Treadmill Basics
Other Specifications
Most people use the treadmill for running. Others may
prefer walking on it, but majority really buy treadmills because they
don't want the hassle of having to go outside for a quick jog every
morning or evening. For that, you need a lot of flat surface. Your
treadmill comes equipped with a rolling belt on which you will do your
running. The suggested belt size should be at least 48 inches long and
16 inches wide. Look for a treadmill with those kinds of specifications
and I guarantee you that you won't regret it one bit.
If you plan
on running, get a treadmill that goes up to 10 mph. For incline, get a
treadmill that can go up to 10%. Some people say that an incline of 20%
is the best choice, but really, that's too much. Ten percent is exactly
what you need, not too much, not too less.
cushioning is another
thing you should watch out for. Sprains happen when you run because you
were wearing the wrong shoes or the ground wasn't conducive to running,
i.e. there wasn't enough cushioning to support each foot-strike. When
you buy a treadmill, choose one with a running bed that could absorb
shock. Also, make sure that the bed doesn't move around with every
foot-strike.
Check the frames. Make sure that
they provide you with stability. The treadmill should shake or move
around when you run or walk on it. A good tip would be to try standing
on the treadmill and hold on to the handlebars, assuming your position
when you run. If the frame feels like it isn't solidly placed, don't buy
that treadmill. Move on to the next one.
The control panel of your treadmill is the fun part. This is where you control every other
aspect of your treadmill, besides the motor (and sometimes even that).
Most treadmill models these days come with their very own exercise
programs and let you choose which among the beginners, advanced, and
expert programs you want to try. Other treadmills have their own
personal electronic trainer installed in their programming and you can
access that through your treadmill's control panel.
When looking at control panels, it is important that it should be within easy reach
from where you will be as you run. It is important that it be simple to
use as well. Remember that your control panel is your one access to your
treadmill because it where you can control everything with just a touch
of a button or a twist of a knob.