How to choose a treadmill? Selection recommendations.
The main goal of purchasing this running machine is to lose those extra pounds or to improve your overall health. Why is this all happening and why exactly this type of simulator is so popular all over the world?
Systematic running training allows you to stay in excellent physical shape, activates the cardiovascular system, as well as the respiratory tract, contributes to the development and strengthening of the muscles of the legs and back, burns excess fat and forms a beautiful posture.
How to choose a treadmillMedical and physical health research data show that running ranks among the top three physical exercises that have very effective positive effects on human health, along with cycling and swimming. During jogging, almost all systems and organs are activated in the human body. The load on the cardiovascular system is especially great, which supplies oxygen to all organs of the human body. Despite this, correct exercise in small amounts strengthens the heart muscle, improves the quality of the blood vessels and the properties of the blood. In addition, the body gets rid of excess fat, and also normalizes the activity of the nervous system.
It is best to go jogging in an ecologically clean space - in a forest or a park area. But there are people for whom it is preferable to do this at home, since they realize that running along the polluted streets of a huge city is quite harmful. In this situation, it makes sense to purchase a treadmill for use at home. No wonder it was precisely noticed that with small material costs, an investment in running gives the maximum positive effect per unit of time! The most popular manufacturing companies in the world: Atemi, Torneo, Kettler, Steel Flex, etc.
Treadmill benefits
Modern treadmills are a good alternative to street jogging, which have many advantages:
The treadmill does not take up much space in the house. Good models are durable and reliable.
This simulator helps a person to keep all the important muscles of the legs and pelvis in good shape, keeps the body in good shape.
With the help of digital data, it is possible to track the speed, distance run, heart rate, calories burned, as well as calculate the total workout time.
Electronic systems will help control the speed of movement, the level of load, regardless of the physical data of a person. The simulators have all kinds of training programs that will help you choose the most effective and comfortable program for you.
This is really an extremely modern and affordable trainer for everyone, which has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.
Types of treadmills
Treadmills are of two types - electrical and mechanical. Basically, a treadmill is a machine made up of handrails and a rotating belt. In a mechanical trainer, the rotation of the belt occurs due to its own efforts. When running, the belt rotates, and after stopping, the belt stops rotating. There is no need to constantly run at a given speed, and this is completely consistent with normal running. Electricity is not consumed due to the absence of an electric motor.
Such a simulator costs much less and is lightweight. The main disadvantage of this design is that you constantly have to rotate the canvas yourself, which creates an additional load on the legs. This is not always advisable and not everyone likes it. It is not recommended to run on mechanical trainers for people who are not all right with their legs. For example, knee problems or varicose veins are contraindications to the use of such a simulator.
There are no special training programs on mechanical simulators. All the data it can show is speed, workout time, heart rate, calories burned and distance. In addition, there are magnetic trainers that are equipped with a magnetic braking and loading mechanism. They have smooth running of the treadmill, while jerks can be felt during running on conventional machines.
The electric treadmill is a more modern option, but it also costs more. The main difference between this type of track and mechanical track is that no effort is needed to set the treadmill in motion. This is done by an electric motor. Also, depending on the power of the motor, the required speed is set. In addition to the main indicators, the control panel has the ability to create your own programs, as well as use the built-in ones - it depends on the simulator model.
Electric treadmill
This type of machine consists of four main elements - the control panel, the walking belt, the deck and the electric motor. And in order to understand which treadmill to choose, you must first evaluate each element in turn.
The maximum speed of rotation of the band depends on the power of the motor. Power also determines the weight of a person, the maximum allowable for training on this simulator.
Electric treadmillIt also happens that the permissible maximum weight of a person may differ with the same power of the electric motor. Sometimes, on the contrary, the power of the motor is different, and the maximum possible weight of a person is the same. The point is that there are peak and constant power indicators. The main indicator is the constant power for the treadmill.
As a rule, if the weight of each family member does not exceed 80 kg, then the power of the electric motor is 1.5 hp. is sufficient. But for greater reliability, you can take more powerful ones. Indeed, when running, a person puts a load on the running belt, which sometimes doubles his own weight.
A running belt is a rotating running belt that is fitted on two shafts. The dimensions of the treadmill can vary greatly in width - from 35 to 55 cm, as well as in length - from 110 to 145 cm. The model of the track should be chosen based on the configuration, running speed, and the user's stride length. It is better to choose the free space of the canvas so as not to stumble during training. The best ratio of length and width is usually the following: width - 40-50 cm, length - 120-130 cm. In order to determine the optimal size of the canvas for yourself, it is better to try the simulator directly in the store, and with different angles of inclination and different speeds. The handrails should not impede the free movement of the hands, and should not be a support, since the bulk of the load will fall on the hands.
To soften the impact of the feet on the canvas, a deck should serve, which will reduce the load on the spine and joints. The most popular models of treadmills are equipped with a shock-absorbing system, while the deck bends slightly under the weight of a person and dampens the rebound force. For people who have suffered injuries associated with joints and spine, this function is essential.
The control panel is provided for all types of treadmills. Every modern treadmill has indicators of running speed, heart rate, distance traveled and calories expended on this. Heart rate sensors are usually located on the side rails. The sensor can go separately and be attached to the earlobe, or sometimes it can be in the form of a point on the control panel to which a finger is applied and held on it. Each buyer should choose the option that is most convenient for themselves. Particular care should be taken to ensure that there is a security key on the control panel. It is attached to a cord, and its other end is attached to the belt. The key will pull out on its own, if the user falls or stumbles, then the simulator will stop and you will not get injured.
Selection recommendations
The key characteristics of this type of treadmill are: the design of the treadmill, the ability to program it and the manufacturer's warranty. How to choose the right trainer?
Choose a treadmill so that all family members can use it.
The simulator control should be intuitive and accessible, no matter how multifunctional it is.
Be sure to measure the area at the intended installation site of the simulator. As a rule, the simulator has the following parameters: length - 160 cm, width - 70 cm. Folding models are also available for sale.
Try the treadmill directly in the store, use different speeds. The moment the treadmill starts to move and stops, the speed should be smooth.
Recommended motor power approx. 2 HP. - you need to pay attention to this. If a person's weight exceeds 80 kg, then an engine with this power will last much longer.
Also pay attention to the deck and treadmill. The canvas must be at least two-layer - at least 124 cm long and 40 cm wide. The deck must be at least 2.5 cm thick.
Take a close look at the frame. The sturdy frame supports the treadmill and deck well. Inexpensive treadmills are usually equipped with a steel frame. And more expensive equipment has a frame made of aluminum, which is used in the aerospace industry. This creates additional shock absorption. Moreover, such frames are not subject to corrosion. They are also lighter and easier to move around.
You need to look at the programming functions as well. Inexpensive treadmills, as a rule, have the function of monitoring speed, workout time, distance traveled, as well as calories burned. Due to additional programs, it is possible to program training intervals with different intensities. This is achieved by varying the angle of the deck and the speed of the walking belt. In addition, interactive programs can be useful, which allow you to take into account the weight and age of the user, as well as adjust the load depending on the heart rate, which as a result will help to achieve the desired effect.
The simulator must have a guarantee for at least 1 year, and for spare parts - 1-3 years. The highest quality treadmills come with a lifetime warranty. However, it usually applies to manufacturing defects, and not to wear and tear as a result of exploitation.
Do not forget about the additional elements - a security key and a heart rate monitor. Each electric track must be equipped with a safety key.
When choosing a simulator, it is worth considering the level of noise it makes, as well as its appearance. Notice if it moves smoothly or jerkily. Also important is how easy it is to turn it on and program. After all, the track is bought for many years, which means that it should not only be comfortable and of high quality, but also please with its appearance.
We advise you to give preference to the track, which has a double-sided canvas. This will allow you, in case of wear on one side, to turn the blade over to the other, and thereby extend the service life.
If you want the treadmill to serve you for a long time, choose a trainer with a motor power of at least 1.5 HP, and preferably 2 HP.
Pay attention to the need for all sorts of additional functions. For example, it can be a set of programs that can help you lose weight. A program that allows you to keep your heart rate within a given range may also come in handy.