3 Healthy Tips for Using Treadmills

Simplicity, safety and convenience make treadmills the most popular home exercise machine in the United States. They're also one of the best cardiovascular machines around when it comes to burning calories. Treadmills also allow people to workout in the safety, security and privacy of their homes in any weather. Choosing the right model, following a simple safety protocol and switching up the exercise routine can help treadmill users get the full health benefit from a home workout machine. These three simple healthy tips for using treadmills can help ensure success for new and experienced fitness equipment users.

1. Choose the Right Model

Every treadmill is powered by an electric motor that rotates a moving belt around the equipment's walking deck. Models are either folding or non-folding. Non-folding machines can be the best choice when users want to keep the device permanently in one spot. Taking up about half the space as a conventional model, foldable treadmills are ideal for small spaces. A hinged deck folds up for vertical storage you can store in a closet or garage. Most foldable treadmills come with hydraulics that make it easy to fold the device up or down. Some have wheels attached that aid in moving the folded-up machine.

2. Follow Safety Procedures

Most treadmills come with a safety clip or key that users should attach to their clothing before operating the device. The clip turns the machine off if a trip or fall occurs. Manufacturers warn against allowing small children to have access to the machine. It's important to make sure that the machine is placed in a clutter-free area that provides ample room for stepping on and off the device. Users should straddle the belt frame with their feet before turning on the equipment. Experts recommend beginning and ending any workout at the slowest speed.

3. Vary the Exercise Routine

Walking briskly on a treadmill can burn about 100 calories per mile. Increasing the incline or speed will engage more muscle groups and burn even more calories, but will also be more fatiguing. Treadmill users will enjoy the greatest health benefits by incorporating interval training into their normal routine. Varying the workout with slow walking, steady inclines and flat-out bursts of effort gives long-lasting results. Although the average person will have to work up to exercising with an elevated heart rate for 30 minutes, brief periods of running or fast walking can help exercisers reach their weight and fitness goals even faster.