However, to get the maximum benefits from a treadmill you need to kick up your exercise.  Unfortunately, most people are not applying enough time or effort, and consequently they are not getting the results the hoped for.

A new survey just released shows that in most cases Americans are not putting in enought time pounding the treadbelt.  On average they may be coming up 2 hours short per week.  After you burn off that excess weight you are probably going to have to work harder to keep it off. 

Common recommendations were to exercise an average of 30 minutes five times a week.  In addition, to maintaining a healthy diet.  Now the experts are suggesting 55 minutes 5 times per week. 

The 30 minute routine will probably burn off some excess calories, but to burn some serious fat and get your body in shape you need around an hour per exercise routine. 

According to a study by the University of Pittsburgh obese woman will need to exercise approximately an hour for five times a week for a year to lose 10% of their weight and keep it off.  The level of exercise was not strenous on the treadmill, but consisted of walking. 

However, if you are not currently in an exercise program consult you doctor as to the level you should start with, and gradually progress. 

To learn more about treadmill, go to the Treadmill Reviews and Ratings site.

The problem was, I was getting into a rut.  I ran at around the same speed and the same incline, with minor variations.  It was very boring, and I wasn't burning anymore calories, nor was I getting any toner. 

So I started using some of the programmed workouts that were installed on my treadmill.  I found I was kicking up my exercise.  It was becoming more challenging.  And if there is an indication I am getting a better workout, it was the fact that I was sweating bullets. 

Now I have a new routine, evertime I exercise I use a different program.  They include the cardio, weightloss, strength, interval and hill climbing programs.  I find the weightloss is the one that kicks my butt, however, the interval program is a proven method to get more results in less time.  You go from intervals of fast/steep to slow/level paces. 

The fact is, running or walking in place is about as exciting as listening to George Bush speak.  But when you add new challenges it is more like listening to Obama.  And if you feel challenged and motivated you are probably going to burn more calories and get toned.

It is also important to constantly set new benchmarks.  Don't fall into a rut.  If you are completing a program at the current level with moderate ease, kick it up a notch or two.  To achieve your fitness goals you need to do more than go through the motions.

Treadmills are still the #1 selling fitness equipment, although elliptical trainers are starting to catch up.  What makes treadmills popular is they accommodate two of the most popular forms of exercise - walking and running.   Also it doesn't take much coordination to walk or run.  You get on the treadmill, set the speed and incline, and you put one foot in front of the other. 

The new kid on the block is the elliptical trainer, and it is gaining popularity.  What makes it appealing is it is a low-impact machine that works out both the lower and upper body.  The elliptical motion guarantees your feet never leave the pedals.  In the process there is never any impact from striking a surface.  This low-impact exercising is particularly attractive to an aging baby boomer generation like myself.  Go here to learn more about elliptical trainers.

Elliptical trainers also exercise your upper body, with the movement of upper handlebars.  This combination of upper and lower body exercise tends to give you a more efficient workout.  In fact, experts claim you burn more calories with what appears to be less exertion.

The downside of an elliptical is it requires a degree of coordination.  Getting both your legs and arms working in harmony.  Furthermore, with an elliptical, even at the lowest level of resistance you are going to exert yourself more than at a slow walk on a treadmill. 

Another problem with an elliptical is you need to be selective on the design of the machine.   The strides vary, as do the distance between the pedals.  For short people, they want a small stride.  Woman generally are more comfortable with a model that has the pedals closer together. 

Regardless, the low-impact, dual action design of an elliptical trainers is getting a considerable number of converts. 

Treadmill vs Elliptical Trainer - Which is best for you?

The answer is, whichever machine is most likely going to get you to achieve your fitness goals.  If you buy an elliptical and it sits around gathering dust or being a substitute for a clothes hanger, it obviously is not very effective. 

If you are considering buying fitness equipment go to your local "Y" and spend some time trying each out at the fitness equipment stores.  Determine which machine you will want to use.  Both can give you some excellent results if you use them on a regular basis. 

We'll I can't end the war, lower gas prices, stop home foreclosures and reduce the price of food staples, but I can make a suggestion on handling stress.  That is through exercise.

Exercise is the great stress reliever.  You don't need a prescription that may lead to blood clots of affect your sexually prowess.  It fact, it may improve your prowess. 

Exercise reduces stress, it is a medical fact.  In fact, when you push your exercise it can lead to a mild state of euphoria. 

If you are under stress, you need to make time to exercise.   I normally promote exercising using treadmills, but any type of exercise is good.  It can be walking, yard work, bike riding or taking a hike.  I particularly like hiking.  You get out into nature while getting the heart pumping.  An excellent combination to negate the pressures of modern society.

I exercise almost daily, and when I don't I feel antsy.  Starting the morning either running with the dog, or exercising on my fitness equipment gives me a healthier perspective on life and makes all the nonsense in the work seem just that - nonsense. 

Give yourself and your body a break and get out and exercise.  Of course, if you haven't in awhile, check with your doctor on what is the best exercise routines to start with.

Regards,

Fred

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Thanks.

-Stratis

1. How many hours will you use the treadmill a week, which also factors in how many users? Of course, the more you use a treadmill the more wear and tear on all the parts.
2. How much does the user weigh?  If the user(s) are exceptionally over weight, once again that is a strain on the components.  For heavy individuals you will also want a relatively thick deck.
3. Will you use it for walking, jogging or running? Jogging and running means the treadmill will be running at higher speeds, and there will be much more impact to the deck.

Here is how I would classify treadmills.  I tend towards the conservative side. 

Walking Treadmill - Usage about 3-5 hours per week.  Models under $1,000.

Jogging Treadmill - Usage 5-7 hours per week.  Models in the $1,000 - $1,500 range.

Running Treadmill - Usage 7+ house per week.  Models going for over $1,500.

I hope that helps, and please send a review once you have made your decision.

Fred

 Another benefit of watching TV when you workout is that it distracts you.  If you are distracted you are less likely to notice the time go by.  And the more time you spend on the treadmill the more calories you burn. 

Icon Fitness, which manufactures NordicTrack, ProForm and Epic, has been equipping a number of their models with television.  And guess what?  They have been hot sellers.  The are usually 7"-8" flat screen TVs.  I've seen models for as little as $1,200.  That is quite a deal. 

The televisions are built into the console, and are also the readout monitor for your exercise feedback.  The one problem with this design is if the TV should ever go out it would be very expensive to replace.  However, I have not heard of any problems with the console of the television. Regardless, most of these models come with a one year parts and labor warranty, and I would recommend you increase it by another year or two. 

Smooth came out with a high-end treadmill with a Flat Screen TV.  The television is approximately 15" and is built on a platform and not in the console.  This way if there is a problem, it does not affect the electronics of the console.  However, they are selling it at $4,000.

Should you consider a TV when you buy a treadmill?  If you like distractions and find it helps to increase your workout duration, then the answer is yes.  With the Icon models, the TV does not add that much to the price.  However, make sure when you buy a treadmill you focus on getting a model that will also accommodate your fitness goals. 

To Your Health
Fred

Now that you have had your treadmill for awhile, the benefits are decreasing.  That answer is you have to crank it up.  Move beyond the plateau to new heights.  And one of the best ways to achieve new levels of fitness is by cranking up the incline. 

I am an avid runner.  Been running for about 35 years.  Getting up and running in the morning is about as natural as having a cup of coffee.  However, I have found recently that I really enjoy putting the treadmill at about a 12 level and walk at a brisk speed. 

There are several benefits.  First, it really pumps up my cardio.  I find my heart rate shoots up, and I am sweating bullets.  Second, I work out different parts of my leg muscles, particularly the back of my thighs.  Third, it gives my legs a break.  I am not subjecting them to the constant pounding of running. 

If you believe variety is the spice of life, it also can contribute to a healthly life, but ulitizing different features on your treadmill like the incline.  Also, consider using the workout programs that change-up the incline, like hill climbing.  That interval training between strenous and cool-off periods can take your exercise to a whole new level.

Fred

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