| |
| |
|
Fitness Equipment Information |
|
|
|
How Treadmills Compare To Other Types Of Home Fitness Equipment
When it comes to exercise, people like to walk or run. These are natural activities for us. They can have practical applications, such as getting from one place to another. They require less gear than many other forms of exercise (although you can spend a bundle on shoes, clothes and other accessories if you really wanted). And walking or running are great forms of exercise. They burn calories, work many muscle groups and strengthen cardiovascular components in the body. Walking is one of the best or perhaps the only feasible form of exercise for people with diseases such as osteoporosis, hypertension and chronic back pain. Walking doesn't require a lot of technical know-how or instruction. We already know how to do it, and a few pointers about heart rate and breathing will at least get us on the road. In general, walking and running are easy and convenient ways to improve health and fitness and a home treadmill adds to this overall appeal. According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, over 40 million consumers purchase treadmills each year and the number continues to grow. Treadmills account for over 1/3 of all home exercise equipment sales. So why do so many people choose treadmills and how do they compare to stair machines, stationary bikes and other home fitness equipment? Ease and Convenience The number one reason people use a treadmill is convenience. It allows you to exercise even when the weather is bad or the fitness center is closed. You can exercise in the early morning or after dinner or whenever the mood strikes you. You can even use your treadmill in the buff if you don't feel like washing your workout clothes. You can read, watch TV, talk with friends, or listen to music or audiotapes while you exercise on a treadmill. You can keep an eye on your kids, wait for files to download, take care of dinner or the laundry and even meditate, think through problems or make grocery lists. For those who need to stay in the office until five - even when it's not busy, or who prefer to exercise in the privacy of their own homes, a treadmill is ideal. Also, in some areas and neighborhoods, walking or running exposes one to traffic, muggers or vicious dogs. These hazards are avoided by using a treadmill. Another reason people like treadmills is because you can just hop on and walk without a great deal of preparation and even if you don't work terribly hard at it, you still accomplish something. But today's treadmills make it easy to program in workout routines that simulate hills or vary speeds to enhance the effectiveness of your workout or challenge you to work harder and improve. The control panels are typically user friendly and many machines have built in heart rate monitors. Clearly a treadmill provides several advantages over walking or running outside. And it is often easier and less expensive than other types of home exercise equipment, but how does it compare in terms of pure cardiovascular workout and calorie burning? A Better Burn According to a study done by the Medical College of Wisconsin and the VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, a person using a treadmill for 60 minutes burns an average of 865-705 calories. Check that against other common exercise equipment: · stair machine 746-637 calories burned · rowing machine 739-606 calories burned · stationary cycle 604-5956 calories burned · cross-country ski machine 678-595 calories burned Treadmill vs Elliptical Machine What about the new elliptical machines? An elliptical cross trainer with handles to work the upper body provides a workout that compares to that of a treadmill when it comes to muscles used and heart rate issues. The main difference between the two types of home exercise equipment is that and elliptical machine operates more smoothly and creates less of an impact on bones and joints. This might be good for those with recent injuries or chronic conditions, but it is the impact that helps maintain or improve bone density, which in turn strengthens bones and prevents the loss of calcium. Most experts agree that a healthy person needs the bouncing and jarring associated with walking or running to keep bones, muscles and joints working properly. A treadmill is one of the few home fitness machines that provide this type of exercise. And most come with a cushioned platform to minimize impact or keep it at an acceptable level. As with any form of exercise, it is a good idea to check with your doctor first if you have health conditions that may make it difficult or unwise for you to participate in certain activities. With a treadmill, the concept is basically simple. If you want to work harder, you increase the incline or the speed. Usually this is done with a push of the button. An elliptical machine can be adjusted to target certain muscle groups, but it requires some knowledge and usually must be done manually. And because elliptical machines are relatively new to the home fitness market, there are fewer models to choose from and they tend to cost a bit more than the average treadmill. Some people have commented that they feel the elliptical machines can be more difficult to use because the motions do not feel as natural as walking or running. It is a good idea to try out any piece of exercise equipment before buying to see how it feels and fits with your needs. Many people who exercise do so because they know they should, not because they thoroughly enjoy it. Sure you feel good after you complete your workout, but sometimes getting motivated can be difficult. And if you are going to put in the time, you want to know that what you're doing is actually helping you burn calories and become more fit. Treadmills rank at the top of the list when it comes to home fitness equipment, providing one of the most effective workouts in proportion to the amount of time spent. So make your movements count. Try a treadmill. C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer for Treadmill-Ratings-n-Reviews.net, providing treadmill ratings and reviews on the best treadmill models. Copyright 2004 Treadmill-Ratings-n-Reviews.net Permission is granted to publish this article on your site only if all links are left intact.
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Use of Lifting Belts During Strength Training Workouts The decision of whether to use a lifting belt during exercise should be guided by the following information:As mentioned in an earlier article on lower back pain, the deep stabilizing muscles of the lumbo-pelvic region (core) are suspected as having a "drum forming" effect - that is the muscles contract simultaneously in a reflex (no conscious thought required in people without back pain) action to help stabilize the low back and allow forces to be transferred from the lower body to the upper body and vice versa. This action also has the effect of compressing the abdominal contents - composed primarily of water and very little gas; thus the name of this phenomenon is the "fluid ball" effect. Epic t60 treadmill The Epic T60 Treadmill - Putting New Limits On EconomyThe Epic T60 Treadmill is made exclusively for Costco, the discount retailer. It sports useful and desirable features for the home gym and for general fitness training, yet is often discounted for far less than $1000. Recumbent Exercise Bikes - Advantages There are so many exercise bikes available that it's easy to be overwhelmed. Spinning bikes, stationary bikes, dual action bikes, and recumbent bikes are probably some of the terms you've heard. Treadmill Consumer Guide When looking for a treadmill consumer guide, you won't have to look much farther than the Internet, or the nearest bookstore's magazine display. Just a quick online search delivered eleven different experts, folks who used their knowledge of athletics and exercise regimens to produce their own unique treadmill consumer guide. Getting Fit With A Smooth Treadmill Treadmills are one of the most popular fitness machines available today, viewed consistently as a straightforward piece of equipment that can provide a good workout for everyone, regardless of their fitness level.And though treadmill workouts are sometimes viewed as a little predictable, there are a huge variety of great machines available that offer an array of features than can bring a real element of challenge to a workout. Benefits of A Compact Elliptical Machine With the fitness craze that is going on across the world today, the elliptical trainer is becoming very popular more popular in the average household today. In part, because the once expensive elliptical trainer machines have become more affordable to the average person, who enjoys working out at home rather than a gym. A Gorgeous Flooring for Yoga and Exercise, Tatami Interlocking Mats Tatami interlocking floor mats are presented by InterlockingFloorMat.com. How to Choose an Elliptical Trainer that Suits Your Needs When choosing an elliptical trainer, you'll want to consider a variety of things to determine which elliptical machine will best suit your needs. You should pay attention to the quality and durability, features, brand reputation (important when buying online), and weight restrictions. Try A Landice Treadmill Landice treadmills receive rave reviews from consumers and exercise magazines. Landice treadmills are highly rated in consumer guides and are popular with those who work out at health clubs. Gazelle Cross Trainer Pro Fitness guru, Tony Little, designed the Gazelle Cross Trainer Pro. This fitness machine is one of his latest models of Gazelle trainers. 6 Advantages of Free Weights Over Exercise Machines Meet Sarah.About a year ago, Sarah saw an infomercial about a "multi-unit" workout machine. Heart Rate Monitors - an Overview A heart rate monitor is a device that allows users of exercise machines to check their heart rate whilst training. It usually consists of two elements, a wrist receiver and a chest strap. Free Weights vs. Exercise Machines Anyone who has ever been in a gym before is familiar with the gleaming banks of shiny exercise machines. Coming in all shapes and sizes, they are usually cause for the newcomer to the gym to pause and ask, "What IS all of that stuff?"Well, according to the price that the gym paid for any one piece of that equipment, I certainly hope that it not only stimulates your muscles, but also cooks your breakfast, washes your car, and brings the kids home from soccer practice! Now the question becomes whether or not those machines were worth the price, or if you'd be better off doing a home aerobics video with a can of soup in each hand?. Amazing Kettlebell Workout Produces Superior Results Russian Kettlebells are amazing! These kettlebell workouts may be the answer to maintaining a home gym or having an expensive club membership.With Russian kettlebells you can develop superior gains over traditional workout methods and save lots of space in your home. Buy Cheap Treadmill: Learn How To Make Optimum Use of a Treadmill Treadmills serve your purpose 24/7 and 12 months a day despite of snow, sun or rain. Without any doubt, treadmills have great utility. Choosing the Right Running Shoe Purchasing anything new can be a lot of fun, but it can also be very frustrating. Purchasing a pair of Running shoes is no different, and do the nature of our bodies I wouldn't recommend rushing into a pair of shoes just because they are cheap or convenient. 5 Big Reasons to Buy Adjustable Dumbbells Just imagine if you could replace a room full of weight machines with one piece of fitness equipment without it costing you an arm or a leg! Well adjustable dumbbells might just be the solution you've been looking for.Adjustable dumbbells are one of the best investments you can make in your home gym. Treadmill Weight Loss - 5 Ways A Treadmill Helps You Lose Weight So why are treadmills STILL the #1 home exercise machines with shoppers? And why are treadmill still the most popular exercise machines at the gym? Because they get weight loss results!Here are the top 5 ways home treadmill workouts can help you lose weight, burn calories and get fit fast:#1: A Treadmill Helps You Burn MORE Calories by Battling Exercise BoredomWe all know that exercise is a must if you want to burn fat and sculpt a better body quickly. But what do you do if you don't LIKE working out?What if you get bored or don't like logging hours in the gym with all those muscle boys or short-shorts women?One viable option is the home treadmill, because of all the things it allows you to do to FORGET that you are exercising in the first place. An Informative Home Gym Review There are several well-known manufacturers of home gyms worth mentioning. While all have their advantages and disadvantages, the following home fitness gyms are particularly noteworthy. Get A Total Body Workout With An Elliptical Machine Whether you work out at home, on some home gym equipment or you are attending a health club, cardiovascular exercise is an important part of your exercise regime. Elliptical trainers are gaining in popularity both in health clubs all over North America and as machines in people's homes all over.
|
