Weight Loss, Diet and Fitness Program

Treadmills, stationary cycles and stairclimbing machines are the three most popular machines at health clubs and at home. Here are a few tips that can help you decide which is the best for your fitness needs.

TREADMILL
The pleasures of treadmill walking:
Just imagine being able to take a safe walk any time of the day or night, in any kind of weather. That’s the bliss that awaits when you own a treadmill. Walking on this machine is a great workout for your cardiovascular system and provides all-over calorie burning; you’ll also build strength and endurance in your legs as you stroll along. Recent studies suggest that people who use treadmills burn 40 percent more calories per hour than while using other cardiovascular machines. Walking along a treadmill is also less jarring to feet, knees, hips and lower back than walking on pavement or ground.

The perils of treadmill walking:
There is a small possibility of falling off the treadmill if you aren’t paying attention, especially if you step onto the machine when it is going at a fast pace. Start the machine off at a speed that will allow you to safely step onto the treadmill.

Buying Tips:
1. Give the treadmill a test run in the store, and learn about all the different programs and features included in that model.
2. The National Academy of Sports Medicine advises purchasing a model in which the base of the treadmill flexes downward, so it will absorb the shock of your foot as you run on the moving belt.
3. The treadmill should not shut off abruptly and jerk your body forward as it does so. The machine should slow down and speed up gradually.
4. A handle on the front or the side is convenient, and it’s also smart to have a foot pad area on the sides to step on when the belt is running.

Ways To Make This Workout Better:
1. Keep your head up in a neutral position.
2. Walk in a natural position, with a natural stride, and use your arms.
3. Change the incline frequently, never increasing it more than eight percent during a session.
4. Wear the right shoes: walking or running shoes are better than cross-trainers because of their broader heel and pronation control.
5. Slightly raise the angle of the treadmill if you are training for an outdoor run. Otherwise, the lack of wind resistance while on this equipment makes the trip seem simpler than it would be on the road.