An essential part of a healthy life plan includes an exercise routine which will not only work around your schedule, but something you can do year round and anywhere you want to be.
Running or walking is one of the best forms of exercise compared to other exercises such as Pilates, or weightlifting because of the natural way your body moves. You can also perform this exercise anywhere you are and need very little equipment. As a result, you will be more likely to continue running/walking throughout your life. If you are serious about taking advantage of this natural form of exercise, you will need to prepare yourself for unexpected events such as rain, snow or pesky neighbors. The safest and most convenient way to run or walk is by using a treadmill.
If you are considering buying a treadmill, there are a few things you should familiarize yourself with before actually going out (or online) and purchasing one:
1. Price: When it comes to treadmills, the more you pay the better machine you will get. This is because you are paying for added accessories and more stability. Compare it to buying a car. The basic model will do the job. You might become bored with the lack of extras, but if you are on a budget, this will do fine for you. Remember, you can always upgrade. Then there comes the mid-range model. More accessories are added, which can make the ride smoother and a bit more lively, and the price is still pretty sensible. If you are really in the mood to splurge, the high quality treadmills will shock you with more bells and whistles than you could ever dream of. Some people, however, may become overwhelmed by all the present courses, heart monitors, incline levels, cup holders, book holders, and digital programming offered by top-of-the-line treadmills. Browse around online to see which add-ons you will enjoy and which you can live without, this will narrow down your choices and keep you from getting too carried away by the latest and greatest.
2. Stability: Make sure you wear your workout clothes when shopping for treadmills, you will want to "test drive" certain models to see if they are stable enough for your running/walking form. You will want to be cautious of machines that shake or rattle when you are going full speed. A good stable ride will make a world of difference in your safety and will also cut down on the noise level. Also take into consideration the motor volume, if you plan to read, watch the television or listen to music, a noisy motor will quickly become a big distraction.
3. Size: In the store and especially online, size can be deceiving. Make sure to measure the room which will be housing this machine and allow for plenty of "walk-around" space. When you are buying, check the dimensions. Size is not always an indicator of quality.
Treadmills might seem a bit pricey, but they will pay for themselves over time with convenience and indoor safety. Plus, your exercise routine can be more consistent with a treadmill. Look online for bargains. You might be surprised by the prices and options available. With a little research, you will surely be able to find the perfect treadmill for you and your budget.
Treadmills are a huge investment financially and in your health and fitness, thereby putting as much thought and preparation into the purchase of your new treadmill as you do a new car, is wise.
Having your treadmill motor blow up or your belt warp severely after only a few months use is not something you want, so here are a few basic treadmill buying tips.
Warranty - Any treadmill brand worth its weight will offer a good warranty on their product. Usually the motor, parts, and labor will be covered under different warranties. Make sure you get at least a 5 year warranty on you motor. After the treadmill purchase make sure you abide by the warranty and send in any user registrations if required.
Walking Surface - How big is the surface you actually walk or run on? My first treadmill had a 16 inch width that seemed fine in the store, however after further usage I found myself always aware of where the sides were and extra careful not to "step off the edge". Make sure the width of your treadmill will be comfortable for everyone in your household (I prefer 20 inch widths) and also the length is long enough for the long legged members of your family.
Weight Limit - Most treadmills have a weight limit. Too much weight can put a strain on the frame, belt, and especially motor of the treadmill. Make sure your potential treadmill has a weight limit to accommodate all of its potential users to avoid putting undue wear and tear on your new treadmill.
Test Things Out - Get on your treadmill and give it a test drive. Does everything work as the advertisement states? Try the heart monitor if it's a feature, does it appear to be working properly? Is the treadmill quiet to your liking, or will it be an annoyance when home? Are the displays big enough for you to see easily?
Safety - Make sure your new treadmill has an emergency stop mechanism. This can help prevent serious injuries during malfunction or accidents.
Additional Features - Treadmills come in many shapes and sizes with various features. Some additional features you may look for are a water bottle holder, calorie counter, book stand, incline, and preset and programmable workout routines.
Once you've made your final treadmill buying decision, make sure you shop around for the best price for your new treadmill. Getting all the features you want at the price you want makes for happy treadmilling!
ColoradoVacationFun.com is a breath of fresh air. The color scheme and graphics convey what the name suggests..fun! However there are some hidden dangers. 'Colorado-Vacations with Altitude' is a wonderfully well-written and informative piece.
Colorado Vacation Fun gives you tips on acclimating yourself and your pet to different altitudes. You learn that AMS is 'Acute Mountain Sickness', which you should be aware of since Colorado has the highest mean altitude in all of the US States. No matter how 'in-shape' you think you are you can still be affected by AMS. We are given a comprehensive list of symptoms to look out for while you vacation in Colorado.
Colorado Vacation Fun tells us that even in the Denver metro area (which is an average of 1 mile high/5,280 ft) People can experience AMS symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, nosebleeds, a flu-like feeling, peripheral edema (swelling of hands, feet, and face), nausea, rapid pulse, and/or lack of appetite. We are cautioned to seek medical advice if the symptoms worsen.
I learned, that because the air is thinner, you can sunburn much more easily at the higher altitudes. Best tip: don't rush it, make sure you and your pet are well hydrated and don't' forget to stop to acclimate yourself to the new altitude.
Above all, have fun on your Colorado Vacation!
