Best Exercise Equipment For Home Workouts

As is often the case in life, the simplest things are often the best. This applies to exercise too. For example, one of the best forms of exercise, running, is a direct outgrowth of one of the first things we learn to do—walk. Also, running can reap great physical benefits as we get older. Indeed, along with swimming, running offers one of the best overall workouts. But running does have its drawbacks. Prolonged running, especially on hard surfaces, can wreak havoc with your lower body. Unless you have an indoor track available to you, extremes of weather and temperature can complicate or curb even the most ambitious running program. Never one to overlook a potential market, the exercise machine industry has responded with all types of indoor running machines. One that continues to grow in popularity is the home treadmill. Why? Here are 3 key reasons:

Convenience

—Most people prefer not to exercise outside when it is cold, inclement, or dark. Even if you have access to an indoor track or a health club, finding a regular time to run during a busy week's schedule can be difficult. Owning a treadmill solves these problems. People who own one have the opportunity to exercise more often. You can even watch your favorite TV show while running.

Physical benefits—Exercising on a treadmill has wide-ranging benefits. Using a treadmill has great cardiovascular value for the heart, lungs, and circulatory system. It is a an efficient way to lose body fat, strengthen muscles and bone, and help reduce stress. Low-impact workouts—Despite all the benefits, years of walking or running can take its toll on feet, legs and hips, especially if you exercise on hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete. Treadmills, particularly higher-end models with built-in shock absorption properties, can reduce the stress placed on your feet, legs, and joints.

Motorized vs. Non-motorized Treadmills

One of the biggest decisions for prospective buyers is whether to purchase a motorized or a non-motorized treadmill. What is the difference? Basically, with a motorized treadmill, you have to keep pace as the machine's motor moves the tread-belt (at a speed you electronically set). With a non-motorized treadmill, you push the belt with your feet, so you only go as fast as you push. There are other differences as well. For one, non-motorized treadmills are much more affordable. Most are under $200. Conversely, high quality motorized models range from $1,000-$9,000 depending on the features you are looking for. There are models under $500, but they should be checked out thoroughly to make sure they are safe and can stand the test of time and endurance.Non-motorized treadmills also take up much less space and, theoretically, can help you burn calories more efficiently, since you supply the muscle power to move the treadbelt. However, because you supply the muscle power, you tend to move slower and tire more quickly unless you are in good shape. As a result, you may actually burn fewer calories. Non-motorized models also have other drawbacks. Aerodynamics dictate that to get a non-motorized treadmill going, it has to be tilted on an incline. This can make running difficult if you are out of shape or not used to running. So, you derive less benefit. Finally, as you tire on a non-motorized treadmill, you will tend to push harder on one leg. This can make the motion of the treadmill choppy and harder to run on.