Articles

A Treadmill Reader Rack – What Is It And What Does It Do?

Posted in Articles on July 6th, 2010 by admin – Comments Off

A treadmill reader rack is a generic term for the basket which holds the varying amounts of instruments that the modern day treadmill offers the consumer as part of the accessory pack that comes with your treadmill.

Bearing in mind the cost of a new treadmill, the quality of the machine itself should not surpass the quality needed, and expected, of the read out equipment that will come with it. In addition to the durability that one expects from a treadmill, the reader rack should be easy to use and give you the information that you require to complete your work out with the optimum effect. You really don’t want to be worrying about the onboard computers when you are doing a 20k run on your treadmill!

The treadmill reader rack should offer good ergonomic designs, as well as an ease of use. It should supply the information that you require on a wide range of relevant statistics, such as calories used up, speed, miles (or kilometres) run and heart rate amongst other things.

In addition to statistics on your own personal well being during your work out, a treadmill should also offer lots of practical functionality. By that I mean the means to control the type of workout that you are experiencing, by altering the speed at which you can run, or the incline of the slope. In an ideal world, a good treadmill should also let you vary both of these factors during the course of a workout, to give you precisely the type of exercise that you are looking for.

Some treadmills are specially designed for the rehabilitation of either the athlete or the patient, but, in either case, the machine should give you all the information that you require. If you are a sports person or just someone in the recovery room, the right information must be delivered in order to fulfil the criteria of the treadmill that you are using to give you the maximum benefit.

Some machines actually go a stage further and go beyond the functional to what could only be described as luxury. What else could you call magazine racks and space for your MP3?

The onboard computers of some treadmills also allow you to program and save custom routines that you might have entered yourself.

Either way, a treadmill should give you what you need – you should not compromise on quality, nor functionality.

5 Ways To Get The Best Use Out Of Your Home Treadmill

Posted in Articles on July 6th, 2010 by admin – Comments Off

The number 1 fear that people have when investing in a home treadmill (or any piece of exercise equipment) is that they won’t use it.  You know the story. It gets delivered, you set it up and enjoy it for a few days…and then it sits…and waits.

A few months down the road, you notice how dusty it has become and how much space it’s taking up. And you remember how much weight you were determined to lose by using it faithfully every day. But now, unfortunately, it doubles as a clothes rack.

Never fear. This article will help you make sure that DOESN’T happen.

A treadmill provides the best overall cardiovascular workout & it’s still the number one exercise machine for those who want to lose weight. So it’s an investment in your health that will pay large dividends…if you are prepared to get the maximum benefit from it!

Here are 5 easy ways to get the BEST use from your home treadmill:

#1) Do your research first

Make sure you look at what each treadmill offers you and compare it to your unique needs. For example, if you live in a condo and/or like things neat and clean, a folding treadmill might suit you best. If you want a folding treadmill, do you prefer a manual folding treadmill (like most folding treadmills) or do you want a shock-assisted folding treadmill with wheels on the bottom that’s easy to move?

If you like to drink water during your workout, make sure there’s a water bottle holder included in the treadmill console (it might surprise you how many treadmills do not have this feature). Do you get bored easily and need a challenge? What about getting a treadmill with lots of user programs or one that is iFit compatible?

These things may seem little and maybe it might cost you a bit more; but if it means you’re actually going to enjoy your workout it will be well worth it!

#2) Place the treadmill in a ‘happy’ spot.

By ‘happy’ I mean well-lit, open and stimulating. Don’t put it so you face the bare wall when you walk or run. I’ve tried this and the workouts don’t last long! If you get bored easily, put it facing the television or facing a window where you can have an attractive view while working out.

Rooms and spaces have definite ‘feels’ to them and that will affect the success of your workouts. Make sure your treadmill is placed in an area that makes you feel energized, happy and mentally stimulated.

#3) Get your exercise arsenal ready BEFORE the treadmill arrives.

Do you like listening to fast music when you exercise? Do you like watching your favorite movies? What about reading magazines? What inspires you to work out and feel your best?

Get these things ready even before your treadmill arrives and you’ll be three-quarters of the way there. Have several workout or favorite CD’s around. Get your favorite movies or shows on tape. Gather your favorite magazines.

By having an ‘exercise’ stash around your treadmill, you’ll be inspired to workout AND you won’t be stuck running around looking for something to do when you want to start exercising.

Again, this may seem simple, but it works. Why do you think gyms have magazines, televisions and CD players handy?

#4) Make an exercise plan.

Before you start working out, try making a plan, a “roadmap to your rock-hard body” so to speak. By writing down how long and what kind of workout you’ll be doing in week 1, 2, 3, 4 etc, you’ll get yourself psyched up for success. Remember that every time you workout, you are planting the seeds for the kind of dream body that you want.

By having a plan, you can see just how many seeds you’ve planted (and even how long it will take to start reaping the results!) Have fun with it and you’ll be motivated to achieve your health goals (and get maximum benefits from your treadmill!)

#5) Track your progress

Ok this is related to #4 but it’s more of an ongoing thing. By tracking your progress every day, you get a major sense of accomplishment which snowballs into even greater fat-burning results.

I suggest you have ‘minimum goals’ like “I’ll walk for at least 10 minutes.” or “I’ll do 5-30 second intervals.” These are easy to do and you’ll probably go beyond them – which will encourage you even further and heighten your sense of accomplishment. And of course, you’re also getting maximum benefit from your treadmill!

Those are 5 ways to get best use from your home treadmill. Just remember that even a little bit of preparation will pay off large dividends in the long run.

Fitness treadmills – Which Fitness Treadmill Is Right For You?

Posted in Articles on June 26th, 2010 by admin – Comments Off

More homeowners and consumers are looking to buy the best fitness treadmill and bring it home for their personal usage. Of course, there are many different fitness treadmills out there today, and it’s important to understand what your options are and what you’ll need to keep in mind as you conduct your research and make your purchasing decision. Once you have some basic knowledge you will be able to make a more informed purchasing decision.

First, let’s consider some of the benefits of using a fitness treadmill from your home.  One of  the great advantages of  having a piece of quality exercise equipment at home is the convenience. You will be able to work out any time of the day or night, and any day of the week. If you are slightly self conscious, you don’t have to compete with the good and the righteous at the Gym – you can work at your own pace and still get a great workout from the comfort of your own home.

We all lead busy lives and if you can save some time by working out at home and avoiding the Gym commute that must be worth considering. You also won’t have to deal with overcrowding and all of the other hassles that gyms come with. Whether that’s your machine being taken, listening to other people’s shows and music, not having the right temperature and environment you’d like on so on.

Another huge benefit to using fitness treadmills from home is that you can finally drop that expensive monthly gym membership. Buying a fitness treadmill is an upfront investment, but over the period of just a year or two you will have already started saving money by foregoing that pricey monthly membership. So it’s a great way to use your money more effectively and cut down on your expenses while also getting into fantastic shape.

What to Look For

Now it’s also important to start to familiarize yourself with the different range of options that are available out there for fitness treadmills. What kind of features should you be looking for, and what separates all of the different models and brands from one another?

There are plenty of high quality brands out there, but some certainly have great, hard earned reputations that stand above some of the rest. These brands include the big names like Bowflex, Nautilus and Sole. It doesn’t mean you have to choose something from one of these companies, but it does mean that when you do you can count on a popular, highly rated product that has won approval from people all across the world.

The motor is one of the most important pieces of a fitness treadmill, and you’ll want to know how powerful it is. The more horsepower there is, the more durable it will be, and the more pounding and wear and tear it will be able to handle. Continuous duty fitness treadmill motors might range from about 1.5 to 3.5 horsepower as a general range. Coinciding with this, you might also want to look at the maximum user weight of the particular model, depending on who will be using the machine.

The specific features and functionality of fitness treadmills are of course of the utmost importance as well. Two of the most important are the speeds available on the treadmill and the inclination range available on the treadmill. You also want to check out how many programs there are, what kinds of information can be tracked and monitored, what the displays and screen interfaces are like and on down the line.

Also pay attention to the size of the fitness treadmill that you’re purchasing. This includes both the size of the deck itself, as well as the total size of the machine, so you know how much space you need. Luckily, many fitness treadmills today can be folded up for easier, less obtrusive keeping when they aren’t being used. This means that you can keep them just about anywhere without any hassle.

Hopefully by now you have a good sense of what to look for when purchasing a fitness treadmill.  The benefits to owning one are huge, and you’ll save money, enjoy more convenience and get into fantastic shape all at the same time. If you choose one of the major brands it will be hard to go wrong, so pick out a model that fits into your budget and has the specific features that you’re looking for. A number of the most popular and reliable treadmill brands are reviewed on this website, so please feel free to use this information and pick out the perfect treadmill for you. Don’t delay, start your new fitness regime today!

How to Extend the Life of Your Treadmill

Posted in Articles on June 6th, 2010 by admin – Comments Off

When purchasing a treadmill, the importance of proper maintenance is often overlooked. When you purchase a treadmill, you must be willing to take the time to maintain it just as you would any other major investment.  Consider this prior to purchase. If you are proactive in the maintenance of your treadmill, you will add years to the life of your investment.

Sweat is highly corrosive, so proper cleaning of the exterior of your treadmill is very important. This can be accomplished by merely wiping down the unit after each workout.  Also, wiping down the belt and deck with a damp cloth will clean any debris that may effect the performance of the treadmill.

That said, the most important component of a treadmill is the belt.  The belt is what drives the motor and your workout.  A malfunctioning belt can cause many problems internally that can damage the motor, control board or other major operating parts.  There are really just a few rules to follow in maintaining and insuring the longest life of your walking belt.

  • The most important maintence item is adding supplemental lube when recommended (see your owners manual).   Proper Lubrication will considerably extend the life of any treadmill walking belt.
  • Keep the treadmill clean, and remove any debris on or around the treadmill.
  • Do not place your treadmill in any extreme conditions.  Treadmills should always be in a room with a steady temperature.
  • Keep proper belt tension and tracking (belt should run parallel to the treadmill frame).  This will ensure the belt is always in good working order.
  • Keep your treadmill on a level surface.  Some treadmills have level adjustments on the rear supports.   A treadmill will not track if not on a level surface.

When to Change a Walking Belt

It is never too soon to change a walking belt, but it is often too late.  Although the exterior or walking surface of the belt may not be esthetically pleasing, the part of the belt that is not visible is the most important.

If your treadmill belt is torn, curled up or bare you are in need of a new belt.  Also, any problems with speed change when you begin walking are sure signs of belt wear.  Regardless, the belt should be changed every 2 to 3 years with regular usage.  Many times you can change a treadmill belt yourself.  If you are not comfortable with this procedure, call a reputable Treadmill Repair Company.

While changing the belt, you may notice that the deck of the treadmill also has major wear (bare areas, or ruts).  Many times you can turn over the used deck (again, see owners manual).  If this is not an option, you may need to completely replace the deck.  You can go directly to the manufacturer, or any well rated treadmill replacement parts website.

If you follow these basic guidelines you will greatly extend the life of your treadmill. Enjoy your workouts!

Features to Look For When Buying a Treadmill

Posted in Articles on June 4th, 2010 by admin – Comments Off

Treadmills are probably the most commonly used piece of workout and fitness equipment across the world. They are very popular for many good reasons, the most important of which is that you’ll get a great workout to meet your individual needs, and you can burn a lot of calories. 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.

The most difficult aspect of owning a treadmill may just be deciding on which one to buy! There are many popular models available today. For example the Nautilus T514 treadmill is one of the most common and highly rated today. It’s a Nautilus treadmill that is loaded with all of the features that you could ever ask for, including all of the ones mentioned below. Take a look at all of these different considerations and you’ll be able to find a model that’s perfect for you, whether it’s a Nautilus or anything else.

Durability: Durability is important of course because you want your investment to last a long time and be worth the price you paid. You want something that will be able to avoid common wear and tear and that has been rated through machine testing to determine average usage and life span capabilities.

Ergonomic Design: A treadmill that’s not designed ergonomically will be awkward or uncomfortable to use, and could even lead to injury. You want something that’s comfort and is a natural fit for your body type.

Deck Thickness: Deck thickness is important because it provides comfort and stability, while also improving longevity. Decks should be at least three fourths of an inch thick to really hold up well and be comfortable to use.

More Design Features: Look for a deck that can easily fold up for storage with smaller dimensions. You should also find wide foot rails that will enable you to stand on the sides of the deck comfortably while getting started or adjusting your program. Additionally, well designed handrails will be padded for comfort, will be close enough to grab when you need them but won’t obstruct your motion as you use the machine. The motor location should also be out of the way so you don’t hit that either.

Belt Size: You want a belt that’s at least 4 feet or 48 inches in length, while many are longer as well. Width should be at least 17 inches for comfort and usability.

Controls and Programs: All of the controls should be easy to find, and easy to use, even while you’re in the middle of jogging or running. 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. Inclination levels should be fully adjustable, and you want a minimum incline that’s flat so you aren’t always working against a hill.

Additional Options: You want a treadmill that’s stable and comfortable to use, and is convenient in as many ways as possible. For example, a cupholder and a small rack or holder for a book, magazine or remote is very useful, as is a small towel rack.

This covers all of the basic features and functions that you will be considering when you are ready to purchase a new treadmill for the home. Follow this guide and you’ll be good to go with your fantastic new treadmill and fitness program.

Advantages of Training with a Treadmill

Posted in Articles on June 4th, 2010 by admin – Comments Off

When most people think about getting in shape, they usually think about heading down to that expensive new gym around the corner. But for a growing number of households and individuals, buying their own equipment and working out from home provides an even better option.

Today, individuals can purchase a huge range of different workout machines to bring into their homes. Undoubtedly the most popular option however remains the classic treadmill. A treadmill provides a wide range of advantages to people of all kinds who decide to train with one.

First, it’s important to realize some of the benefits of training in general. One of the overlooked ways that it can improve your life is that you can end up sleeping better. When you train your body, you use more energy and your body needs a rest, which means you sleep peacefully throughout the entire night.

When you exercise, you will not only be improving your fitness, health, appearance and confidence, you will also be improving your mood. Exercise can boost your state of mind, and even help to fight depression. It doesn’t require a long, drawn out period either. You can see these benefits with just 20 minutes a few times per week.

Treadmills of course are also beneficial because of how individualized you can make your workout. You can adjust all kinds of settings, including the speed at which you’re walking or jogging. This allows you to adjust for the kind of intensity you’re seeking, and your current level of fitness and experience. Even if you always want to be walking and not running, you’ll still be burning calories and improving your health.

You will also be able to adjust the incline settings of most treadmills. When you decide to walk or run at an incline, you will really be raising the intensity of your workout, and adding a new challenge. You will also be targeting different muscles in your legs, providing for a more complete lower body workout.

Treadmills are also extremely easy to get started with. You don’t have to worry about a learning curve or adjustment period. You just need to set it up and then start moving.

Keep in mind that not all treadmills are electric s the ones described above. Manual treadmills are still available today, although they are less popular. One advantage to these is that they will typically be cheaper, however there is less room for adjustment and customization. That’s why most people prefer electric treadmills, such as the popular Sole F63 treadmill, or other offerings in the Sole treadmills lineup.

No matter what you’re looking for though, you should be able to find a match. There’s a treadmill in every budget and price class, allowing everybody to take advantage of the many benefits of training with a treadmill.

How to Choose a Great Treadmill for the Home

Posted in Articles on June 4th, 2010 by admin – Comments Off

Even though you want to stay in shape and stick with all of your fitness goals, getting to the gym is not always the easiest thing to do because of the time it takes and your busy schedule. But you can fix this by working out from home, with a great treadmill that will provide an excellent workout. You will be able to work out at any time, without any hassle or inconvenience. Whether you want to watch TV or read a book while you workout, or whether you want a great workout while there’s bad weather outside, you’ll always be covered.

The basic way that a treadmill works is very easy. It operates with a moving belt, which moves back to the rear of the machine at a set speed, and you have to run forward at the same speed to stay even with it. Changing the speed is always easy to do, and you’ll be able to enjoy many other features such as heart rate monitoring, calories burned displayed and much more.

Choosing a Great Treadmill: Of course, this was all just the most basic information about treadmills. Now how are you supposed to make a decision between all of them that are available? Many people start their search with consideration of price. This is important because treadmills can get very expensive. But perhaps more important is not shooting for the cheapest model just because it saves you money. You want to ensure you get all of the features that you are looking for, and you want to make sure you get a high quality and long lasting machine.

A main consideration when you’re ready to buy a treadmill is how large the machine is. Be sure to think about where you will be putting the unit and how much space is available there. Remember that many treadmills can be folded up for easy storage. Another thing to think about will be the kind of motor that is used with a particular model. Of course, a larger and more powerful motor is going to last for a longer period of time and stand up to the conditions better. To gauge your engine, first consider peak duty and continuous duty rating. A 1.5 continuous duty horsepower engine is a good place to start for an average adult male.

You’ll also need to focus on the specifications of the deck itself. A thick deck is going to be durable, strong and comfortable, and should be at least three quarters of an inch thick. The length of the treadmill should be about 48 inches or longer, and the width should be at least 17 inches. After looking at all of these measurements you want to pay attention to shock absorption. The suspension should be under the deck for maximum cushioning and support. You’ll see that either foam or rubber is used for padding, and each has their own advantages and drawbacks in terms of comfort and durability.

One of the great features of treadmills is that you’ll be able to choose between a variety of exercise programs and preset programs and you’ll be able to instantly change speeds and even inclinations. Of course, the more of these features and other advanced specifications that you have on your machine, the more money you will probably have to spend.

So if you’re ready to bring a treadmill home today, then all of this should help you get started with your decision process. One popular option is the Bowflex treadmill, particularly the Bowflex 7 Series treadmill which is feature rich, durable and strong. All treadmills though can provide an excellent workout for people of any kind of fitness level or background, and they are extremely convenient to use around the home.