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The Fitness and Health Report
Information for a Healthy Life
June 2001, Issue 23
Why a Treadmill?
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.
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