shopping for a treadmill
Treadmills are the aerobic exercise machine of choice for good reason. They are probably the most enjoyable exercise machines, whether you like a slow, comfortable walk or a long run. Regardless of your age or fitness level, treadmills are suitable for both intense and light training and are therefore some of the most effective exercise equipment you can buy. A study comparing people who exercised at the same intensity for the same amount of time on several different types of machines found that they generally burned the most calories on a treadmill. Consumer Reports research has shown that they are less likely to collect dust than other types of exercise machines.
A treadmill is judged in various ways. Before you buy any treadmill, try it out and check the following attributes. Also, look at features, such as whether the treadmill offers preset programs or is able to memorize a program you’ve created for yourself. Some machines can monitor the user’s heart rate and adjust the speed and incline to keep the heart rate within a specific range. The merit of some of these features, such as handrails, will vary with the user’s body and movement.
Durability — is tested by using a drum with pneumatic “feet” attached. The feet on the rotating drum hit the treadmill to simulate the use of a 180-pound person running 500 miles, the equivalent of a year’s use by a recreational runner. The treadmill is then disassembled and examined for damage.
Ergonomics — how the treadmill fits the user — and the ease of use of the machine are also examined. You should be able to use a good treadmill intuitively, or at least without having to constantly refer to the owner’s manual.
a thick cover. The platform you will be running or walking on is the deck of the machine. A deck that is at least three-quarters of an inch thick will better withstand the impact of running. If you’re short on space, look for a platform that folds up. Make sure you can easily lift the platform and that the latch holds it securely in place.
wide foot rails. Foot rails are located on both sides of the platform. Make sure you can stand on them while starting the treadmill and that they are not leaning or wobbling.
wide belt. Look for a belt that is at least 17 inches wide and 51 inches long. A small belt increases the chances of accidentally falling when you are moving.
Well designed handrails. They should be close enough to reach if necessary, but should not get in the way of their swinging arms. They should be padded if you plan to hold them while you exercise.
engine rental. Make sure the motor housing is out of kicking range while walking or running on the treadmill. Also, look for a quiet motor. Easy to use controls. Avoid slider switches or knobs that you have to fiddle with to get to the desired setting.
Stability. Make sure the treadmill does not wobble or slide across the floor.
Minimum slope close to zero. Models that don’t stabilize below 2 percent can make training more strenuous than you want.
useful programs. If you plan to use preset programs, see if you like the variety and if you can easily select the desired program. Check out how the screen monitors your progress through the program.
other extras. Touches that can help you decide between two similar machines include trays and stands to hold reading material or a remote control, a nest to place your water bottle, and a place to hang your towel securely.
Follow these basics and you’ll end up with a treadmill that will serve you well for years to come. Here’s a toast to your best fitness ever!
Copyright for this article: 2006 E. Alton Hall. This article may be reprinted if the resource box and hyperlinks are left intact.