How a Treadmill Machine Works

Treadmill Basics

Treadmills are used in gyms and homes as a way to improve fitness. They are stationary machines that allow you to walk or run in place. A moving rubber belt beneath your feet simulates moving forward on a road. Most treadmills are motorized, so the belt moves automatically at a speed you select. The idea is to walk or run as fast as the belt moves to keep up with it. Treadmills work as an effective means for overall fitness conditioning, interval training and/or convenience.

Fitness Conditioning

You can use treadmills for general cardiovascular and muscular conditioning. When you use one regularly for at least 30 to 40 minutes, three to five times a week, a treadmill can increase your endurance, stamina and strength. By challenging your body to keep up with the moving belt, it increases your breathing, heart rate and aerobic capacity. It also strengthens the muscles in the buttocks, thighs and calves as they are forced to continually move and work against the belt.

Interval Training

Many athletes routinely do interval training on a treadmill. With preset programs that automatically vary the speed and incline or the ability to manually change these settings yourself, you can easily customize a workout. With interval training, the goal is to increase your heart rate to a high level for short bursts with a recovery period between bursts. For example, if running at 6 miles per hour is fairly easy, a runner could increase to 7 miles per hour for one minute and then go back to 6 for one minute to recover. This is an effective way to burn fat and calories, while increasing speed and strength in a controlled environment.

Convenience

A treadmill is a convenient way to exercise. It allows you to walk or run at virtually any time of day, in any weather. Because running or walking outdoors in extreme temperatures can be dangerous, some people prefer to exercise indoors where they can avoid heat and humidity or cold temperatures. Working out on a treadmill also eliminates the risk of injuries caused by uneven terrain, and using one in your own home or gym offers personal safety for early morning or late evening runs.