Exercise Equipment: The Basics on the Proper Use of a Treadmill
by Ainuddin Mohamad
Before you even begin, make sure that you know
your machine. Understand how the functions work as well as any
monitors. This may require a consultation with your owner’s
manual, but will be helpful later on if you do not understand
how something is working.
Treadmills can offer a great workout when used properly. You can use them
indoors and get your walking or jogging in without having to worry about the
weather. Using your treadmill properly will help you get the best and safest
workout possible.
Before you even begin, make sure that you know your machine. Understand how the
functions work as well as any monitors. This may require a consultation with
your owner’s manual, but will be helpful later on if you do not understand how
something is working.
Next, get comfortable on your treadmill. Remember that it is not going to be
exactly like walking out on the sidewalk. You might feel a little dizzy or
disoriented when stepping down off the treadmill after a workout, so make sure
to hold onto something to get your bearings. Never work out so long that you get
dizzy or lightheaded while running or walking.
If you are new to treadmill workouts, it is acceptable to hold on to the
handrails if you need to for balance until you get comfortable. Keep in mind
though that this will prevent you from burning the maximum amount of calories
and making the most of your workout. As you become comfortable on the machine,
let your arms swing at your sides like they do when you walk or run outside. You
may have to use your machine at a lower setting than your normal speed until you
get the hang of it.
Always keep in mind where you are on the belt. If you get too close to the front
you could trip, and if you get too close to the back you could slide off. Keep
looking straight ahead to avoid stepping off of one side or the other. The
greatest danger from treadmills is being thrown from one, so use caution at all
times. Do not look over your shoulder or bend over to pick up an object until
the belt has come to a complete stop. Know how to work your treadmill properly
to avoid injury. Always start the belt running while your feet are on the side
panels – not while they are on the belt itself. Step down onto the belt once you
are sure that it is moving. Know how the emergency stop button works and use it
f you feel yourself getting pulled backward at any time during the workout.
Practice speeding up, slowing down and using the incline until you are
comfortable enough with the functions to do a workout
.Always wear a good pair of running or walking shoes when on a treadmill, and
never run barefoot. If you have to leave the machine for any reason, make sure
that it is turned off before you step away to avoid injury to children or pets.
Many of the new control panels offer displays that give you how far you have
gone, your current heart rate, and how many calories that you have burned. These
are great if you need a little motivation, but should not be held as gospel
truth when doing your workout.
Avoid cheating during your workout for the best caloric burn. Cheating is when
you are holding on to the handrails to allow yourself to go at a faster speed or
a steeper incline. However, this greatly decreased the amount of calories burned
and will cause the readout to be inaccurate.
If your machine asks for your weight to calculate how many calories you are
burning, do not fib. The more accurate your weight is the more accurate the
information. However, the calculations may still be off as the machine does not
know how much of the weight is fat and how much is lean muscle. If you are
leaner, the calories burned will be higher, while if you have a higher fat
percentage, the calories burned will be lower. If you ever have questions about
the use of your machine, consult the owner’s manual or the place of purchase (if
bought new). Knowing how to use your treadmill properly and safely will allow
you the best and most effective workout and help you reach your training goals.
With proper usage, your treadmill can become a safe, effective, and fun addition
to your home exercise program.
About the Author
Ainuddin Mohamad is the Webmaster of
http://www.BestWebsites.com.my which is a Directory of Best Websites. Since
July 2000
BestWebsites.com.my has featured thousands of best websites in many
categories of interest with descriptions/reviews given by leading publications
and webmasters.
Related Articles: Exercise Equipment: A Quickie Guide to Purchasing Used Exercise Equipment
Exercise Equipment: Achieve your Fitness Goals with a Kettlebell Workout
Exercise Equipment: Achieving the Best Gym Workout with Circuit Training
Exercise Equipment: Advantages of Free Weights over Exercise Machines
Exercise Equipment: Aerobics Fan? Be Sure You Have These Tools to Work Up a Sweat
Exercise Equipment: All in One Workout Machines - Take It or Leave It?
Exercise Equipment: An effective, and fun, gym workout with circuit training
Exercise Equipment: Avoiding the Scam Factor when Purchasing your Home Gym Equipment
Exercise Equipment: Beneficial Kettlebell Workouts
Exercise Equipment: Beneficial Tools for a great Workout in your Pool
Exercise Equipment: Bicycling Basics for an Overall Workout
Exercise Equipment: Can't Resist this Workout - Resistance Training for a Slimmer You
Exercise Equipment: Choosing an Effective Machine to Work Out Your Abs
Exercise Equipment: Effective Use of Dumbbells
Exercise Equipment: Exercise Accessories - A Guide to Gloves, Mats, Belts and More
Exercise Equipment: Exercise Balls - A Great Tool for your Home Gym Workout
Exercise Equipment: Exercise Bikes are NOT Created Equal - How to Find One Right for You
Exercise Equipment: Exercise Equipment Options for the Disabled
Exercise Equipment: Get Smart about Training with Dumbbells
Exercise Equipment: Get a Lift from Hydraulic Exercise Equipment
Exercise Equipment: Heart Health at Home - Dig Out Your Jump Rope
Exercise Equipment: Helpful Hints on Choosing a Gym that Suits your Fitness Goals
Hit or Miss – Which “As Seen on TV” Exercise Equipment Actually Works
Exercise Equipment: How To Buy Used Exercise Equipment
Exercise Equipment: How Yoga Can Benefit your Exercise Program
Exercise Equipment: Identifying your Exercise Goals Will Lead You to the Right Equipment
Exercise Equipment: Martial Arts Can Strike a Balance Both Physically and Mentally in your Exercise Regiment
Exercise Equipment: Mini-Trampolines - Do They Help or Hurt a Home Exercise Routine?
Exercise Equipment: Need to Lose Weight? Diet and Exercise Go Hand in Hand
Exercise Equipment: Park It - Take Advantage of your Neighborhood Park for Exercise
Exercise Equipment: Personal Fitness Monitoring - Useful Tools for Tracking Progress
Exercise Equipment: Proper Exercise Methods for Utilizing a Medicine Ball
Exercise Equipment: Realize your Fitness Goals at Home without Fancy Equipment
Exercise Equipment: Row your Way to Weight Loss - Benefits of a Rowing Machine
Exercise Equipment: Safety Issues to Address when Starting an Exercise Program
Exercise Equipment: Several Things to Consider when Purchasing a Treadmill
Exercise Equipment: Smart Training with Dumbbells
Exercise Equipment: Stair Climber and Gliders - What These Do for your Workout Routines
Exercise Equipment: Ten Tricks to Sneak in Exercise in your Daily Routine
Exercise Equipment: The Advantage of Using a Personal Trainer at your Gym
Exercise Equipment: The Basics on the Proper Use of a Treadmill
Exercise Equipment: The Benefits of an Elliptical Trainer
Exercise Equipment: The Bowflex Bandwagon - Worth the Hype?
Exercise Equipment: The Importance of your Shoes in Exercising
Exercise Equipment: The Ins and Outs of Rebounding Exercise
Exercise Equipment: The Most Beneficial Equipment for your Cardio Workout
Exercise Equipment: The Most Important Exercise Equipment for your Strength Training Needs
Exercise Equipment: The Must-Haves in Toning Equipment for Women
Exercise Equipment: The Nuances of a Nordic Track
Exercise Equipment: The Power of Pilates - What It Does for your Body
Exercise Equipment: Treading Water - Why Swimming Makes for a Great Workout
Exercise Equipment: Vibration Exercise Equipment - Is It a Scam?
What’s a Recumbent Exercise Bike and How It Can Benefit You
Exercise Equipment: Why Treadmills are so Versatile and Fit any Lifestyle
Exercise Equipment: Your Best Home Gym Options for Low Impact Exercise
|
