Although they are somewhat expensive and take up a lot of space, for people who are afford these costs, treadmills are one of the best pieces of home fitness equipment. They are suitable for people with various levels of fitness, from those who are just beginning walking programs to those who are preparing for marathons.
Walking is one of the safest ways to exercise, in terms of avoiding injury. This is partially because humans are made to walk, and thus are very well suited for this motion. Jogging carries with it a few more injury risks, but is one of the most effective ways to burn calories and get in shape. Together, these two options for exercising make treadmills a great choice.
Some people prefer to get outside and enjoy the scenery while they exercise. These people often have favorite walking or jogging paths, or like to hike. They might not get as much out of a treadmill as another person, but could use one when the weather is nasty, or they have to watch the kids while trying to exercise. Most people find that there are times when it's more convenient to be able to exercise indoors, and just because you own a treadmill, doesn't mean you can't walk or run outside when you want.
For those who are not so keen on the outdoor adventures part of running or walking, treadmills can be great. Positioning a television in front of the treadmill, or placing a book on the usually-included book stand and reading during your exercise session (admittedly only really possible when walking) can decrease boredom and help make the time go faster.
Making promises such as only to watch the television while on the treadmill can have amazing results on your health. Even if you only feel energetic and jog a few times out of every several sessions, being up and moving is great for you, and can help make the habit stick. And combining activities such as reading textbooks while walking on the treadmill makes it easier to find time to get your exercise.
The current recommendations for exercise state that people should get half an hour of moderate exercise a day, or three and a half hours a week. If the exercise is high-intensity, only two hours a week are necessary for the maintenance of minimal health. But aside from extreme cases of over-exercising, more is better where fitness is concerned. Getting a walk every night is great, walking three days a week and jogging three is even better.
To find the perfect treadmill, first measure the area that you want to put it in. Take these measurements to the store, so that you know your new machine will fit where you want it to. If you are especially tall, measure your running stride length and make sure that the portion of the belt you run on is long enough to take natural strides. General recommendations for how long it should be based on your height are available online.
Getting enough exercise is important to your health. If getting outside is the problem, buying a treadmill can be a great substitute. If you do buy one, though, remember basic treadmill-safety - don't let children on the machine, and follow the instructions to avoid injury.
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