How to Choose the Best Treadmill For Your Fitness Goals
Anyone who would like to run from the comfort of their own home will find a treadmill to be a great investment. When looking for a new treadmill take into consideration your running goals (and budget), as well as the frequency you intend to use the treadmill.
The treadmill is sleek and folds flat. It can be easily tucked under the bed, or leaning against the wall. It includes a free 30-day trial of iFIT which gives access to expert coaches and workouts.
1. Accelerate
The ideal treadmill speed for walking, jogging and running will depend on your fitness level and your goals. You want to increase your speed gradually, and the treadmill is a great method of doing this. When you are running too fast on a treadmill could cause you to get burned out quickly and could cause injury. If you're brand new to running, begin with a slow jogging speed and then gradually build up your speed.
Treadmill speeds are measured in miles per hour, and normal running paces are measured in minutes per mile. To ensure that you're running at the appropriate pace, try adjusting your treadmill speed to match the minutes-per mile reading on the chart. You can improve your running performance by adding one or two 10ths of a tenth to your treadmill speed.
For beginners, it is possible to start by walking on the treadmill, and gradually increase the pace to running. It is generally approximately three miles per hour. This is a comfortable speed to walk at and doesn't put too much stress on the back, legs and knees. Jogging can be a little more difficult to perform than walking and requires more leg strength and endurance. On the treadmill, you can reach speeds of six mph or more depending on your height.
A quality treadmill should have the maximum speed of 15 mph, and an incline of at least 15%. It should include a USB charging port and an inbuilt USB fan. It should be quiet enough to be suitable for indoor use. It is best to choose a treadmill with a sturdy frame that can support up to 400 pounds. It should also be easy to fold and move around, making it suitable for home use.
A great treadmill will have many additional features, including tablets, a tablet holder USB charging port, and an adjustable incline. It should also have a big deck that can accommodate runners of all sizes. It should be simple to install and use, and it should also have a safety cord to stop the treadmill from moving in case you are pulled forward or struck by an obstacle.
2. Incline
If you are looking to take your workouts to the next level and get your workouts to the next level, a treadmill that has an adjustable incline is necessary. You can increase your energy levels by increasing the incline whenever you walk or run. It also increases your oxygen intake which increases your cardiovascular endurance.
It's important to remember that adding an incline can be a big jump in intensity, so it's recommended to start small and gradually work your way up. A good treadmill for incline can be adjusted easily and offer a sufficient range that you can change the angle of your run or walk when you need to. It is recommended to start with a lower incline between 1 and 2%, regardless of your fitness level. This will give your body time to adapt to a greater muscle build-up and burning calories.
A slight slope can boost your calorie burn by up to 17 percent in comparison to walking on in a flat surface. This is especially beneficial if you're trying to lose weight and reduce your overall body fat percentage. Ideally you should warm up for at least a minute before you start increasing the slope of your workout. Walking on a 1% incline is a great method of getting your body ready to burn calories while improving your posture and balance.
You can also try increasing the incline for a more intense exercise such as interval training or tempo runs. The incline can help increase your heart rate and force your muscles to be more active which leads to more calories burning. You should monitor your RPE throughout the exercise to ensure you are not overexerting.
A treadmill that has an angle that is steeper can make you feel as if you are hiking or climbing a hill. However, you'll need to make sure that the incline of your treadmill is set up properly for safety and to avoid injuries. If you're unsure how to do this, you can ask a personal trainer to help you set up your treadmill prior to attempting to use it for an exercise on an incline.
3. Workouts
The most effective treadmill workouts provide a variety of challenges, allowing you to burn calories and tone muscles all over your body. For example running on a steep incline increases the strength of the calves and glutes. This can also help you build and maintain a strong, lean leg structure, which is crucial for a healthy weight loss. Holding weights while exercising on the treadmill can challenge your shoulders, back and arms.
Treadmills also let you perform more effectively than running outside. Running at a faster speed will lessen stress on your knees and lower back. The treadmill allows you to gradually increase your pace as you become stronger and fitter, which will help prevent injuries and speed up recovery.
Many treadmills have built-in workout apps and workout programs that will guide you through various exercises. You can decide to follow along and exercise at the same speed or take on something new under the help of an expert. A lot of treadmills also monitor your progress so you can see how far you've travelled and how many calories you've burned.
There are many free online resources that can aid you in reaching your fitness goals. For instance, the Peloton app has hundreds of running workouts which means you can find a session that's right for your ability level.
When purchasing a treadmill, it's crucial to think treadmills on sale about physical factors like belt size and horsepower, and also the incline's variability. It's important to compare treadmill features such as touchscreen, Bluetooth compatibility, and easy-to-adjust buttons. Personal trainer and life coach Kollins Ezekh recommends looking for a treadmill that can assist you in tackling tough roads, as well with a variety of workouts that target different muscles groups.
You can still enjoy the benefits of a good treadmill if you are on the funds to purchase. The Horizon EZ-Pro treadmill is affordable but it still offers a lot of functions. It has a quick-dial that lets you easily change the speed or the incline. It's also portable and folds down flat so you can easily store it under your bed or lean it against the wall.
4. Safety
Despite their many benefits treadmills can be dangerous if used improperly. The most common risks are being injured or falling off, overheating or tripping and sliding. Before starting an exercise routine treadmill users frequently should discuss safety concerns. Also, it's important to consider other people who might use the treadmill. If pets or children may be able access the treadmill, it ought to be kept in a separate space that is not within their reach. The same goes for roommates and guests who might not know how to operate it.
It is essential to begin slow on a treadmill and increase the speed and the incline gradually. You can avoid injuries to joints and muscles by avoiding working them too hard. Also, remember to disconnect the safety lock and remove it from the machine when you are done using it. The key is designed to stop the belt from moving on the treadmill in case you lose your balance and fall off.
A quality treadmill will have a sturdy frame that can support your weight without bending or warping. It should be easy to read, with a screen that shows your heart rate as well as other data. A good treadmill will be quiet enough to let you listen to music or watch TV while exercising.
Some of the best treadmills will allow you to simulate hilly outdoor terrains to prepare you for an uphill race or other event. You'll need to choose an item with a maximum gradient that matches the incline of hills in your local area. The best treadmills allow you to connect your smartphone to the built-in speakers so you can listen to your favorite songs while running.
Before you buy a treadmill, ensure to read the manufacturer's safety guidelines and speak with your doctor about whether treadmills are suitable for your health. It is also an excellent idea to purchase an item that is easy to fold and be wheeled away when you're done with it.