When thinking of the gym, people mostly picture a row of treadmills. Still, going to the gym on a daily basis is not something that most people can do, and having a treadmill at home is not such a far-fetched idea today.
A treadmill is by far the most convenient exercise equipment that money can buy without breaking the bank. It brings immense health benefits, and it’s pretty simple to use.
This article will discuss the many features, benefits, types, and other concerns that consumers have when purchasing a home treadmill.
Treadmill Lose Weight Program
Cliché as it may sound, the treadmill is still the best equipment for losing weight. Not only does it keep people safe indoors, but some of the advanced features in certain treadmills also allow users to have a customized workout.
The only downside sometimes is that it can get boring eventually when training with the same treadmill routine. The good thing is treadmills can be used in many ways, and users can easily change their weight loss program by experimenting with different workout plans. Here are few:
1. Interval Workout Plan
There are several variations to this treadmill interval training plan, but the essence is to exercise intensely in short bursts and alternate with a slower-paced exercise like walking. One example of how to do this is by starting off with a comfortable 5-minute walk, after which a minute-long running routine follows. Repeat this order with 2 minutes walking and one minute running 10 times or up to 30 minutes. Then, cool down.
A 30-minute workout may not look much in a weight loss perspective, but evidence shows that short bouts of activity are just as beneficial as exercising for an extended amount of time. A 2013
Oregon State University study found that short bursts of activity for 10 minutes or less that accumulate to 30 minutes is great for cardiovascular health and weight loss. Interval workouts are a good way to be aware of one’s exertion level during a workout—not to mention, it prevents boredom from creeping in.
2. Hill Sculpting Workout Plan
This is a more intense treadmill incline workout that involves the muscles of the legs and an inclined treadmill. Begin this workout with a run on a flat treadmill. This serves as a warm up for the leg muscles. Afterwards, trainees need to slowly incline the treadmill until they get to a target incline degree. Ideally, this should be the maximum that the treadmill can reach. Try this for 20 minutes and progress from there.
Researchers at the
University of Colorado Boulder reported that the “optimal range” when it comes to slopes, both natural and mechanical, is between 20 and 35 degrees. At this level, athletes do not even need to run to get the benefits. Incline workouts like this help tone the muscles in the legs while the user strains against the raised surface of the treadmill.
3. Mixed Workout Plan
Find a middle ground between workouts. Practicing a mix of slow- and fast-paced exercises makes any fitness plan more sustainable. One dilemma that trainees have is sticking to the same high- or low-intensity workout.
The solution is to mix things up. Treadmill users can kick their routines up a notch by going faster for 30 minutes on select days and going slower on other days. The
Journal of Applied Physiology recommends alternating exercise routines as the key to losing weight in a sustainable manner.
As any fitness lover knows, it’s important to pace one’s self in any workout. Beginners, in particular, should not give in to the pressure of getting immediate results.
Mayo Clinic cautions against overexertion. If the exercise is causing pain or shortness of breath, it might be time to take a step back and let things unfold gradually.
Treadmill Exercise Tips for Beginners
It’s important to achieve balance in the beginning of a workout plan. Beginners who have never done any treadmill exercise before need to be careful not to get injured or overtired. Here are a few tips to help beginners avoid the most common mistakes:
1. Start slow.
One way to avoid exercise injuries is to take things easy. Starting with an easy 10-minute workout is better than going for an intense routine that will make muscles too sore to go on. To make the most out of it, set the treadmill’s incline at 5 degrees after six minutes of walking and then bring it back to zero after two minutes. For the last two minutes, set a higher incline at 7.5 degrees and walk or run vigorously at zero.
2. Walk first.
The most common exercise is walking, and it doesn’t hurt to start from there. Walk with a moderate pace of 2.5 or 3 mph and gradually increase the speed. Do this for around 15 minutes.
This may seem slow, but treadmill calories burned at 3 mph walking can reach up to 219 calories per hour. Walking slowly is even more beneficial for people dealing with obesity. For instance,
walking slower than usual at 2 mph lowers the chances of knee injuries by 25% and burns more calories among obese people.
3. See a bigger picture.
There’s nothing better than a workout plan that can be sustained for weeks or, even better, for a lifetime. Aside from combining different kinds of exercise, trainees will benefit from spreading out their schedule. The US Department of Health and Human Services endorses getting a minimum of
150 minutes of moderate exercise every week. This can be lowered to 75 minutes per week by doing intense aerobic exercise. Working out for a shorter time does not mean fewer results.
Treadmill Comparisons
There are numerous workout options out there, making it harder to decide whether a treadmill is the right choice or some other exercise equipment. Treadmill exercise is also sometimes viewed as less healthy than outdoor activities like jogging or road running, but is there truth to these claims? Here are some answers:
1. Is jogging better than treadmill?
People often wonder if the treadmill can ever replace jogging. While an outdoor activity like jogging has known benefits, running and/or walking on a treadmill offers more consistency. Aside from being safer, a treadmill is gentler on the body than the elements outside. Exercises do not have to worry about unpredictable weather or meeting an accident in the rough landscape outdoors.
A
2016 study also found that non-motorized (manual) treadmills decrease the stress on the tibial area of the legs way better than outdoor activities like jogging. Manual treadmills also scored better than motorized types in this respect. Exercising on a treadmill is better on the legs than jogging outside.
Admittedly, for those with weight loss as key objective, jogging generally burns more calories. Specifically, a jog of less than 10 minutes can burn
223 calories in a 155-pound person, while walking on a treadmill for 4 mph in 60 minutes only equates to 167 calories burned. The possible explanation for this is the effort it takes to jog in an unpredictable environment that has much rougher terrain than a gym.
2. Is treadmill running the same as road running?
Running on a treadmill provides more opportunities for control. In a quiet gym environment, treadmill users can set the speed, incline, and duration that they prefer, something that is not possible with road running. Now, while a treadmill has noticeable differences from the natural landscape outside, a
study actually found that adopting a one percent grade places a treadmill closer, at least physiologically, to the experience of running outside.
Nevertheless, running is the runaway winner in terms of giving a total workout.
Many experts say that the diverse landscape outside offers much-needed variety to a workout. Particularly, runners get to move around more, and they have the opportunity to run downwards, which is not usually possible in treadmills.
3. Is treadmill better than exercise bike?
The answer to this depends entirely on specific goals. For people who want to lose weight, using the treadmill is more preferable as it tends to burn slightly more calories. According to this
treadmill calculator, a 30-minute moderate exercise of 4 mph on a treadmill can burn 263.5 calories for a 155-pound person, while
cycling on a stationary bike for the same amount of time sheds 260 calories. The difference may be slight but it’s important to consider that treadmills have more features than bikes and so there’s more room for variety and more potential for someone to keep his or her fitness plan.
On the other hand, those who want to build muscles might find an exercise bike more useful as a bike workout focuses on the leg area. Pedalling a bike requires working one's quads and glutes, resulting in toned muscles. A stationary bike is also recommended for people with knee injuries or issues like arthritis as it’s gentler on joints.
4. Is treadmill better than elliptical trainer?
These two have very different impacts on the body, so choosing one over the other largely depends on the kind of exercise a person wants or needs. For people who are comfortable walking or running, the treadmill is still the best exercise equipment. It’s especially useful for those training to join a marathon. Sweating it out on a treadmill also gets rid of 544 calories when exercising for 4 mph in one hour versus
365 calories burned when training on an elliptical for the same duration.
If having a total workout is a priority, then an elliptical trainer could be of better help. Unlike the treadmill’s focus on the lower body, an elliptical trainer could easily give a full-body workout, provided that both handles and pedals are actively used. Some models even allow backward pedaling, which is great for lower-body workout. Finally, as a low-impact exercise machine, an elliptical trainer does not cause as much wear and tear on knees and joints, so many people find it easier to use than a treadmill.
How to Pick a Treadmill for Home Use (Buyer’s Guide)
A treadmill for home use is a good investment, but a superior treadmill can be expensive. As such, buying a home treadmill should take careful consideration by looking at a few important factors like the following:
1. Consider the workout plan.
The motor power should be chosen based on how a buyer plans to use a treadmill. If he or she is planning to do some intense workouts like running on a treadmill, then an AC-powered treadmill is a good choice as changing speed setting is smoother on an AC motor than a DC motor. In terms of speed, treadmills with a capacity of 12 mph or higher are ideal for sprint running.
If a buyer is mostly planning to walk or do moderate exercise, then a treadmill with a lower maximum speed, such as 8 mph, should suffice.
2. Check the available space.
It does not hurt to take measurements of the available floor space in the home. Consider whether the length, width, and height of the treadmill will fit in the said space. Keep in mind a treadmill meant for running should have a wider belt, typically between 20” to 22” wide.
If the space is small, then a foldable treadmill may be preferable, but it also needs a storage space that may need to be measured before purchase. It saves time to have these dimensions in hand on the way to the store.
3. Choose the features that are absolutely necessary.
Not all programs found in treadmills are particularly useful. For instance, do exercisers really need a TV installed on the treadmill dashboard? This might be a good distraction while pushing for a 1-hour workout, but it might not be the best for posture.
A study from Spain seems to suggest that looking straight at a TV screen while using a treadmill can be damaging to the knees as it causes the runner to lift his or her body and put more strain on the joints.
There are a few features that are generally considered necessary, such as a heart rate monitor, a good LCD display, speed and incline controls, built-in speakers, an emergency stop button, WiFi connectivity, to name a few. Think about the features that are really needed and those that one can live without. This will affect the kind of budget required for the treadmill brand that has all the wanted features.
4. Set a budget.
For most, this is the most important factor to consider. This is also the first thing that changes depending on the features a buyer wants. High-end treadmills can cost $3000 or more, but they also have the most complete set of features. Mid-range treadmills are also sturdy and durable and come with lots of features, with prices ranging from $1000 to $2000. Treadmills under $1000 are lighter and usually foldable but may not be as sturdy as pricier models.
Treadmill Safety
While it’s true that treadmills are wildly popular, they can also pose some danger when not used properly. In 2014, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the US reported that
around 24,000 people were hospitalized in relation to treadmill accidents. The following are some tips to prevent injuries from occurring while sweating it out on a treadmill:
1. Give it space.
The space dedicated for a home treadmill should have room for movement and not crammed in a corner of a room. Give at least 2 feet of space on both sides of the treadmill and about 5 feet behind so the machine is not slammed against the wall. Having enough space around helps prevent scrapes from hitting the wall or furniture as well as falling on hard objects in case of imbalance.
2. Watch children.
Place the treadmill in a room that kids do not normally use or enter into. Keep an eye on kids who seem to be interested in how to operate the treadmill as they might try something when left unsupervised. Educate children about the dangers of playing with a treadmill.
3. Do not use phones.
One of the main causes of any accident is distraction. For busy people, it’s not uncommon to see exercisers who keep checking their phones while working the treadmill. This keeps one’s attention away from walking or running, which can easily lead to tripping on the treadmill and slamming against the moving belt. This is also another reason why TV viewing is not advisable while on the treadmill.
4. Never step off when the treadmill is moving.
This is a recipe for disaster, one that unfortunately happens a lot. It may seem easy to just leave the machine running when stepping off to visit the bathroom or grab a drink, but this habit can pose a danger to the user and those around him or her. Shut the treadmill off before dismounting.
In the same vein, do not start the treadmill while standing on the platform. Straddle the sides of the treadmill before turning it on and then step on the belt when it starts moving.
5. Take it easy.
This is especially true for first-time users. Start a workout with a slower pace by walking instead of running. If an intense exercise is important, try to use the incline button to add challenge to the walk.
In spite of the perceived dangers of treadmill exercise, the benefits still outweigh the risks when treadmill exercise is compared to
doing nothing at all. Keep in mind that these potential problems are easily avoidable with presence of mind and a little common sense.
Special Types of Treadmills
It’s the 21st century and, of course, there are recent innovations in the way people use treadmills. Not only are they packed with feature, treadmills also have hybrid designs that make exercise more efficient. Here are some “special” types of treadmills:
1. Treadmill Bike
Something that not many people have heard, a treadmill bike combines the power of a treadmill with the ease of riding a bike. A bike of this kind has a treadmill belt instead of pedals, so it’s still the person who moves the wheels.
One example of a treadmill bike is the
Lopifit, which was designed by a Dutch inventor named Bruin Bergmeester who wanted to make a “
treadmill on wheels.” He succeeded and now the bike is being sold at almost $3000 and can run from 30 to 50 miles. Because of the effort it takes to walk on the treadmill at a moving speed, it is believed that the treadmill bike can burn
twice as many calories as an ordinary treadmill. This is yet to be proven.
2. Treadmill Desk
Just as the name suggests, a treadmill desk is a version of a standing desk that features a treadmill underneath. This allows users, particularly office workers, to exercise while doing their work. This invention most likely stemmed from new warnings from doctors that
sitting is as just as bad to people’s health as smoking. One solution people came up with was to install a treadmill to their desks to encourage physical activity without affecting productivity.
Some researchers do warn that the knowledge about the impact of treadmill desks is premature. They believe that, while walking on treadmill desks does increase activity, it does not mean that they are getting enough exercise as they may not be completing the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week.
3. Curved Treadmill
The curved treadmill is another innovative machine with eco-friendly and holistic design. It doesn’t require electricity; instead, it relies on the person’s energy and power. Unlike a typical manual treadmill, this has a curved design that makes it easier to pull the tread down and make it move. It also has a much simpler design with its minimalist approach to treadmill features.
Additionally, it’s a high-calorie burning device that pushes a user’s body more than an ordinary motorized treadmill. According to a
study from the University of Essex, runners who were tested on curved treadmills had an average of 32% more oxygen consumption and 16% higher heart rates than those who used motorized treadmills. One downside of this treadmill, however, is the high price to pay. Curved treadmills from
Woodway, for instance, starts from $6000, twice the price of a high-end motorized treadmill.
Home Gym vs. Gym Membership: Which Is Better?
Everyone has different needs when it comes to training and fitness. While some need the sense of community of commercial gyms in order to keep on going, others are much happier to exercise in the privacy and quiet of their home. Both have their advantages and disadvantages and buyers should know about a few of these before making a decision.
1. Pro 1: Commercial gyms have more options.
Gyms are usually fully equipped with all kinds of machines, from weights to StairMasters to treadmills. This provides members with countless opportunities to achieve a full-body workout as they can freely change from one equipment to the next.
2. Pro 2: Commercial gyms have a social atmosphere.
One of the reasons people sign up for a gym membership is for the chance to meet people. Considering that most, if not all, of the people inside a gym want to lose weight and stay healthy, the gym is the perfect place to meet like-minded people who can share one’s fitness journey and motivate each other to keep coming to the gym not just to keep fit but to socialize as well.
3. Con: Commercial gyms can get crowded.
For the same reason above, gyms have crowds of people who provide a social atmosphere but also fill the gym to the brim, especially at certain times or days. This can get in the way when there is a specific machine that a member wants to access but another member has already beat them to the punch.
4. Pro 1: Home gyms are a personal space.
One great advantage of having a home gym is the freedom to use the gym anytime or any day one wants. There’s no need to reserve equipment or line up after other users. The bonus convenience of a home or garage gym also increases the chances of keeping one’s fitness plan. Plus, training at home does not require going out in the cold or rain and saves the energy it takes to drive to a commercial gym.
5. Pro 2: Home gym designs are up to the owner.
The kind and number of equipment to include depends entirely on the owner’s preferences. He or she even has the option to buy equipment that is not normally found at a local gym, such as a rowing machine. The costs can also be controlled according to how much the owner wants to spend.
6. Con: Home gyms are expensive.
This is true in the beginning. Building a home gym means that the owner has sole responsibility for financing. While it’s completely plausible to have a gym with only one machine, it’s likely that the owner will need more. One solution is to build the gym slowly; adding equipment only when the budget permits.
The good news is the upfront payments are only necessary at the start, and the absence of membership fees may mean bigger savings in the future.
Conclusion
Treadmills remain to be a popular exercise equipment, and with good reason, they are flexible and they’re the closest people will ever get to free running—that is, free from the distraction and obstacles found in outdoor sports.
Treadmills have countless benefits to the body and are relatively easy to learn and adopt to a person’s workout plan. When compared with other exercise machines, they usually come out as the winner.
A treadmill does have its limitations, with safety being one concern, but in the world of gym memberships and high-intensity workouts, it can be hard to find a machine that causes zero accidents. This is why it’s important to keep in mind a few tips that will keep everyone, including children, safe and healthy.
In the end, buying a treadmill does outweigh the drawbacks of owning one, but every buyer should do their research and take their time deciding whether a treadmill is right for them.