The fitness treadmill - run yourself fit
If you don't have access to open fields or your running is constantly ruined by bad weather, then a treadmill will be the perfect solution for you. A fitness treadmill is a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness levels, and also to burn off extra calories.
To improve your general fitness levels I would recommend that you opt for a motorised treadmill over a manual one. Let's start by looking at how you can improve your fitness levels with a treadmill and then move onto the different brands of treadmills you can have a look at.
The treadmill and fitness - how you can use it to improve your fitness levels
One of the best ways to improve your fitness levels is to do interval training on the treadmill. This would involve beginning at a low speed and low incline; you then gradually increase the speed and the incline minute after minute until you break out in a run. You then hold your running position for one minute before gradually lowering the speed and the incline until you are back at your starting position. You then repeat this until you have completed 20 minutes.
What are the different fitness treadmill brands?
Now that you know how to improve your fitness levels with a treadmill and you also know that a treadmill is great for burning off extra calories and fat, and that you can walk, run and jog on the treadmill, lets look at some of the best fitness treadmill brands.
But before we do that, here is a very handy list that you can use to make sure that you find the best home treadmill for you (just click the link).
The Life Fitness treadmill range
The Life Fitness treadmill range is one of the best to improve your overall fitness levels, as it offers you the choice of either a basic or an advanced workout console - to suit your fitness needs.
The advanced console has lots more advanced futures, programs and options than the basic one. But if you only need a basic treadmill for everyday running or jogging, the basic console might be the better choice for you. Here are Life Fitness's different ranges of fitness treadmills:
The F3 Treadmill
The F3 range includes foldable (without sacrificing quality) motorised treadmills - convenient to fold up and store in your cupboard or under your bed when you are done
The T3 Treadmill
If you still need a compact and slim fitness treadmill without having to fold it up for storage, the T3 range offers just that. It is compact, slim and sleek and won't take up too much space.
The T5-0 Treadmill
If you want a treadmill to use in the comfort of your own home, you will need a model that is quiet, attractive and easy to use. The T5-0 series offers just that and you can even save one custom workout per user. This series also includes an extra large running surface to make sure that you are more comfortable.
The Club Series Treadmill
If power and performance are important to you, look no further than the Club series. It is the at-home version of their health club treadmill and it offers 16 different workout programs and 6 custom programs.
The Platinum Club Series Treadmill
The platinum range is the cream of the crop. You have the option of 3 more workout consoles to add, depending on your fitness needs and it is also I-pod compatible, it includes a entertainment console, a virtual trainer and you can track your workouts with the help of a USB and the Life fitness virtual trainer - that's what I call cool.
The Horizon fitness treadmill range
The Horizon fitness treadmill range are of high quality and all their models go through a strict testing phase - 10 percent also goes through quality testing - which involves taking all the parts apart and reassembling them. So with Horizon, you are sure that you are getting only quality. Their fitness treadmills include 23 different models to choose from ranging from $600 upwards.
The Proform fitness treadmill range
The Proform fitness treadmill range includes 3 different series - the Power Series, the Tech Series and the Crosswalk Series. Their treadmills are also known to have larger decks - making it more comfortable. Let's look at them in more detail.
The power series
These treadmills are designed to offer extra power.
The Technical Series
This is one of the most technically advanced fitness treadmills there are. It is compatible with an I-pod and offers a built in TV. You can plug in your USB drive and download your results with the help of Ifit workout technology - a great tool to monitor and improve your fitness levels.
The CrossWalk Series
This is one of the only fitness treadmills that also work your upper body - with the help of crosswalk arms (similar to cross trainers). This allows you to burn more calories and to tone your upper body while your on your lower body - talk about multi-tasker)
The Pro fitness treadmill range
If you are on a budget, then you should have a look at the Pro fitness treadmill range - they are know to be discounted fitness equipment suppliers. They have 6 different treadmills to choose form - 4 diesels driven and 2 commercial treadmills.
Popular treadmills
Other popular fitness treadmills include the Vision Fitness Folding Treadmill, the Life Fitness 93Ti Treadmill and the Life Fitness Next Generation Treadmill. Let's look at them in more detail:
The vision fitness 9250 treadmill
This treadmill can be folded and stored away when not in use. Here are some of its specifics:
- Running area size - 54" x 20"
- Drive - 2.5 hp digital drive
- Belt - Durable 2-ply belt
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Extras:
- Easy Folding Frame, Durable Metal End Caps, and Treadmill Cushioning System allowing for more comfort and less impact.
The Life fitness 93ti treadmill
This treadmill uses a patented FlexDeck Shock Absorption system to make sure that the treadmill will be more durable. Let's look at some of its specifics:
- Belt - DX3 Belt and Deck System
- Extras: FlexDeck Shock Absorption system, 0.5 -12 mph (0.8 -20 kph) ,0 -15% incline, 7 workouts, including 2, Available with Attachable LCD Entertainment System ZoneTraining workouts
The life fitness 9700hr treadmill - Next Generation Treadmill
If you need a treadmill that is very accurate at measuring heart beats and you need to track your heart rate, then the Life Fitness Next Generation Treadmill can do just that with the help of the "Lifepulse" digital heart rate monitoring system. Here is more about it:
- Running area size: 20" x 60"
- Display - Heart Rate, Elapsed time, distance, total calories burned, total calories burned/hour, incline, speed, pace (min./mile), program profile, watts, and METs.
- Speed: .5 to 15 mph in 0.1 mph increments
- Extras: - 7 programs, includes a accessory train, reading rack and water bottle holder
- Incline - -3% to 15%
- Dimensions - 88"L x 38"W x 65"H
Conclusion
A treadmill is a great way to increase one's fitness levels. When you are thinking of investing in a treadmill, consider your individual needs, your budget, your available space and also the allowed noise levels.
And when you have made the wise investment, make sure that you use your treadmill regularly by making sure that your fitness treadmill is accessible, and that you make time to exercise on it.
