The Benefits of Having a Treadmill at Home
Running on a treadmill regularly burns calories, improves cardiovascular health and helps you lose weight. Having one at home helps break down barriers that might hinder you from getting regular exercise, such as finding time to go to the gym or dealing with inclement weather.
If you intend to run on your machine, pick one with a running surface that is at minimum 60 inches long. Personal trainers recommend checking the motor's horsepower and comparing its power to a commercial-grade machine.
Convenience
You can do a cardio exercise at home without having to leave the home. It will help you stay on track with your fitness goals, particularly when weather or other circumstances make it difficult to go for a workout or run. The best treadmills for home use various programs, entertainment options, and other features that will keep you on track.
The right treadmill for you depends on your fitness goals and budget. Experts recommend choosing one with an adjustable speed and incline aswell as a display and controls that are easy to read. Some models have built-in programs which automatically adjust the speed and incline to increase your speed or increase endurance. However, these treadmills often are more expensive than those that don't have them.
If you're an apartment dweller or have a smaller space in your home, search for a treadmill that folds so it can be easily stored away when not in use. A lot of treadmills that fold have a lower profile when folded, making them easier to place under the bed or in a closet. Do not fret if you have to fold the belt back up as these models have decks that are larger and more cushioned. This can support light running.
Another aspect to think about when selecting a treadmill is its safety. Many of the top treadmills for homes come with a safety clip that stops the belt in case you fall off during a workout. Some treadmills also have 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, per week. Treadmills can be a convenient cost-effective way to meet the American Heart Association's recommendations. This is especially true for those who do not have access to a fitness center or live in an area with unpredictable weather.
Safety
Treadmills are an excellent supplement to home fitness equipment, but they present unique security issues. The ideal treadmill would be secured in a room with a lock or other means to stop children from accessing it. Children can be injured by treadmills when they accidentally run in to the equipment or when their hands are stuck in the belt. In some instances, children are thrown from the equipment and suffer injuries like bruises, contusions, broken bones, and head trauma.
If you're not using the treadmill, it is important to remove the key and keep it away from children and pets. Be sure to wear a helmet and appropriate running shoes when you use a treadmill, suggests Endres. Treadmills are a good choice for beginners who are new to running because they allow users to control running, walking and jogging speed, she adds. Certain treadmills that are more advanced allow users to regulate their workout by altering the speed of the belt according to heart rate, which can help to avoid over-exerting at the beginning.
She says that the most common mistake treadmill beginners make is to increase their speed or incline at a rapid rate. If you are trying to maintain a fast speed can result in injury, so it's best to increase speed and incline gradually until you're at ease. Also, it's an excellent idea to take a break from the treadmill during intense workouts.
Miele-Pascoe states that people who are not familiar with the usage of the treadmill may also injure themselves. They could fall off the treadmill while it's still moving or get back on without realizing that the treadmill is moving. To help prevent such accidents, a safe treadmill must include an "stop" button that you can press to immediately stop the belt, she adds. It's also an ideal idea to choose treadmills with side handrails and to look forward rather than at the console's display.
Also, a safe treadmill should have a safety clip that can be affixed to your clothing and pull if you slip on the deck, she notes. Accidents on treadmills can also cause injuries to the ankles, wrists, and feet. It's important to exercise with care and maintain a firm grip on the handrails.
Customization
If you're preparing for a marathon or simply looking to boost your cardio training, treadmills offer a range of customizable options. Runners, in particular, will want to ensure the treadmill's surface is large enough to allow a comfortable and natural stride. Mid-range treadmills typically have spacious running decks, allowing runners to maintain a long and consistent stride without feeling cramped during fast sprints or long distance runs.
Treadmills that are designed for runners usually have adjustable incline settings that allow you to simulate different terrains and build strength in your feet and legs. These machines are typically equipped with advanced shock-absorption systems that lessen the stress on the back, knees and hips. This helps reduce the risk of injury and makes your workout more enjoyable even if you're training for marathon or a long-distance run.
Treadmills for seniors are designed to prioritize safety, with large controls and strong support to promote a safe workout environment. They come with built-in heart rate monitors that allow seniors to keep track their heart rate during exercise and stay within their target zone.
Most mid-range treadmills provide a wide variety of preset programs that are suited to your fitness levels and goals. Beginners can take advantage of the beginner exercises, while advanced athletes will benefit from more challenging workouts to increase their performance and skills.
iFit treadmills are the next step in personalization. They automatically adjust your workouts based on your performance and feedback. The app will recommend an improved speed, pace and incline to aid you in achieving your desired results, and also set new ones. iFit displays your workout data directly on the treadmill's screen providing you with real-time feedback that will help you get to your goals.
Lastly, look for the treadmill that comes with an extended warranty on its motor, frame, and other important parts to ensure you get the most benefit from your investment. Frame and motor are covered by a 10-year lifetime warranty, whereas other parts might only be covered for just a few months or even an entire year. Also, consider the cost of streaming subscriptions or bundles of applications that are included with your treadmill to make sure they're within your budget.
Family-Friendly
A treadmill home can help you rack up the miles, despite weather fluctuations and hectic schedules. It's a great option for new runners to gain confidence and endurance without the need to join the gym. By adding a treadmill into your routine, you'll be able to easily adhere to the recommended guidelines for exercise each week of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise.
When selecting a model, think about how many people are likely to use it and what features they'll need to modify. For instance, certain models have mesh cup holders as well as other accessories for water bottles while others have tablets or other ways to stream your preferred shows or music while working out. We also look at the user-friendliness. This metric accounts for 25% of the score for each model and refers to how intuitive it is to use its display/screen and controls. If you're opting for manual mode or using a fitness app, a user-friendly treadmill is more likely to be used regularly.