Treadmills
What treadmills do for you
Treadmills are the most popular cardiovascular equipment because they are so easy to use and incredibly versatile. They can be used for a light walking session to training for a gruelling marathon (and can be used whatever the weather!). And to save on space, many treadmills fold up for easy storage. To assist you, we provide detailed folded and unfolded dimensions for all our fitness equipment.
A few half-hour sessions on a treadmill will improve your aerobic fitness - the basic conditioning that lets you walk or run without getting out of breath. It will help you to lose weight and improve your stamina: better aerobic fitness means more energy and enthusiasm for everyday life.
What to look for?
- A sturdy built treadmill machine.
- A wide running (walking) belt that is long enough to accommodate your stride length.
- A good shock absorption or cushioning system.
- Levels to allow you to vary your workout by adjusting elevation and speed.
- A good variety of programs.
- Handgrips in front or along the sides so you can hold for balance.
- A good warranty and service contract accompanied.
- A motor that has sufficient power.
Technical data
Motor: The faster you plan on running on a treadmill, the more powerful the motor must be. All treadmills have a maximum speed. If you’re starting out, a machine that goes up to 12 kilometres an hour (about 7.5 miles an hour) will be fine. If you’re fit, try for one that can take you to 14 or 16kph, and if you’re training for actual events, you might even want 18kph.
Belt: A standard running surface sufficient for most runners or walkers is 18 inches wide by 51 to 54 inches long. If you are taller and have a longer stride, or have a disability, look for belts that are extra wide (20 inches or more) and extra long (more than 54 inches).
Grips: The grips are there for safety in case you miss your footing, and often include a heart rate monitor - you grab the grips and it tells you your heart rate. Many treadmills have tubular ‘grips’ that sense your heart rate. This is useful for checking you’re within the most effective training zone of 70-80% of your maximum heart rate.
Programmes options: The programmes on a treadmill give you a planned workout based on total distance you want to reach or total time you want to work out for. Different programmes may include varying speeds or inclines to stop you getting bored! Example programmes include: 5km lake loop, 400m track laps, mountain pass, rolling hills, speed builder. Most treadmills offer a standard selection of pre-programmed courses to add variety and challenge to your workout. The programs vary the speed of the treadmill as well as the elevation angle (if applicable). This can help you improve your fitness level by challenging you to push that little further next time. If the treadmill can adjust the incline, it can simulate hilly terrain, and give you a more intense workout.
Benefits
There’s less strain on your joints – treadmills are sprung and are a more shock absorbent surface than a hard pavement or road.
Use your treadmill whatever the weather – howling wind, pelting rain or even snow needn’t stop you from training.
Heart rate tracking and heart rate programmes allow you to monitor your effort level and train more safely.
Walk or run anytime of the day or night – don’t be held back by darkness, exercise on your treadmill whenever you want to.
Easily vary your workout – change the speed or incline on your treadmill when you want to, no need to go in search of hills or struggle when you’re tired.
Have your workout worked-out – You can track speed, time, distance, calories burnt and energy used, to measure your progress. Therefore, you can specifically tailor exercise to your own personal fitness.
Encourage yourself to exercise more – when you have a treadmill accessible at home you’re more likely to use it. Walking and running are perfect for any age group – so you may get the whole family training on the treadmill too!
