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Treadmill Parts
To understand how an exercise treadmill works, it is helpful to know something about the various treadmill parts and the benefits for you. This will be a help when it comes to comparing the range of treadmills on offer from stores, manufacturers and online retailers.
A treadmill is made up of these parts:
- a console with a display.
- a flywheel and rollers which make the belt move
- a motor to power the flywheel
- a deck that the belt runs around
- a moving belt which you run on
- handrails and a frame
The Treadmill Console
Very often the first thing people check when looking at treadmills is the console. The store salesperson will also focus on this. It is important but not the only consideration.
A large, easy to read display is helpful so you can check your progress without having to slow down or change your angle. You might also want a programmable workout schedule or an iPod deck but these are optional.
Think about the console the same way you think about a car. It is an important factor and good features and instruments enhance your driving pleasure but these are less important than the engine in the car.
The console should at least tell you the time and the distance run. If you are using the equipment to lose weight, you might want to know the calories burned.
If you want to race, you will want to know the speed. Some treadmill models provide workout programs and measure your heart rate continuously.
The Treadmill Flywheel and Rollers
The flywheel is to help regulate the belt movement so it does not move around or slip when your feet hit it.
A good quality flywheel is important if the user weighs over 75% of the treadmill weight limit (more than 225 lbs on a treadmill with a weight limit of 300 lbs, for example). Larger rollers tend to be better than smaller ones.
If you have a good flywheel and rollers on your equipment, this will help to extend the treadmill life because they wear better. A high quality treadmill will almost always have a better flywheel and rollers than a cheaper model.
The Treadmill Motor
The motor strength of the treadmill is measured in horsepower. You should look for something with continuous horsepower (chp). This is the power than the motor is able to maintain over a period of time, rather than the maximum horsepower it is able to reach in short bursts.
A more powerful motor usually gives a more hard-wearing treadmill and better equipment in general, other things being equal. Sometimes a manufacturer will use a higher powered motor just because the flywheel, belt or deck are no so good and would not work with a smaller motor. Size therefore is not a quality indicator all the time.
Some treadmills offer you a longer warranty on the motor than on the other parts of the machine. Up to 25 years is possible. This is a good indication that the manufacturer believes they are using a quality motor in their machine.
The Treadmill Deck
The deck is to support the belt and give shock adsorption for the knees and other joints when you are using the treadmill.
Treadmills are better for your joints than running on the sidewalk because they increase absorption of the jarring shock that happens when a foot hits a hard surface. This can result in severe knee damage over time so is important for serious runners to know.
If you are heavy, you risk greater knee damage running on sidewalks. Nearly all treadmills except the very cheapest offer some degree of increased absorption. Try to get the best quality deck you can afford.
A lot of decks feature an adjustable incline. This means you can use a slope to increase the difficulty of your run and gives you some variety in your workouts. The maximum slope is usually 10%.
The Treadmill Belt
The size of the treadmill belt is important. If it is big, it will be easier to use. You will not always walk or run in an exactly straight line.
The length of the belt determines the amount of strides you can take – this is important if you are tall. Try to find a treadmill with a belt size of at least 20 x 55 if you plan to run on your equipment.
The Treadmill Rails and Frame
The frames on the treadmill are usually made of steel. Some of the more expensive treadmills on the market have aluminum frames which can support more weight because they are stronger.
The rails or bars you grip when starting to run are standard but you should check they are easy to grip without being in the way. They are not supposed to be held throughout the workout.
Some rails have a heart rate monitor built in which you grip to measure your pulse. It is best to choose a machine offering a heart rate monitor to measure your performance during your workouts but having to grip the rails is not always the best way. It is usually easier to have a heart monitor you can wear.
The above should have helped you to understand the parts of a treadmill and how they all work together. You are also better able to select the perfect treadmill for you.
If you can talk to the sales staff in the store about the different parts, they will assume you know about treadmills and you might get a better recommendation or even a discount from them!
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