How to Choose the Best Treadmill For Your Fitness Goals
Anyone who would like to run in the comfort of their own home will find a treadmill a good investment. When looking for a new treadmill, consider your running goals (and budget) and how often you plan to use the treadmill.
The treadmill features an elegant design and folds flat which makes it easy to put under a bed or against a wall. It includes a free 30-day trial of iFIT, which provides access to professional coaches and workouts.
1. Speed
The ideal treadmill speed for walking, jogging and running depends on your fitness level and goals. The treadmill is an excellent way to gradually increase your speed. If you run too fast on a treadmill could cause you to get burned out quickly and could lead to injuries. If you're brand new to running, start with a slower jogging speed and then gradually increase your speed.
Treadmill speeds can be measured in miles per hour while normal running speeds can be measured in minutes per mile. Try to adjust the speed of your treadmill to match the minutes per mile read on a chart to ensure you are running at the right speed. By adding one or two tenths of a mile per hour to the treadmill is a good way to tweak your pace and improve your running technique.
Beginners should start off with a walking pace on the treadmill and then gradually work up to jogging, which typically is about three miles per hour. This is a comfortable speed to walk at and doesn't put too much stress on the back, legs and knees. Jogging requires more strength and endurance for the legs than walking. On the treadmill, you can reach the speed of six miles per hour or more, depending on your height.
A good treadmill for running should have a maximum speed of 15 mph and an incline of 15 percent. It should have a USB charging port and an inbuilt USB fan. It must also be quiet enough to be used indoors. It is best to choose an exercise machine with a sturdy frame that can withstand up to 400lbs. It should also be simple to fold and wheel around, so it is suitable for use at home.
A quality treadmill will come with many extras such as tablets, a tablet holder USB charging port, and an adjustable incline. It should also have a large running deck and be capable of accommodating runners of all sizes. It should be easy to set up and use and should have a safety cord to stop the treadmill from moving if you are pulled forward or struck by an obstacle.
2. Incline
If you're trying to take your fitness to the next level, a treadmill that has an adjustable incline option is a must. You can increase your energy levels by increasing the incline as you run or walk. It also increases the amount of oxygen that you're absorbing and helps increase your endurance in the cardiovascular department.
It's important to keep in mind that adding an incline can be a big jump in intensity, so it's best to start small and gradually work towards increasing. It's essential that an incline treadmill is easy to adjust, and has a sufficient range that you are able to change the angle when needed. No matter what your fitness level, it is recommended that you begin at an incline that is low, between 1 - 2% to allow your body to adjust to the increased calorie-burning and muscle building.
Walking on a slight slope on the treadmill could increase your calorie burn by as much as 17 percent compared to walking on a flat ground. This is particularly useful if you're trying to lose weight or decrease the percentage of body fat. Ideally, you should warm up for a minute before you start increasing the speed of your workout. Walking at an angle of 1% is a great workout to prepare your body to increase your metabolism and improve your posture.
You could also increase your incline to a more intense exercise like interval training or tempo runs. The incline will increase your heart rate and make your muscles work harder which leads to more calorie-burning. You should monitor your RPE during the exercise to ensure you're not overworking yourself.
Another benefit of a treadmill that has a steeper incline is that it makes your workout experience more like being walking or climbing uphill in the outdoors. To avoid injury and ensure safety, you will need to make sure that the treadmill's incline is properly set up. If you're not sure how to set it up then you can seek out a personal trainer to assist you set up your treadmill prior to attempting to use it for an exercise on an incline.
3. Workouts
The most effective treadmill workouts are cheap treadmill varied and provide a variety of challenges. They let you burn calories while toning muscles throughout your body. Running up a slope that is steep for instance, can strengthen the muscles in the calves and glutes. This can also help build and maintain a strong and lean leg structure which is essential to a healthy weight loss. In addition, treadmill training can strengthen the back, shoulder and arm muscles, especially if you use weights while exercising.
Treadmills let you exercise more efficiently than outdoors. Running at a faster pace can lessen the strain on your lower back and knees. The treadmill allows you to gradually increase your pace as you become stronger and fitter, which can help prevent injury and speed up recovery time.
Many treadmills have built-in apps and workout programs that guide you through different exercises. You can follow along at the same pace or take on a new challenge under the guidance of a professional. Many treadmills also monitor your progress so you can track how far you've come and how many calories you've consumed.
There are numerous online resources to aid you in reaching your fitness goals. The Peloton app, for instance offers thousands of running workouts and you can pick one that suits your skill level.
When purchasing a treadmill, you should consider physical factors such as the size of the belt, the horsepower, and incline variations. It's recommended to compare treadmill features, such as a touchscreen, Bluetooth compatibility, and buttons that are easy to adjust. Kollins Ezekh, a personal trainer and life coach suggests that you choose a treadmill with a variety of exercises that target various muscle groups.
If you're on a limited budget you can still benefit from a treadmill by purchasing the most affordable treadmill. The Horizon EZ-Pro is inexpensive but it still provides plenty of functions, including a quick-dial knob that allows you to easily increase the speed or add more incline. It's also lightweight and folds flat so you can easily put it under your bed or lean it against the wall.
4. Safety
Treadmills, despite having many benefits are hazardous if they are used incorrectly. There are risks associated with falling off and getting injured, overheating, or tripping and slipping. Before starting an exercise routine treadmill users frequently should talk about safety concerns. It's also important to consider the other people who will be using the machine. If you believe that pets or children could use the treadmill, it is best to place it in a place that is out of reach. It's the same for guests or roommates who don't know how to use it.
When you are using a treadmill, it's important to start slowly and gradually increase the speed and incline settings. This way you can avoid injuries to muscles and joints as well as avoid overworking them. Make sure you remove the key to protect yourself from injury after you've finished using it. The key is designed to stopping the belt from moving on the treadmill in the event that you lose your balance or fall off.
A quality treadmill must have a sturdy frame, that will be able to support your weight without bending or twist. It will also be easy to read thanks to an eye-catching display that displays your heart rate as well as other details. A quality treadmill will be quiet enough to let you listen to music or watch television while you exercise.
The best treadmills will allow you to simulate terrains with hills to help you prepare for an uphill race or other event. You'll need to choose the treadmill with an incline level that is comparable to the incline of the hills in your area. The top treadmills will also allow you to connect your smartphone to the built-in speakers so you can listen to your preferred songs while running.
Talk to your doctor before you buy a treadmill. It is also an excellent idea to purchase a machine that can easily fold and be wheeled away when you're finished with it.