Treadmills are ubiquitous with the idea of working out and getting into shape, and it’s not because of coincidence. Regardless of your age or fitness level, treadmills are suited for both intense and mild training, and therefore are one of the most effective pieces of exercise equipment you can buy. They also enable all different kinds of people to get a great workout, whether you are entirely new to fitness, want a slow or moderately paced routine, or you want something much more intense and have been exercising all of your life. Plus, they are very convenient to use and it’s great to have one around the home to take care of all of your fitness needs quickly and easily. For all of these reasons and more treadmills are extremely popular for home workouts.
There are many different ways to judge a treadmill. Some basic places to start include the types of preset programs there are and whether you will be able to create your own programs for repeated use. You’ll also want to look for heart rate monitoring, easy speed and inclination adjustment and more. Take a look below at some of the key features and specifications to keep in mind and you’ll be able to pick out a fantastic treadmill for your own needs.
Durability is one of the most important factors you’ll find. Durability is evaluated by using a drum with pneumatic feet attached. The feet on the rotating drum pound the treadmill to simulate use by a 180-pound person jogging 500 miles, the equivalent of a year’s worth of use by a recreational runner. More durable machines will of course cost a bit more, but also represent higher quality and more longevity.
Ergonomics (how the treadmill fits the user) and the machine’s ease of use are also important. You want a treadmill that’s comfortable and seems natural as you progress through your workout so you don’t unnecessarily strain or injure your body.
Deck thickness is important because it will in large part determine your comfort and will add to the durability of the machine as well. A deck that’s at least three-quarters of an inch thick will stand up best to the impact of running. Also keep in mind that many decks can be folded up for easier storage around the home.
Other deck features to pay attention to include wide foot rails and a large deck size. Wide foot rails will enable you to stand on the sides of the deck comfortably while getting started or adjusting your program. Look for a belt that’s at least 17 inches wide and 51 inches long. A small belt increases your chances of stepping off accidentally when it’s moving.
Also pay attention to the handrails. You want handrails that don’t get in your way, but are close enough to grasp if you need them. Motor location can be important because you don’t want the motor to get in your way either.
Easy-to-use controls are very important. Avoid slide switches or knobs that you have to fiddle with to get to a desired setting. You also want to be able to take advantage of lots of preset programs, and having the ability to store your own presets is a plus as well. You also want convenient displays so you can keep track of your progress and your vitals.
You want a minimum or base inclination to be at or very close to zero, otherwise you’ll always be working harder than you want due to the incline. The machine should be stable and should not wobble or move as you run or jog. Finally, some other extras to consider include features such as cup holders or trays to hold things, a towel holder and more.
If you consider all of these different factors, you’ll find a perfect treadmill to improve your fitness for years to come. One of the top models to consider today is the Nautilus T514 treadmill, a Nautilus treadmill that is built to last and will meet all of your requirements and needs.
