A treadmill is an indoor fitness device, on which a person may walk or jog atop a moving belt. With some treadmills, the belt is wrapped around a series of rollers, which move in succession through employment of the user's weight. In most, however, the path is set in motion by an electric motor that can be adjusted to change speeds, or inclined to provide resistance. Treadmills have become a common tool of health clubs, hotels and home gyms. They offer the convenience of an instant, all-weather workout, by which one can reap the benefits of aerobic exercise.
Quick Stop
Most motorized treadmills are equipped with an emergency stop button that will quickly slow the belt to a halt if needed. Typically, there is also a pause control that allows one to temporarily suspend his current session, then quickly return to the same level of training. Some machines come with a clip that attaches to your clothing during exercise. The clip is fastened to a string that joins to an activation card at the other end. The card must be inserted into the machine properly for the treadmill to operate. If you were to lose your balance or begin falling in some way, the card would pull out, cutting the power.
Safety
Although the treadmill remains stationary during exercise, it's important that the user face forward. A person has the tendency to move in the direction of his focus. Activities such as walking or jogging on a treadmill may appear to be free from risk. However, you are typically moving along a very narrow strip of space. Shifting a matter of inches to either side could prove disastrous. There is also a danger of falling off the back of the belt. One should approach a treadmill as he would any piece of exercise equipment, with awareness and respect for the machinery.
Avoid wearing clothing that is loose enough to get trapped in the apparatus. You could become caught while the belt continues to move, resulting in injury. Always wear shoes when on a treadmill. Doing otherwise can damage the foot, and sweat on the bottom of your feet could set you up for a dangerous fall.
Weight Loss
A 200 lb. person, walking a 15-minute mile on a flat treadmill, will burn 216 calories for every 30 minutes of exercise. A regular treadmill regimen can be an excellent complement to any weight management strategy. Because a machine can easily fit in the home, treadmills are often a favored choice of busy professionals desiring to stay in shape. Taking out a few minutes of downtime at home, for many, holds greater appeal than traveling to a gym.
Pace
Motorized treadmills come with speed controls, that allow a person to work at her own fitness level. It is suggested that you begin at a walk, and slowly increase the pace as your body adjusts. Because one can vary the rate of movement, treadmill activity is often prescribed as a rehabilitative measure for people suffering certain health conditions.
Measuring Improvement
Many treadmills allow one to choose his workout from a list of preset routines. The sessions often vary in intensity, from mild to extremely challenging. A computerized manager may, intermittently, incline the belt or adjust to speeds that challenge your boundaries. Some treadmills also include a heart rate monitor, which usually detects your pulse through a finger sleeve. Some machines measure heart beat by way of a hand grip or chest strap. This allows you to adjust the program according to your desired beats per minute.
Storing
Some treadmills have a belt that can be lifted and locked in an upright position. While nonfolding treadmills are often steadier than their counterparts, a folding machine is ideal for storage. A fixed treadmill requires a space that accommodates the length of the belt at all times. A hinged-deck treadmill, however, can usually slide under a bed or into a corner, giving it appeal to those who value free space.
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