Whether or not to play sports, everyone decides for himself. But over time, motivating factors may appear in the form of jeans that suddenly become cramped or health problems that force them to do so. And then the question arises: “Where to do it: in the fitness center under the supervision of a trainer or at home?” The first is too expensive for many, so home training remains.
The most popular exercise machine for homework is considered to be a treadmill. It is most effective for burning fat, which, accordingly, helps to reduce weight and improve body shape. At first glance, only legs work on this simulator. Actually the whole body is involved. In addition, the heart also trains well. In this article, we’ll talk about how to choose a treadmill for your home. So let's get started.
Types of Treadmills
All models differ in the type of driving the canvas. In addition, each species has both disadvantages and advantages.
Mechanical tracks
The running belt works at the expense of human efforts: the student brings the simulator into an active state with the help of leg movements that simulate real running. In this case, the load and speed are regulated exclusively by the athlete. On the other hand, under such conditions, excessive load is created for the legs, which is unacceptable for people with diseases and injuries of the knee joints.
The low price, compactness and profitability speaks in favor of a mechanical path (it does not consume electricity).
The disadvantages include the low efficiency of the training process. Since the running belt is regulated by the practitioner's feet, its speed will depend on the degree of athlete fatigue. In other words, throughout the workout, the intensity of the load will change all the time. To achieve the best results, it should be constant.
In general, when considering mechanical models, you don’t even need to think much about how to choose a treadmill. These are the cheapest simulators with a minimum set of functions. If your budget is very limited, then there are no other options.
Magnetic tracks
If you are thinking about how to choose a treadmill with a not very high cost and wider functionality (than the mechanical model), then this option is the most suitable. In fact, a magnetic simulator is a transitional unit (between mechanical and electrical). The canvas is driven by legs, but the built-in magnet provides it with a smooth ride.
Also on magnetic tracks are more complex computers than on mechanical simulators. They allow you to record the following parameters: distance traveled, heart rate and calories burned.
Electric tracks
These are the most expensive exercise machines. If we are talking about how to choose a treadmill with maximum features, then this is the best option available on the market. Unlike the previous two units, here the blade rotates the electric motor.
The undeniable advantage of the electric track is the ability to regulate the load.
Ask any speed: from a leisurely walk to the Olympic hundred-meter race. It is limited solely by engine power.
On electric tracks are more advanced and accurate meters of heart rate and distance traveled. In addition, all possible training indicators are visible on the monitors, starting from the calories spent per hour and ending with the angle of inclination of the running surface. Also, electric simulators are the quietest of all tracks and have the smoothest ride.
In comparison with the mechanical and magnetic, the electric track has another advantage - the ability to engage in a ready-made training program. In every program laid (increasing endurance, burning fat, etc.), there are certain changes in the angle of elevation of the track and speed during training. In other words, the simulator automatically adjusts the load in accordance with the goals of your classes. In more expensive models, the function of self-compilation of the program is provided.
An important parameter when choosing an electric track is the motor power. Here, most buyers may have difficulty. Power is of two types - peak and constant. Sly sellers, as a rule, point to the price tags first. It is important for you to find out the testimony of the second. For example, for a person weighing 80 kilograms, a constant engine power of 1.5 liters will be enough. with. So get a model with no less power. The ideal figure is 2.5 liters. with. And remember: the higher the power, the more reliable the electric motor.
Degree of load
To a large extent, the choice of a running simulator should be determined by the type of training and desired loads.
For those who want to get rid of physical inactivity (sedentary work, a sedentary lifestyle) and do not seek to establish sports records, the simplest mechanical and magnetic models of simulators are suitable.
For people wondering: “How to choose a treadmill for weight loss, heart training and development of endurance?”, Electric simulators with an on-board computer will be optimal. Target training modes have already been programmed in it, and you just have to choose the option that suits you.
In expensive models, there may be several dozen of these modes, but in fact, for full-fledged training, you need only 6 programs: speed training, burning calories, cardio training, aerobic training, maintaining muscle tone and a rehabilitation program (for various diseases and recovery from injuries).
Simulator design
Before you buy a treadmill, pay attention to such important factors as its design features and size.
Design
If your living space is limited, then folding models should be preferred. On such tracks, before the start of classes, the canvas is placed on the floor, and after them it rises to the handrails and is fixed. Such simulators take up little space, but provide a load no worse than awkward options.
Sizes of a cloth
If the length of the canvas is a relatively constant value (in the range of 110-150 cm for simulators for homework), then its width varies greatly. Remember, a canvas with a width of less than 43 centimeters is suitable for training only for children. For adults, you need to select options for large sizes.
Handrails
Pay attention to the shape and location of the handrails. When running or walking, they should not interfere or hamper hand movements. The ends of the handrails are directed downward so that the practitioner does not get injured when falling.
Security
If you know how to choose a treadmill for your apartment, and decide to stop on the option with an electric motor, then find out if there is a security key on it. Also included should be a cord, one end of which is attached to the belt of the runner, and the other to the key. In case the practitioner falls, the cord will stretch and send a signal to the key sensor to immediately stop the blade.
Maximum weight
Each treadmill model has a weight limit. For example, if the instructions indicate that the maximum weight is 100 kilograms, and your weight is close to this figure, then it’s better to look at other options. Give preference to that model, the maximum weight limit of which is 10-15 kilograms more than yours. Do not forget about other family members. They may also want to start training.
In general, we examined the question of how to choose a treadmill for the home.It remains to disclose two important points: cost and contraindications to classes.
Cost
It will depend on the type of simulator, manufacturer and additional functionality. How to choose a treadmill for home? Reviews say that when choosing, you should not proceed from the criterion "which company is better." All leading brands (Torneo, WNQ, Steel Flex, Kettler, Discovery and others) produce products of approximately the same quality. The determining factor should be the goals and physical condition of the student.
The most inexpensive (around $ 400) are mechanical tracks of not very popular brands (for example, the Jada Fitness MT20 model from the manufacturer Jada Fitness (China), Housefit HT 9051 from House Fit (China)). Further, the price varies depending on engine power, web width, speed and weight restrictions.
The average price range (about $ 1,000) is represented by tracks with built-in programs: weight loss, increase endurance and others (for example, Vigor XPL600 from Vigor (China), Housefit D120 Freewill from House Fit (China)). Based on weight, height and age, you can choose a training program yourself. Even if you do not have limitations in funds, you do not need to buy a simulator just because of the large number of training programs. Simple and intuitive controls are much more important.
The most expensive simulators (from $ 1,500) are pulse-dependent tracks that select the program for the student's pulse (JKexer FITLUX 555 from JKexer (Taiwan), Discovery Run 4.0 from Discovery (USA), etc.). Also, the cost will be affected by the availability of some luxury options. For example, connecting to the panel of a DVD player.
Contraindications
If a person who wants to work has some health problems, then contraindications will be conditional. You just need to know which treadmill to choose for each specific case.
In heart disease, a pulse-dependent simulator with a built-in cardiomonitor is necessary. This function will adjust the load depending on the heart rate of the student.
For problems with the spine and joints, choose the option with a soft running belt. It will remove the excessive load from the problem areas of the musculoskeletal system.
With injuries (dislocations, fractures) and obesity, a rehabilitation mode of training is required, which takes place at a moderate pace. That is, the load should not increase during one lesson, but over several training sessions. Here, tracks with a wide range of training programs are suitable.
Conclusion
Now you know how to choose a treadmill for homework. If the information provided in the article was not enough, then it makes sense to visit several fitness clubs and try different models in action. Also, it will not be out of place to find out the opinion of specialists (gym instructors and shop assistants). Have a good shopping!