Of all the exercise machines I have used, I like the treadmill the best. It burns the most calories per time spent on it, and if you have a good one, you can change pace and "terrain." This is done by putting the tread at an incline.
The original treadmill was basically a conveyor belt deal that was powered by walking or running. This was a bit cumbersome and could be very difficult to use, so eventually a motor was added. Today's treadmills have many bells and whistles that make it seem like a space shuttle in comparison to the Wright brother's plane.
Emergency Clip: This addition is important if you are like me and tend to be a bit on the clumsy side. It is attached to your clothing and if it becomes detached, it immediately stops the machine. This could prevent a nasty fall.
Heart Monitor: There are two reasons this is a good idea, and if your treadmill doesn't have one, you may want to invest in one. In order to maintain an aerobic workout, your heart rate should be within set parameters. If it goes too fast or too slow, it is anaerobic and not as efficient at burning calories.
The second is for those who have heart problems. Your cardiologist will tell you what to look for in order to protect your cardiovascular system. In fact, at first the cardiologist may prefer that you use the equipment at a cardiac rehab facility to make sure that nothing goes wrong during the workout.
Incline: Two benefits can be found in this arena, the higher the incline the more calories burned, which is great if that's the goal. Also, as the incline changes, the types of muscles used can change, making your workout affect more of your body.
Programs: There are many different programs you can set your equipment to. These programs will raise and lower the incline automatically so that you get a varied workout.
TVs/Monitors: If you've ever tried to read while on a treadmill, you know that it can be somewhat tricky, especially when it comes to page turning. However, newer equipment come with a tv/monitor built right onto the machine. This removes the boredom quotient of extended programs, and it beats page turning by a long shot.
Pace: Some of us on the exercise challenged list need to keep the pace slow, but others love to run. Most treadmills can go at speeds up to six miles per hour, which allows all of us to find a pace that works best.
Whether you're buying the equipment or looking for a gym, it's a good idea to ask questions about the particular piece of equipment you're interested in. Make sure someone shows you how to work it properly, including all of the safety features. With a quality treadmill, you can continue your exercise program even in the dead of winter.
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