I'm
sure you have all seen the numerous fitness equipment infomercials.
The promises are beyond absurdity. Get the perfect abs in 10 minutes
a day. Have a sculpted body in no time. Each machine lauds patented
revolutionary technology designed to miraculously get you in shape
and lose pounds with a minimal effort.
If
it was only that easy.
If
you want to look great and feel healthy you have to work at it. That
generally requires a vigorous exercise routine combined with a well
balanced diet. To lose weight and trim down you need to burn calories
on a regular basis. It doesn't take a Rhodes Scholar to figure that
out.
Of
all the various types of fitness equipment that come and go, there
is one that is still a major contender, that is a treadmill. Torso
Track, Total Gym 1000/2000, Ab Sculptor, Ab Rockers, Ab Doers, Slam
Man, Thighmasters, Toning System, Door Gym, Orbitrek are here today
gone tomorrow.
Why
do you not find treadmills sold on infomercials? Because it is not
a high margin, hyped up exercise equipment. The majority of the infomercial
equipment is designed for one purpose, to make as much money as soon
as possible before the general public figures out they don't work.
A substantial portion of the price of this equipment is going towards
the promotions.
Who
are the people that primarily buy this stuff? Individuals who want
to believe that there are shortcuts to losing weight and getting in
shape. Getting fit takes time and effort, and no machine is
going to avoid that reality.
Have
you ever seen any infomercial equipment at a health club? No, because
they don't work and they're not built to last. What you will see is
a number of treadmill, often with people waiting their turn to use
them.
It
really is a numbers game. The more time you spend doing cardiovascular
exercises the more calories you are going to burn and the more weight
you will lose. And if you are looking for fitness equipment that will
get the maximum burn, then a treadmill should be at the top of your
list.
According
to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, consumers spend more
money for treadmills then any other home exercise equipment. In 2000
there were over 40 million treadmill users, a 9% increase over
the following year.
The
treadmill is unsurpassed for a cardiovascular workout. It works the
large muscles in your body. According to a study done by the Medical
College of Wisconsin and the VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, calories
burned on the treadmill for 60 minutes averaged 865 - 705.
This
compares to:
Stair
machine 746 - 637
Rowing
machine 739 - 606
Stationary
cycle 604 - 556
Cross-country
ski machine 678 - 595
This
is one of numerous studies, including one by the American Medical
Association, that rank a treadmill as the number one cardiovascular
machine. There are several other important factors that make treadmill
exercising so practical.
Either
Run or Walk
The
two most popular forms of exercising are running and walking. Whether
you are a casual walker or a serious runner, a treadmill can accommodate
your exercise needs. Set the speed and incline to suite your desired
cardiovascular goals. You can do a power walk up an incline or a heart
pumping run at high speed.
Avoid
Bad Weather
A
treadmill can guarantee a consistent workout in all seasons. If you
live in a cold climate, freezing temperatures and snow will not disrupt
your workout. For those in warm temperate regions, you don't need
to be concerned about heat exhaustion in hot and humid weather.
Low
Impact
For
walkers and runners alike, injuries are common from the constant pounding
of joints on asphalt and concrete. Particularly higher end treadmills
offer surfaces that absorb impact and reduce pressure. Injuries are
less common and stress is reduced on those critical joints. Achilles
tendons, knee joints, back muscles, ankles, thighs take less of a
beating, which guarantee that you'll continue to walk or run into
your old age.
Versatility
As
treadmills become more sophisticated so does the versatility of the
workout. Speed and incline have always been a feature on motorized
treadmills, but now your workout is enhanced by a variety of preprogrammed
computerized exercises. Simulate running up and down hills, focus
on cardio exercise, concentrate on burning calories, or work on speed
training. Often treadmills have preset programs with various levels
of intensity. In addition you can program your own workout, combining
speed with incline.
Choosing
a Treadmill
Treadmills
come in all shapes and sizes, including folding and stationary models.
It is important to find just that right model that accommodates your
present and future exercise goals. You can research on the Internet
through articles and reviews. In addition, you may want to talk with
fitness professionals that can recommend a treadmill specific to your
needs.
Don't
be lured by the blue light specials found in large retail and sporting
goods stores. They lack the components and functionality to provide
an enduring and pleasurable exercise experience. If you are in it
for the long run you'll want to buy a treadmill that is build to last
and designed to be virtually maintenance free.
Of
course buying a treadmill is just the beginning. You won't lose weight
looking at it. It is important to get yourself on a regular routine.
The more time you spend on it, the more calories you burn and the
more weight you lose. Find a fitness program that works for you. Depending
on your preference, combine your workout with music, television or
videos.
Treadmills
have experienced substantial and steady growth over the years. Since
their introduction there has never been a year where the sales have
decreased. They are designed to enhance the most popular form of exercising,
running and walking. They are built on the basic premise that the
more effort you put in, the more you will get out. As infomercial
fitness equipment and gimmicks gather dust, treadmills continue to
gain popularity and get results.
About
Fitness Equipment reviews treadmills and other fitness equipment
choices.
