What Is A Treadmill: Definition & Types
Whether you want to begin your fitness journey or you have been in the business for a long time, a treadmill is an exercise equipment that is sure to help you achieve your goals. There are many treadmills designed for either physical or cardiac therapy. To get the best option for your fitness needs, we will be looking at the different types of treadmills.
What Is A Treadmill?
A treadmill is a piece of cardio exercise equipment that comes with a walking or running belt and is a great option for indoor cardio exercise. Most treadmills come with different workout programs that help you reach your fitness goals.
When Was The First Exercise Treadmill Invented?
The initial US patent for an exercise treadmill was issued on June 17, 1913. Also, the first use of a treadmill for medical purposes was in 1949, when cardiologist Robert Bruce developed an early treadmill exercise test. Over 60 years after its invention, it has been replaced by the basic stress test.
What Is The Main Purpose Of A Treadmill?
A treadmill is mostly utilized for cardio training. But, treadmill workouts can also help boost your cardiovascular health. If you also want to strengthen your muscles, including the calves, thighs, and glutes, then this is the right equipment for you.
What Are The Different Types Of Treadmills?
These are the different types of treadmills available for you to choose from. Based on your needs, you can select any of this fitness equipment.
Medical (Rehabilitation) Treadmills
Medical treadmills are also known as anti-gravity treadmills. The medical treadmill is mostly used for medical purposes in medical facilities for rehabilitation therapy or to run stress tests.
Advantages
- Medical treadmills help with preventative rehabilitation
- Medical treadmills facilitate vital data tracking.
Disadvantages
- It is quite expensive
Price range
New: $2000 and above
Used: $1500 and above
Manual Treadmills (Curved Treadmills)
The manual treadmill also known as a curved treadmill is a type of treadmill that does not work until the user does. It relies solely on human effort and does not require electricity. Many manual treadmills come with LED-operated panels, handrails of foam, and PVC belts.
Advantages
- Manual treadmills are a lighter and cheaper option than motorized treadmills.
- Manual treadmills are very safe as they stop moving when the user stops walking or running.
Disadvantages
- They might come with limited features.
Price range
New: $500 to $1000
Used: $300 to $800
Motorized Treadmills
A motorized treadmill is the standard treadmill you will see in most places. They require electricity to run. Unlike the manual treadmill, motorized treadmills will make you move.
Advantages
- Motorized treadmills come loaded with lots of tech features unlike their manual counterparts.
- Their LCD displays help you track your progress easily.
Disadvantages
- They are bulky in size
Price range
New: $1500 and above
Used: $1000 and above
Folding Treadmills
The folding treadmill is a specially designed treadmill that can fold up when not in use. This would be great for you if you do not have so much floor space in your home.
Advantages
- Folding treadmills don’t take up too much space
- It is flexible
Disadvantages
- Some have a less sturdy frame
Price range
New: $500 to $3000
Used: $300 to $2000
Commercial Treadmills
Commercial treadmills are the types of treadmills that are designed for public use. They are built with very durable materials to withstand heavy use.
Advantages
- They are sturdy and durable
- Comes with lots of features
Disadvantages
- Quite expensive
Price range
New: $2000 and above
Used: $1000 and above
Incline Treadmills
These types of treadmills come with an adjustable incline feature, which helps you to mimic walking or running uphill.
Advantages
- Ability to target different muscle groups
- You get a more challenging workout
Disadvantages
- Additional stress to the leg muscles.
Price range
New: $500 to $3000
Used: $300 to $2000
Hybrid Treadmills
The hybrid treadmill is a high-quality treadmill that acts as both a treadmill and an elliptical machine. You can vary your workout and target different muscle groups.
Advantages
- Hybrid treadmills are very creative innovations
- Get the combined features of a stair climber, a treadmill, and a cycling machine.
Disadvantages
- A bit bulky
Price range
New: $2000 and above
Used: $1500 and above
Desk Treadmills
The desk treadmill is a very resourceful machine. You can finish up your work projects as you burn calories. The treadmill tray is bigger than those on other models and remains stable no matter your speed.
Advantages
- It can help you be more productive
- Desk treadmills are safe for users
Disadvantages
- It would take up a lot of space
Price range
New: $500 to $1500
Used: $300 to $1200
Interactive treadmills
These types of treadmills provide you with different interactive features like real-time coaching, VR environments, and video workouts.
Advantages
- They improve your workout experience
Disadvantages
- Could be expensive
Price range
New: $1500 and above
Used: $750 and above
House Treadmills
A home treadmill is a great option for use in your house. They are specially made to fit into your house without taking up too much space.
Advantages
- They are compact and help save space.
- They are cheap and help you save money.
Disadvantages
- They don’t have too many features.
Price range
New: $400 to $1200
Used: $300 to $1000
What Is The Best Treadmill Type For A Commercial Gym?
If you are running a commercial gym, you would want to go for a treadmill that is sturdy and capable of withstanding heavy use. You can opt for commercial treadmills or motorized treadmills.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using A Treadmill?
The following are the advantages and disadvantages of using a treadmill.
Advantages
A treadmill is an exercise machine that offers you lots of advantages in addition to health benefits. These advantages include:
- Convenience: It is very convenient to use and can be used by anybody.
- Control: You have control over all the aspects of your workout including the warm-up and cool-down, incline, speed, and energy spent.
- Low-impact: Treadmills have cushioned belts for great shock absorption to lessen the impact of running.
- Cardiovascular health: Treadmills greatly improve cardiovascular health. Also in health care, there is also the exercise stress test that is used to check heart function.
- Weight loss: The treadmill is one machine that can help many users lose weight as you have sufficient calories burned with each workout.
- Muscle tone: Treadmills are reliable when it comes to toning your muscles.
- Stress relief: Aerobic exercise releases endorphins that can improve your overall mood and help relieve stress.
- Improves Sleep Quality: Treadmill use has been found to facilitate better and more enjoyable sleep.
- Helps to regulate blood sugar: Running on treadmills keeps your physical activity up and can help regulate blood sugar.
- Versatility: While you are using the treadmill, you can still partake in other activities. You could read a book or watch television.
- Accessibility: You can easily access all the features of the machine including the control panels and other features.
- Data tracking: There are some treadmills that come with extra features like heart rate monitors and step counters to help you track your fitness progress easily.
- Variety: With the different treadmill types and programs, you get to vary your workout.
- Entertainment: Running on a treadmill is a fun exercise and you can mix it with other activities.
- Social connection: Since many users can make use of the equipment, you can connect with different people at the gym.
- Safety: Your safety is assured as you perform your exercises on a piece of non-hazardous equipment.
- Support: The machine supports users of different fitness levels.
Is a treadmill good for losing belly fat?
A treadmill is great for losing belly fat and would also help to ensure that visceral fat is eliminated for good.
Disadvantages
- Cost: A treadmill is quite expensive and you would need to splash out a lot of money to get one.
- Boredom: The workout might get boring as you might be stuck doing the same exercise over and over again.
- Space requirements: You cannot hope to fit in a treadmill inside your home or gym if you have limited space.
- Risk of injury: Without proper form, you risk getting injuries if you use the machine.
- Lack of outdoor experience: Even while the machine might help you mimic outdoor activity, it would never actually beat the real thing.
- Noise: Some treadmills are not very quiet while they are in use.
- Maintenance: Treadmills require regular maintenance or they could be subjected to damage.
- Limited muscle engagement: Since treadmills don’t have a variety of workouts, only a limited number of muscles are engaged.
- Lack of fresh air: Since the machine is used indoors, you would not get as much fresh air as you would outside.
- Risk of becoming sedentary: You might start to lead a more sedentary lifestyle since most of your activity is at home.
What Muscles Does A Treadmill Work?
Using a treadmill primarily works the muscles in your lower body, including:
- Quadriceps: The treadmill helps to tone and strengthen the quadriceps over time.
- Hamstrings: These muscles are located at the back of your thighs and help you push off from the running deck with each stride.
- Glutes: Your glutes help to generate a powerful and longer stride. They are more engaged when you walk on a steep treadmill incline.
- Calves: These are your lower leg muscles which are engaged when you push off from the deck.
- Hip flexors: These muscles help with stability and running on a treadmill builds them.
- Core muscles: Treadmill workouts target your core and by engaging your core you can enhance your workout.
How To Use A Treadmill?
If you want to use a treadmill, even without a personal trainer, then these are the steps you should follow:
- Firstly, ensure that the belt system is properly attached and safe.
- Get onto the treadmill running platform and turn the machine on.
- Select a program, ensuring that the maximum speed level is one you can handle based on your fitness level.
- Before and after your workout, you should do a five-minute warm-up and cool down respectively.
- When you are done with your workout, hit the stop button. Don’t stop moving until the belt has come to a complete halt to avoid serious injury.
Who Should Not Use A Treadmill?
While the treadmill is a relatively safe machine and can help people of different categories burn calories and keep fit, there are some people that should not use this equipment. These include;
- Older Adults: These set of people are more at risk of falls and injuries, so running on a treadmill might not be a great idea.
- People suffering from heart or respiratory conditions: Using a treadmill can be a high-intensity physical activity that may not be safe for people with respiratory or heart conditions.
- People that have coordination or balance problems: It can be challenging to maintain your treadmill run if you have balance issues.
- People with joint pain or injuries: Using a treadmill mimics outdoor running and this can put a strain on your joints. So, avoid using the machine if you have joint injuries to avoid aggravating the issue.
In a nutshell, if you have any issue that may hinder you from using a treadmill, you should consult your doctor or a fitness professional before using the machine.
Do Treadmills Require Maintenance?
Yes, you are required to handle your treadmill with care and perform routine maintenance. This is because the underside of the machine is always rubbing against the other parts like the rollers and electric motor.
How Long Do Treadmills Last?
You can expect your treadmill to last for an average of 10 years. However, you can increase the lifespan with proper care and maintenance.
Are Treadmills Worth It?
Treadmills are definitely worth every cash you spend on them. Having a good treadmill will help you in burning calories and losing body weight and fitness levels do not matter as you can get started at any time.
What To Look For When Choosing A Treadmill
- Motor power: Look for a treadmill with a motor that has at least 1.5 CHP (continuous horsepower).
- Running surface – The running surface is an important factor to consider when choosing a treadmill as it should be long and wide enough for your stride.
- Incline range: The incline settings should be able to go up at least 10%.
- Speed range: Go for a treadmill that has various speeds you can choose from.
- Cushioning: The running bed should have a good shock absorption rate.
- Console features: There are treadmills that come with the ability to monitor pulse and heart rate and other features.
- Weight capacity: Your treadmill needs to be able to handle heavy weights and should be sturdy.
- Price: Set a budget as you plan to purchase a treadmill.
- Warranty: Ensure that the machine has a warranty of a minimum of 10 years.
Where To Buy A Treadmill?
If you are looking to buy good-quality home treadmills or commercial treadmills, then you can head over to the BUGE website and place your order. They have the best treadmills you can use at professional health clubs, fitness centers, and even at home. For more options and information, click here.
Conclusion
It is without a doubt that a treadmill is a superb machine that incorporates outdoor activity into your daily life from the comfort of the great indoors. There are many types of treadmills to choose from whether you need them for commercial use or for your home gym including the electric types and manual types.
FAQs
Does The Treadmill Increase The Electricity Bill?
An electric treadmill will definitely add to your electricity bill, unlike the manual treadmill where you do not like electricity to spin the treadmill belt. However, you should note that most electric treadmills today do not consume much electricity considering their cost and size. Generally, exercise treadmills that use around 600 to 700 watts of electricity would cost about $1.5 per month of usage.
