If you are preparing to purchase a treadmill for your home, look for a commercial-grade treadmill. Commercial-grade treadmills are those you find in your local gym. Use the treadmill to improve your running speed, your endurance and to tone your legs. According to a 2001 article by John Jakacic, Ph.D., published by the American College of Sports Medicine, having a treadmill at home makes it more convenient, increasing your chances of maintaining an exercise program.
Buy Remanufactured
A new commercial-grade treadmill can run as high as $10,000, as of 2010. However, remanufactured commercial treadmills are about $2,000 to $3,000. Commercial treadmills have enhanced shock absorption, a wider and longer running platform and a quiet motor. You can find these refurbished machines through online retailers or your local used fitness equipment store. Remanufactured treadmills are cleaned and serviced to look and function as if they were brand-new. Life Fitness treadmills are quite popular in most commercial gyms. Brand-new home treadmills are just as costly though are not as easy to use, as sturdy or as quiet.
Treadmill Features
Choose a treadmill with long rails, a complete dashboard and an abbreviated speed/incline panel on the front handle. This panel on the handle enables you to quickly change your incline and your speed. Pick a treadmill that you can also put in a decline position.
Take a Test Run
If you have the option to run or walk on your treadmill, go ahead and do it. Wear your normal exercise clothing and shoes. Get on the treadmill and use it like you normally would--run for 10 minutes, do sprints, walk on an incline, run on an incline, change the speed and stop the treadmill. Ensure the treadmill easily performs the functions you will use and is sturdy while you are on it.
Vary Your Treadmill Routine
Instead of taking an easy walk or a flat jog, use your treadmill for very intense exercises such as sprinting. Easily change and monitor your running speed by using the dashboard display, number pads and arrow keys. Use the incline feature to increase your flat running speed. According to a 2007 article by Gregory Mayer and colleagues, published in the "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research," incline treadmill training increases the starting speed of your sprint. Wear a weighted vest during your treadmill workout. According to a 2010 article by Kristine Fallon and colleagues, also published in the "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research," wearing weights while on the treadmill increases the amount of calories you burn.
References
- ACSM Fit Society Page: Overcoming Barriers is Key to Effective Exercise
- "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research"; Predictors of Sprint Start Speed; Gregory Myer et al; August 2007
- "Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research"; The Impact of Wearable Weights; Kristine Fallon et al; Jan. 2010
Member Comments