and solid support to promote a safe workout environment. A majority of these models have built-in heart rate monitoring systems, allowing seniors to keep track of their heart rate and make sure they're exercising within their desired zone.
Most mid-range treadmills offer different pre-programmed workouts for different levels of fitness and goals. Beginners can enjoy the introductory exercises, while more experienced athletes will benefit from more challenging workouts to increase their performance and abilities.
iFit treadmills take personalization to the next level and automatically adjust your workouts based on your performance and feedback. The app will recommend the appropriate speed, pace and incline that will assist you in achieving your desired results, and also set new ones. iFit displays your workout metrics directly on the treadmill's display providing you with real-time feedback to help reach your goals.
To maximize the value of your investment, you should choose a treadmill with a warranty that covers the frame as well as the motor and other vital components. The industry standard is 10 years to life warranties for the frame and motor as well as other parts, which are typically covered for up to a year or two. Take into consideration the cost of any streaming or bundled applications that come with your treadmill.
Family-Friendly
You can still run your miles even when the weather is unpredictable or you have a hectic schedule. It's an excellent way for runners who are new to the sport to build confidence and endurance without having to join the gym. By adding a treadmill into your routine, you can easily meet the recommended guidelines for exercise each week of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes vigorous aerobic activity.
When selecting a model consider how many people will use it and what features they'll want to modify. For instance, some models feature mesh cup holders as well as other accessories for water bottles, while others have tablet holders or other ways to stream your favorite music or shows while you work out. We also take into account the ease of use. This is a metric that makes up 25% of the score for each model and is a reference to how easy it is to navigate its screen and controls.