Treadmills

What are treadmills?

A treadmill is a piece of indoor sporting equipment used to allow for the motions of running or walking while staying in one place. The word treadmill traditionally refers to a type of mill which was operated by a person or animal treading steps of a wheel to grind grain.

The principle is a belt system (an electric motor or flywheel connected to a circular run of material) where the top of the belt moves to the rear so as to allow a runner to run an equal, and necessarily opposite speed. Thus the speed of the run can easily be set or measured (the rate at which the belt moves is the rate at which the runner moves). The more expensive, heavy-duty versions are motor-driven. The simpler, lighter, cheaper versions are passive, moving only when the walker pushes the belt with their feet, and operates just to resist the motion.

What are the advantages of treadmills over other fitness equipment?

• As a cardiovascular exercise:
• Running or walking on a treadmill can be an effective way to work out, like other complex cardiovascular exercises (similar to non-treadmill walking/running). As with all exercise, regular treadmill use increases endurance.
• Treadmills offer the benefit of reduced impact since all treadmills offer some sort of shock absorption. Exercising on a treadmill can reduce the strain to the ankles, knees and lower back of users.

• As an indoor activity:
• Users who would not run/walk outdoors (e.g. due to unfavourable weather conditions, uneven road surfaces, dangerous neighbourhoods or unwanted attention) may use an indoor treadmill.
• Users who do not wish to join a gym may use an indoor treadmill at home.
• Users can do other things while exercising, such as watching television or reading.

• As a machine:
• Enables exact calculation and adjustment of slope and speed.
• As most of the factors of the activity are known, the energy expended may be calculated.
• Some treadmills have special features such as step count, heart rate monitors, amount of calories expended.

Where can I buy treadmills?

You can buy treadmills online or in a retail store, where you will be able to try before you buy. Here are some online outlets where you can buy treadmills:

• Powerhouse Fitness

What's the best treadmill?

The Matrix Treadmill range is generally considered the ultimate in treadmill design and specification, but Life Fitness Treadmills and Horizon Treadmills are also very good.