Treadmills are very popular in the sports simulator market. Quite often, this sports attribute is referred to as cardio. And it's not in vain, because with the correct use of the treadmill, you can significantly strengthen your cardiovascular system, you can strengthen the muscles of the legs, and generally increase the endurance of the body.
First of all, when choosing a treadmill, you should: determine its type( mechanical or electrical), the power of the motor, pay attention to the running belt and the control panel.
Which treadmill to choose: mechanical or electrical
In order to determine which of them is best for you, you need to know the merits and demerits of each. Any treadmill consists of a rotating band and handrails.
In a mechanical simulator, the blade rotates by its own efforts. Those. While you are running, the canvas rotates, you start to stop - the tape stops rotating. Classes on such a simulator, best corresponds to the natural run.
Because using a mechanical treadmill, you move at the speed that is most convenient for you, accelerating and slowing down as necessary.
To the merits of this sport attribute can be attributed relatively small weight and energy savings, which is due to the lack of such simulator electric motor. Another positive side of such a purchase is relatively low price.
Despite a considerable number of advantages, such a simulator has some disadvantages. The main disadvantage of a mechanical treadmill is the creation of an additional load on the legs, which, perhaps, will not please everyone. This is due to the fact that you have to bring your canvas into your working condition on your own.
For people who have some problems with their legs, classes on such a simulator are not recommended. Also a similar technique, has few different functions and counters. On the control panel, you can find information only about speed, distance traveled, training time, pulse rate and the number of calories expended.
If you want to buy a mechanical treadmill, then know that they differ in the load and braking system. The magnetic mechanism of loading and braking, is characterized by a smooth running of a running cloth. On the track with the usual mechanism, the jerks of the movement of the canvas will be felt.
Electric treadmills differ from mechanical ones in that, to drive a running belt, you do not need to exert any effort, with this work, the electric motor will cope. Those.you have to move at the speed you ask. Such simulators have a more functional control panel, so they cost much more than mechanical ones.
- See also: Which treadmill is better: mechanical or electrical
Treadmills are:
Economy class
Differ from mechanical, great comfort during classes, but it does not significantly affect the quality of training. They are designed for operation at home and have a running width of 38-40 cm.
Amateur class
Have a more functional control panel. When using such a simulator, you can choose ready training programs and even create your own. Such treadmills can be used both at home and in small fitness rooms.
Class Hi-End
A distinctive feature of this technique is the presence of pulse control. Thanks to this, the computer itself chooses the load that best suits you. This is a very important point if you want to use the simulator for rehabilitation purposes. Used such treadmills in rehabilitation centers, at home and in fitness rooms. Are characterized by a width of a cloth equal to 45-50 cm.
Professional
What functional differences from the Hi-End class do not have. But thanks to the presence of some additions, such treadmills can be used around the clock.
What should be an electric motor in an electric treadmill
If you decide to purchase an electric treadmill, then pay attention to the power of the motor you like. After all, it depends on the maximum speed of the web and the maximum permissible mass of a person who can use this simulator.
Quite often, in the characteristics of such a technique, the same motor power is indicated, however, the permissible permissible mass of the person. This is due to the fact that all electric treadmills have a constant and peak power. The main thing for such a simulator is constant power.
The peak is indicated for advertising purposes. Information about the power you need, you need to clarify the seller, it is often indicated on the motor itself. Another reason for the discrepancy, power and permissible weight, can serve as the physical dimensions of the running cloth. Because as the tape is smaller, the easier it is to set it in motion.
The more powerful your simulator is, the more reliable it is. Capacities of at least 2 l / s will be enough for people weighing up to 100 kg.
Determine the dimensions of the running belt
When choosing a treadmill, it is very important to pay attention to the physical dimensions of the running cloth. The width and length of the canvas should be selected depending on the people who will be engaged in the simulator. On average, all treadmills have a web length of 110 cm to 145 cm and a width of 35 cm to 55 cm. You need to choose depending on the configuration, the step length and the running speed of the trainee.
The most popular is the simulator, with a running cloth equal to 120-130 cm in length and 40 cm in width. Often, they buy treadmills with a maximum canvas size.
However, this is not entirely appropriate. After all, maybe you will be quite enough and smaller. Yes, and a large canvas, requires more engine power, as a result of which, you will have to overpay quite a lot. In order that as best as possible to choose the size of the running cloth, try running on the treadmill, right in the store. The dimensions of the canvas should be such that you would not stumble during the workout.
In order to understand what kind of simulator will be most convenient for you, try it in the store at different speeds and with different incline angles. Pay attention to the fact that the handrails did not interfere with the free movement of hands. Best of all, if the canvas in your favorite treadmill model, will have several layers. Then it will last longer, and run will be much more comfortable.
Another important point, which is also worthy of attention, is the speed of the running belt. Here, the choice is determined depending on the pace at which the training will take place. For example, older people do not always need a lot of speed, so you need to buy a track with a speed of 5 km / h running speed. The most popular is the simulator with a speed of 10 km / h and above.
Control panel
When choosing a treadmill, pay attention to its functionality. The standard is the indicators of running speed, training time, distance traveled, pulse. However, depending on the model, the number of functions can be much larger. But then it is necessary, fork out for a large sum.
The most common pulse sensors are located on the rail of the simulator. In some models, they can cling to the earlobe or they can simply be on the control panel. Everyone chooses what will be more convenient for him. But the main thing to note is that in a treadmill you like, there was a security key. He keeps on a special lace, the edge of which is attached to the belt.
If you fall, the cord will pull out and the machine will stop working, which will probably help to avoid injuries.
Depending on the model, many treadmills are equipped with special programs that help to lose weight, increase stamina and much more. In this case, all you need is just to select the necessary training mode, which, depending on your weight and height, will support the required load.
Many treadmills are equipped with a program that determines the workout load depending on the pulse of the trainee. Such an addition is very convenient, however, it will cost a little.