How many types of treadmill machines are there?
Treadmills are some of the most popular and effective exercise machines available today. Whether you are a fitness beginner or a seasoned fitness pro, treadmills provide better and more comfortable walking and running workouts from the comfort of your home.
Exercising on a treadmill regularly provides an array of benefits. First, walking and running improve your overall fitness, with minimal effort needed. A treadmill workout will also enhance your heart health, regulate blood sugar, strengthen your muscles and help you lose weight.
Today, treadmills make handy exercise equipment in every home and commercial gym. If you are looking to get one for your commercial or home gym, you will find that there are a multitude of models from different brands available for you to pick from.
This variety can make your selection process a daunting and unpleasant task. Before you settle on a specific treadmill, you will want to understand how the treadmill works so you can pick one that is right for you.
Our guide will help you understand the different types of treadmills available today, how they work, and the benefits they offer.
Types of Treadmill Machines
Treadmills come in various types and designs. Below, we take an in-depth look at the different types of treadmills that are available on the market today. Let’s take a look.
Electric Treadmills
Electric treadmills also known as motorized treadmills, are the most common type of treadmill available on the market today. These treadmills are ideal for both home use and commercial applications.
They are powered by a motor that runs the tread belt. Generally, the motor power varies from one treadmill to the other. The more powerful the motor is the better. It will provide you with a vast range of speed adjustments and be able to stand up to the most intense workouts.
Electric treadmills also often feature screens where you easily track your fitness stats or even watch movies or TV series as you walk and run.
Manual Treadmills
The first treadmill to be invented was a manual treadmill. Unlike their motorized counterparts, manual treadmills do not use any power source. You have to use your energy to power the belt forward.
Typically, manual treadmills are cheaper to acquire and cost-effective to run and maintain as well. They are the best option for seniors and athletes who prefer to have a more natural feel when running or walking.
Hybrid Treadmills
Hybrid treadmills are the most durable and reliable treadmills. They are built with high-end features which makes them cost more than any other treadmill type.
However, they are very easy to use, even for beginners. They also have the advantage of offering the benefits of both a treadmill and an elliptical in one machine.
Home Treadmills
Treadmills designed for home use are the most common today. With home workouts being the order of the day, home treadmills have grown to become one of the most popular exercise equipment.
These treadmills are made with a smaller footprint so they don’t take up too much of your space at home. They are simple to assemble and easy to use as well. Besides, are designed to do nearly everything a commercial treadmill does to ensure that you get the most out of them.
Commercial Treadmills
A commercial treadmill is designed for use in public gyms or any other place where several people will use it, like a hotel. Unlike home treadmills, commercial treadmills are expensive and of high build quality.
These treadmills come with a higher weight limit to accommodate a wide range of users. Furthermore, they feature larger tread belts and a bigger footprint as well. They also work well in home gyms where there are multiple family members.
Under Desk Treadmills
Underdesk treadmills are the best for office and home workouts. They are fitted under a desk so you can exercise as you work. Given the limited range of movement they provide, these treadmills are not suitable for intense workouts. They also have fewer features included compared with commercial and home treadmills.
Medical Treadmills
A medical treadmill is a treadmill that is specifically designed for use by people with special medical needs such as joint, hip, spine and leg problems. Also known as anti-gravity or zero gravity treadmills, these machines let users walk at a lower percent of body weight.
Most medical treadmills also come with additional features like stress-testing which add to their functionality.
Folding Treadmills
Folding treadmills are foldable for easy storage. This makes the ideal for use in studios and apartments where space is limited. After folding, the treadmill is easy to stow under the couch on in the closet to create space when you are not using it. Besides, most folding treadmills have a system that makes the easy to fold for storage and simple to unfold when you want to use it.
Curved Treadmills
Curved treadmills have a curved base. These treadmills are manual so you have to use your energy to move the belt. The benefit of curved treadmills is that they mimic outdoor workouts and are very simple to use, even for beginners.
Benefits of Treadmills
Whether you are an athlete or you simply want to exercise and stay fit, here are some of the benefits you will get from working out on a treadmill.
- Comfortable workouts. Treadmills have a cushioned belt which reduces the impact on your knees, ankles, and joints. This makes your workout more comfortable.
- Burns calories. Walking and running on a treadmill are the easiest ways to burn calories and shed extra weight.
- Improves mental health. An aerobic exercise no matter the intensity releases endorphin, a chemical compound that is known to improve your mood and make you happy.
- Helps your body recuperate quickly from a sickness or injury.
Conclusion
Adding a treadmill in your collection of home exercise equipment is a great way to reach your fitness goals and keep your body in shape. Consider your fitness needs, budget and the amount of space you have in your home before making a selection.
Finding the right treadmill for your needs takes time as you have to go through so many units, there is a model out there for you irrespective of what your budget and needs are.