Part 1 – hand rails, consoles, motor, belt, heart rate monitor, decks

In general when people first think of gyms they conjure up the image of someone running on a treadmill. It is one of the oldest established gym exercise machines, and is known to produce great fitness results when used properly.

These machines are able to be used in the fitness gym or in your own home. Buying them often involves parting with a not inconsiderable sum of cash. With these machines you generally get what you pay for, largely in terms of performance, extra gadgets and durability.

If you’re going to purchase a treadmill look carefully at the number of people you think will end up using it regularly. Two users wear the machines parts out twice as fast as a single user. Ensure the treadmill is capable of supporting even the largest of users. Choose the treadmill that is tailor made for either walking, walking/ jogging, or serious running. Prices tend to increase as you reach the serious runner standard.

Treadmill hand rails have evolved from being quite long to much shorter, enabling a runner to more freely use his/ her arms whilst exercising. The use of arms is a significant way of improving your running technique and burning more calories. Fitness gym machines typically retain the longer handles so as to cater adequately for less able individuals, e.g. people needing physical rehabilitation from an injury.

When considering the treadmill console most displayed functions are calories, elevation, time, speed and distance. Each function is usually either displayed in a scroll through style in the same window, or set in individual windows within the console (typical of more expensive treadmills). In increasing expensiveness, consoles can have their image displayed in the form of liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) or full color plasma screen. Various plastic drinks, book etc holders tend to come fitted to the main frame of the running machine.

In terms of the motor that drives the belt you need to compare different models horsepower ratings. At the moment two methods of presenting horsepower exist, don’t get them confused!

Belts are the most used part of the treadmill. These are the flexible, tough moving mats that you walk/ run on. Two main sorts exist; one that has a wax coating that lubricates the belt over time with use; the other has no built in lubrication, therefore requiring manual coating with liquid crystals. The maintenance preference is up to you. On one hand waxed belts simply require the occasional belt replacement. The other type of lubrication means that the belt rarely needs replacing, but does require regular maintenance lubrication.

Heart rate monitors can be found, especially on the higher end treadmills. Software exists that allows more expensive treadmills to move your heart rate to a user-determined level through the machine deciding and constantly changing the severity of the workout.

Treadmill decks use materials like rubber or foam, etc, to absorb your foots impact, making the action of running safer and more comfortable. Deck length has reached a standard length of 58 inches, although most clubs have 60-62 inch running machines. Greater lengths are required if you predominantly run, or you are tall.

Go to part 2 of Fitness Gym Treadmills