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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:
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.
You can
conveniently purchase a quality treadmill from Smooth Fitness.
We sell factory direct, which means savings of up to 45%.
All prices include shipping to your home.
We make
it easy to lose weight and get in shape.
Click
on SmoothFitness.com
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