How Treadmills Compare To Other Types Of Home Fitness Equipment
When it comes to exercise, people like to walk or run. These are natural activities for us. They can have practical applications, such as getting from one place to another. They require less gear than many other forms of exercise (although you can spend a bundle on shoes, clothes and other accessories if you really wanted). And walking or running are great forms of exercise. They burn calories, work many muscle groups and strengthen cardiovascular components in the body. Walking is one of the best or perhaps the only feasible form of exercise for people with diseases such as osteoporosis, hypertension and chronic back pain. Walking doesn't require a lot of technical know-how or instruction. We already know how to do it, and a few pointers about heart rate and breathing will at least get us on the road. In general, walking and running are easy and convenient ways to improve health and fitness and a home treadmill adds to this overall appeal.
According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, over 40 million consumers purchase treadmills each year and the number continues to grow. Treadmills account for over 1/3 of all home exercise equipment sales. So why do so many people choose treadmills and how do they compare to stair machines, stationary bikes and other home fitness equipment?
Ease and Convenience
The number one reason people use a treadmill is convenience. It allows you to exercise even when the weather is bad or the fitness center is closed. You can exercise in the early morning or after dinner or whenever the mood strikes you. You can even use your treadmill in the buff if you don't feel like washing your workout clothes.
You can read, watch TV, talk with friends, or listen to music or audiotapes while you exercise on a treadmill. You can keep an eye on your kids, wait for files to download, take care of dinner or the laundry and even meditate, think through problems or make grocery lists.
For those who need to stay in the office until five - even when it's not busy, or who prefer to exercise in the privacy of their own homes, a treadmill is ideal. Also, in some areas and neighborhoods, walking or running exposes one to traffic, muggers or vicious dogs. These hazards are avoided by using a treadmill.
Another reason people like treadmills is because you can just hop on and walk without a great deal of preparation and even if you don't work terribly hard at it, you still accomplish something. But today's treadmills make it easy to program in workout routines that simulate hills or vary speeds to enhance the effectiveness of your workout or challenge you to work harder and improve. The control panels are typically user friendly and many machines have built in heart rate monitors.
Clearly a treadmill provides several advantages over walking or running outside. And it is often easier and less expensive than other types of home exercise equipment, but how does it compare in terms of pure cardiovascular workout and calorie burning?
A Better Burn
According to a study done by the Medical College of Wisconsin and the VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, a person using a treadmill for 60 minutes burns an average of 865-705 calories. Check that against other common exercise equipment:
· stair machine 746-637 calories burned
· rowing machine 739-606 calories burned
· stationary cycle 604-5956 calories burned
· cross-country ski machine 678-595 calories burned
Treadmill vs Elliptical Machine
What about the new elliptical machines? An elliptical cross trainer with handles to work the upper body provides a workout that compares to that of a treadmill when it comes to muscles used and heart rate issues. The main difference between the two types of home exercise equipment is that and elliptical machine operates more smoothly and creates less of an impact on bones and joints. This might be good for those with recent injuries or chronic conditions, but it is the impact that helps maintain or improve bone density, which in turn strengthens bones and prevents the loss of calcium.
Most experts agree that a healthy person needs the bouncing and jarring associated with walking or running to keep bones, muscles and joints working properly. A treadmill is one of the few home fitness machines that provide this type of exercise. And most come with a cushioned platform to minimize impact or keep it at an acceptable level. As with any form of exercise, it is a good idea to check with your doctor first if you have health conditions that may make it difficult or unwise for you to participate in certain activities.
With a treadmill, the concept is basically simple. If you want to work harder, you increase the incline or the speed. Usually this is done with a push of the button. An elliptical machine can be adjusted to target certain muscle groups, but it requires some knowledge and usually must be done manually. And because elliptical machines are relatively new to the home fitness market, there are fewer models to choose from and they tend to cost a bit more than the average treadmill. Some people have commented that they feel the elliptical machines can be more difficult to use because the motions do not feel as natural as walking or running. It is a good idea to try out any piece of exercise equipment before buying to see how it feels and fits with your needs.
Many people who exercise do so because they know they should, not because they thoroughly enjoy it. Sure you feel good after you complete your workout, but sometimes getting motivated can be difficult. And if you are going to put in the time, you want to know that what you're doing is actually helping you burn calories and become more fit. Treadmills rank at the top of the list when it comes to home fitness equipment, providing one of the most effective workouts in proportion to the amount of time spent. So make your movements count. Try a treadmill.
C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer for Treadmill-Ratings-n-Reviews.net, providing treadmill ratings and reviews on the best treadmill models.
Copyright 2004 Treadmill-Ratings-n-Reviews.net
Permission is granted to publish this article on your site only if all links are left intact.
Latest News
 WNCT | Fitness-equipment maker to build plant in Greensboro Winston-Salem Journal, NC - GREENSBORO -- Precor Inc., an international manufacturer of physical-fitness equipment, said yesterday it would build a manufacturing plant in Greensboro. ... Fitness Equipment Company Bringing 142 Jobs To Guilford County Fitness Equipment Co. to Bring 142 Jobs to Guilford Co. Precor to build new plant in North Carolina |
 Lehigh University Athletics | Welch Fitness Center to receive new equipment Lehigh University Athletics, PA - The Fitness Center will expand its equipment with the addition of both cardiovascular and strength equipment by Star Trac. Cardiovascular training equipment ... |
Ten more ways to stay fit and healthy during the holidays Sky Hi Daily News, CO - 6) Rather than food and wine, purchase fitness equipment as gifts for friends and relatives — such as resistive tubing, dumbbells, exercise balls of all ... |
Taylor gym adds new equipment Brown and White, PA - By Allie Rolnik The Welch Fitness Center in Taylor Gymnasium will be updated over winter break with the addition of four treadmills, two stationary bicycles ... |
LifeSpan Rowing Machine Wins Award in Best Fitness Equipment Review MarketWatch - In its annual review of fitness equipment, ShapeYou.com awarded the top rated LifeSpan Rowing Machine a Seal of Excellence in the best fitness equipment ... |
Paralyzed man awarded $18.5 million from weightlifting accident at ... Marina del Rey Argonaut, CA - Bostick, 39, became a quadriplegic nearly eight years ago after weightlifting equipment crashed onto him, breaking his neck, during a workout at Gold's Gym ... |
 Friday Flyer | Blaze destroys portion of fitness center Friday Flyer, CA - By Saturday, cleanup was well underway and David was optimistic he would be able to open the undamaged left side of the building with cardio equipment ... |
Precor Names New England, New York Metro Home Fitness Dealer MarketWatch - HEST currently operates a successful chain of 14 fitness equipment stores throughout Texas. "We're looking forward to collaborating closely with this new ... Precor Selects Sport Chalet for California, Arizona and Nevada Precor Selects Sport Chalet for California, Arizona and Nevada Sport Chalet Teams With TM Advertising |
 PR Web (press release) | Tempe & Scottsdale Fitness Equipment Dealer, Fitness 4 Home ... PR Web (press release), WA - Fitness 4 Home Superstore, Arizona's premier supplier of home and commercial fitness equipment, is extending special financing options to consumers in a ... |
Editorial: Bulked up gym just might work out Brown and White, PA - By Edit board The addition of new equipment in Taylor Gym is long overdue, but much appreciated. Among the new machines are two stationary bicycles, ... |