How to Choose the Best Treadmill For Your Fitness Goals
Anyone who wants to run at the comfort of their home will find a treadmill a good investment. When shopping for a new machine be sure to consider your goals for running (and budget), as well as how often you plan to use the treadmill.
The treadmill best features a sleek design and folds flat, making it easy to put under a bed or against the wall. It comes with a 30-day free trial of iFIT that gives you access to professional coaches, workouts, and much more.
- Speed up
The ideal treadmill speed for jogging, walking and running depends on your fitness level and your goals. The treadmill is a great way to gradually increase your speed. You should not run too quickly on a treadmill because this can result in burning out very quickly and it can cause injuries. If you are new to running, you should start off with a low running speed, and then gradually build up your speed.
The speed of treadmills can be measured in terms of miles per hour while normal running speeds can be measured in minutes per mile. Try to adjust the speed of your treadmill to be in line with the minutes per mile read on a chart to ensure you're running at the right pace. Add one or two tenths of one mile-per-hour to the treadmill is a great method to adjust your speed and improve your running technique.
For beginners, it is recommended to start with a walk on the treadmill and then gradually work up to jogging, which is typically around three mph. This is a comfortable speed to walk at and doesn't cause too much strain on the legs, back and knees. Jogging requires more leg strength and endurance than walking. You can reach the speed of six mph and higher on the treadmill, depending on your height and stride length.
A good treadmill for running should have a high maximum speed of 15 mph, and an incline of 15%. It should also have a built-in fan and USB charging port, and be quiet enough for use indoors. It is recommended to select the treadmill with an extremely sturdy frame that can support up to 400 lbs in weight. It should be simple to fold up and move around to be used at home.
A quality treadmill will come with numerous extras like a tablet holder, USB charging port, and an adjustable incline. It must also have a wide running deck and be capable of accommodating runners of all sizes. It should be easy to set up and operate, and it should also include a safety cord that can stop the treadmill from moving if you are pushed forward or struck by an obstacle.
- Incline
If you're looking to take your workouts to the next level, then a treadmill that has an adjustable incline is essential. You can lose more calories by increasing the incline as you run or walk. It also increases your oxygen consumption, which improves your cardiovascular endurance.
It's important to remember that adding an incline can be a significant increase in intensity, so it's recommended to begin small and work to increase the speed. It's essential that an incline treadmill is easy to adjust, and has a wide enough range that you are capable of changing the angle when needed. It is recommended to start at a low incline between 1 and 2% regardless of your fitness level. This will give your body time to adapt to increased muscle building and burning calories.
Walking on a slight slope on the treadmill can boost the amount of calories burned by as much as 17 percent when compared to walking on a flat ground. This is especially beneficial if you're trying to lose weight and lower the percentage of body fat in your overall. Warm up for at minimum 1 minute before increasing the slope. Walking at a 1% slope is an excellent method of getting your body in shape to burn calories while improving your balance and posture.
You can also try increasing the incline for a more intense workout such as interval training or tempo runs. The incline will increase your heart rate and make your muscles be more active, which will lead to more calories burned. You should monitor your RPE throughout the exercise to make sure you are not overexerting.
Another benefit of a treadmill with a steeper incline is that it can make your workout feel more like the experience of hiking or climbing uphill outdoors. However, you'll need make sure that the incline of your treadmill is set up correctly to ensure safety and avoid injury. If you're unsure how to set it up, you can ask an expert trainer to help you set up your treadmill prior to attempting to use it to do an incline workout.
- Exercise
The most effective treadmill workouts provide many challenges, which allow you to burn calories and tone muscle groups throughout your body. For example, running on a steep incline increases the strength of the calves and glutes. This can help you maintain and build a strong, lean leg structure that is essential for a healthy weight loss. When you are lifting weights while running on the treadmill will also stimulate your shoulders, back and arms.
Treadmills also let you exercise more efficiently than outside. Running at a faster pace can reduce stress on your knees and lower back. The treadmill allows you to gradually increase your speed as you get stronger and fitter, which will help prevent injuries and speed up recovery time.
Many treadmills come with workout programs and apps that guide you through a variety of exercises. You can follow your own pace or take on a new challenge with the help of a professional. Many treadmills also keep track of your progress so that you can see how far you've come, and the amount of calories you've consumed.
In addition to treadmill workouts There are a variety of free online resources that can help you get inspired and help you achieve your fitness goals. The Peloton app, for example offers thousands of running sessions which means you can select one that suits your skill level.
When buying a treadmill you should consider physical factors like size of the belt, horsepower, and incline. It's also a good idea to evaluate the features on a treadmill, such as a touchscreen, Bluetooth compatibility, and easy-to-adjust buttons. Kollins Ezekh, a personal trainer and life coach recommends choosing a treadmill with different workouts that target various muscles.
If you're on a limited budget, you can still benefit from a treadmill by purchasing the best cheap treadmill. The Horizon EZ-Pro is inexpensive but still offers plenty of functionality and features a quick-dial dial that lets you easily pick up the pace or increase the incline. It's also lightweight and folds down flat, so you can place it under your mattress or prop it against the wall.
- Safety
Treadmills, despite having many advantages they can be hazardous if they are utilized incorrectly. There are risks associated with falling off and sustaining injuries as well as overheating or sliding. People who frequently use treadmills should discuss safety concerns with their physician before beginning an exercise program. It's also important to consider other people who will be using the treadmill. If you believe that pets or children could access the treadmill, then it is best to place it in a space that is away from reach. It's the same for guests or roommates who don't know how to use it.
When using a treadmill it is important to begin slowly and gradually increase the speed and incline setting. You can prevent 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 intended for stopping the belt on the treadmill in the event you lose your balance or fall off.
A great treadmill should have a sturdy frame, that will be able to support your weight without bending or warp. It will also be easy to read with an eye-catching screen that displays your heart rate and other details. It should be quiet enough for you to listen to music while exercising or watch TV.
Some of the best treadmills let you simulate hilly terrains outdoors, so you can prepare for an uphill event or race. You'll need to choose the treadmill that has an incline level that is comparable to the steepness of the hills in your area. The top treadmills will also allow users to connect their phones to the built-in speakers, so you can listen to your favorite tunes while running.
Before purchasing a treadmill, ensure to review the safety guidelines of the manufacturer and talk with your doctor about whether or not treadmills are healthy for you. It is also important to choose one that can be folded easily and take away when you are done using it.