MOTOR SKILLS
Choosing the most appropriate treadmill.
Treadmills are among the most common pieces of home exercise equipment purchased each year. They vary in price from $200-$10,000 and come in versions from compact to commercial. Features now include built-in MP3 and DVD players, as well as pre-programmed routines. In short, they do everything but the movement for you. They can be purchased at discount stores, specialty stores, sporting goods retailers and on the Internet. With all these options and varieties, how does someone go about choosing the best treadmill for their needs?
First and foremost, what purpose will the treadmill serve? Hopefully, it will be a medium for furthering your personal fitness, not an over-priced drying rack. Determining your individual needs may include addressing the following questions:
• Will it be used for walking, walking/running or high speed running?
• How many hours will it be used each day?
• How tall or heavy are the users?
• In what room will the treadmill be placed?
• Do you get bored easily during workouts?
• How technologically savvy are the users?
Lower-end treadmills cost $250-$500 and typically have about 2.25-2.5 HP motors, which may be satisfactory for light walking and those with a very limited budget. Medium-grade units cost $700-$1,200 and have between 2.5-3.0 HP motors with higher-grade parts. Medium-grade treadmills are appropriate for running under 8 mph, runners of average build and for intermittent use. Higher-grade treadmills cost $1,500 or more and have a wide range of extras. They typically have 3.0 HP motors and are appropriate for daily use in running or walking for users of all sizes. These typically have at least 20-year warranties, superior cushioning, the largest belt size and the most solid construction. Commercial-grade treadmills are the most durable and are designed for high volume use over a long period of time. They usually cost more than $2,500.
A treadmill that will be used for walking only does not need a significant maximum speed. Most treadmills will have a maximum speed of at least 10 miles per hour. This equates to 6 minutes per mile, which is a relatively fast running speed. A treadmill that will be used for running in the 8-9 mile ranges should have a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour. This keeps the demand of the treadmill at a lower percentage than its maximum output. Higher speeds are available on special models at an increased price.
Having a power incline is relatively standard. This feature is very important if the goal is to maximize calorie expenditure but still maintain a walking speed. The higher the incline, the greater the physical demand at a given speed. An incline of 10 percent is sufficient and common on most models. Specialty models incline as high as 15 percent.
Like maximum speed, the number of hours per day that the treadmill will be used will guide the buyer’s decision. Not only will greater power allow the treadmill to work at a lower capacity, but a higher quality deck and motor will increase the longevity of the unit. If the total use will likely exceed 2 hours daily, especially if running or inclining, then no less than a mid-grade quality should be considered, generally costing $1,000.
The size of the user is important also. For users over 6 feet tall, a longer deck should be considered. The standard length is approximately 52 inches, with longer models available. Heavier users should choose a treadmill with at least 2.5 HP to prevent over-working the motor.
Go into the purchase knowing where you will put your treadmill, so you know if you will need a folding model. For users with dedicated space (basement, recreation / exercise room, etc.) a non-folding unit is best since the frame will be more stable and durable. If you do need a folding model, try collapsing and moving it at the store before making the purchase. Also consider the amount of noise the motor and unit create in relation to where it will be located in the house. A steel frame may be slightly quieter than aluminum frames.
The last two questions can be answered similarly and relate to the electronics of the treadmill. For users who get bored easily, automatic and pre-set programs may be beneficial. Likewise, more expensive models may include features such as built-in DVD players, TVs, MP3 players, ipod connections and displays of the user’s performance. If the user is not technologically savvy, then a more simple display console may be appropriate. These are luxury features, so keep in mind you can always just put the treadmill in front of a television or wear headphones with a portable MP3 player. The money for these features can go toward a higher quality motor.
Generally speaking, a quality treadmill with the appropriate power and common features will cost approximately $1,000. Keep in mind, there might be several treadmills in your neighborhood right now being utilized as extra closet space. You might get a very good deal on a quality treadmill just by asking around or checking the classifieds.
Remember, the best treadmill is one that will be used. Buying an inexpensive version that cannot fulfill the needs of the user is likely a waste. Likewise, an expensive treadmill that is too complicated will gather dust.
On a final note, when considering a treadmill purchase, always try it out first. Go shopping with your running shoes. If considering an online purchase, try to find a retailer or fitness facility that has the same unit and try it out. During your “test drive” get a feel for how easy it is to work the controls, how solid it feels when in use, and how easy it is to fold up if needed. Buying a treadmill could be a great investment in your health by improving the convenience of working out. Move on (and on and on…)!
Fitness
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