Basic Treadmill Features
Once you have decided on the type of treadmills
that you want, it is time for you to check out the common treadmill
features. There are a number of different options found on a variety of
treadmills. As with most electronics, the greater the functionality the
greater the cost, but if the features you find help motivate you to continue
the exercise, then they are worth spending the extra money on.
Features of Treadmills
·
Incline
Not all treadmills incline, but there is a good chance
you will benefit from the incline features. Incline allows you to walk at a
slower pace (which is easier on your legs and joints) while still increasing
your heart rate by a large margin and keeping your calorie burn high. It may
not prepare you for a marathon as well as running, but it is a great way to
change your exercise and give your joints a break once in a while. Inclines
can also vary, with treadmills providing as little as 5 degree incline to as
much as 25 degree incline for gym models.
·
Computerized Progress Readouts
Almost all treadmills these days have some sort of
console. These consoles will tell you how far you have gone, how many
calories it estimates you have burned, etc. The benefit of these readouts is
that they allow you to set goals for yourself, as well as motivate yourself
to perform better every time you step onto the machine. Consider whether or
not you want these readouts before you make your purchase, but don’t forget
how useful they may be for your own motivation.
·
Advanced Computerized Capabilities
The higher up in the treadmill class you get, the
more/better features are available. If you are willing to spend the money,
you will also find such things as pre-programmed routines, advanced heart
rate monitors, desired heart rate notification systems, and more. Some of
these advanced features are very useful, while others are only useful if you
plan on utilizing them.
·
Minimum and Maximum Speed
You will also want to find a treadmill that meets your
minimum and maximum speed estimations. If you are only planning on walking
on the treadmill and possibly going for the occasional slow job, you will
only need a treadmill that goes up to about 6 mph. If you are planning on
jogging often, and may even consider going at full sprint on occasion, you
will need something that goes up to 12mph.
Each of these should be taken into great consideration
before you decide which treadmill you want. There are inexpensive machines
that are perfectly adequate for some people’s needs, but there are also
expensive machines that are loaded with features that may suit your desired
exercise plan. If you think you don’t need a feature now, but believe you
may want that feature down the road, it is best to get the feature the first
time so that you do not have any reason to replace the treadmill in future
years.
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