Treadmill

Treadmill Basics

Treadmills are the most popular piece of cardio equipment, because they're versatile and a cinch to use and offer a calorie-incinerating workout.

Treadmills are a staple of gyms. They provide a safe, variable cardio workout you can do despite whatever weather is swirling outside. And how else can you run a few miles while chatting with your best gym buddy?

A range of treadmills are also available for home use. There are two basic types: those with motors and those without. Although they are more expensive, motorized treadmills are of higher quality. Good treadmills allow you to adjust both the speed and the incline of your workout and give you feedback on distance traveled, calories burned, pace and workout time.

Upside of Treadmills

Bad weather? Too late to walk alone? A treadmill lets you work out on your own terms wherever and whenever you want.
It's useful for short, high-intensity workouts because you set a speed and then must keep up with it.
Setting the treadmill in front of your TV can let you multitask as you get your run in while catching up on how your stocks did or the latest celebrity gossip.

Downside of Treadmills

The treadmill becomes a dreadmill if there's nothing to keep your mind occupied.
Running uphill on a treadmill does not burn quite as many calories as running hills outdoors because you don't have to move against wind resistance.
The expense of a gym membership or purchasing a quality home treadmill may make you want to run away.

Is a Treadmill for You?

This chart can help you see how the treadmill fits your goals and lifestyle concerns.

Body Parts Worked	Legs, lungs, heart
Calories Burned	About 540 an hour for a 150-pound person running 5 miles per hour, 725 for a 200-pound person
Gear	Treadmill, good pair of walking or running shoes, entertainment, plenty of water
Location	Gym or buy a treadmill for your home
Time	20-60 minutes, 3-6 days a week
Schedule/Flexibility	Whenever you have time

Treadmill Tips

Some tips for buying a home treadmill:

Always try before you buy. Expect to pay at least $1,000 for a good motorized treadmill. Although lower pricing may tempt you, take a pass on non-motorized treadmills.
If you have children, pets or a clumsy spouse, look for a model that has plenty of safety features such as a start function that requires a code.
Look for a one-year or longer warranty, and make sure service is readily available.

Liz Neporent, MA on Treadmills

Love running or walking? Hate it when rain, snow or other reason keeps you inside? Well maybe a treadmill is for you.

Whether at home or the gym, entertainment is important to keep you moving on the treadmill. This doesn’t mean you should try any complicated choreography to become the latest Internet hit – that’s been done before. Instead, listen to music, watch TV or do whatever you need to keep going.

Remember, the treadmill isn’t going to do you any good unless you use it. And you’ll be more likely to use it if you enjoy it.

iVillagers Say

"I started to walk on my treadmill at 4 m.p.h. for one mile, five times a week. After about two weeks I started running at 8 m.p.h. for one minute of every five minutes of walking. I lost 22 pounds and dropped two dress sizes!" --An iVillager

"I bought a treadmill and was very motivated for about one month. This is the eighth month I have owned it and I have probably only been on it about 10 times!" --An iVillager

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