The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that all adults in the U.S. get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week, or 300 minutes of exercise for even better results. One of the most popular pieces of equipment in gyms and homes across the nation for reaching this goal is the treadmill.
How It Works
Treadmills work in the same manner as walking, jogging or running. However, instead of moving the body across the ground, the body stays in the same place and the ground moves. This is done through using a treadmill track that can be adjusted for speed and incline to increase the intensity of your exercise. Since treadmills are indoors, you can exercise for as long as you want without worrying about getting back to your starting point, and you can also exercise at any time, regardless of the time of day or weather.
Benefits
Treadmills provide aerobic benefits which increase your heart and breathing rate. These increases help keep your lungs and heart strong and healthy, and increase their efficiency even at rest. The aerobic activity achieved on a treadmill may also help reduce your risks for developing certain chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes and even some forms of cancer, according to MayoClinic.com.
Calories
The amount of calories you burn on a treadmill varies depending on factors including your weight, the speed of the treadmill and the incline of the treadmill. According to Livestrong.com's fitness calculator tool, the average 145-pound person can burn from 263 calories per hour with a level treadmill set at four miles-per-hour to 976 calories per hour with a level treadmill set at 9 miles per hour. These numbers can change as you increase or decrease the incline.
Cost
Treadmills can vary widely in cost, with the overall price tag directly being related to the quality and features of the machine. As of February 2011, budget treadmill models start at $150 and range all the way to commercial quality machines with included entertainment systems at $9,000. Look at your budget before shopping for a treadmill, and try out each potential model before you buy. Most sporting good and fitness equipment stores have demo models for you to try before you make a purchase.
Safety
It's important to utilize the emergency stop tether at all times when using the treadmill. This will automatically stop the treadmill if you slip or fall while on the machine. Pay attention to your body as you exercise. If you feel light-headed, dizzy or nauseous, reduce your intensity or get off the machine. Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen to ensure you are healthy enough for physical activity.
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