Home treadmills are very popular fitness machines that have improved dramatically over the last 20 years. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and price ranges, so most people can find a suitable home treadmill regardless of their budget.
The history of treadmills, though, goes back farther than you might think. Would you believe that the first treadmills appeared in 1875? It's true, and they have been evolving and changing ever since.
The Beginnings of Home Treadmills
The first "home" treadmills were invented for use by animals, not people. They came about as farmers found themselves needing agricultural equipment that was portable enough to be used in different locations around their land and powerful enough to perform the job for which they were intended.
The solution was a machine powered by the motion of an animal walking. Treadmills were constructed for many different purposes and in many different sizes, depending on the animal that was going to provide the power. For example, there were butter churners that functioned with a sheep (or even a dog) providing the power via a treadmill. Other larger machines included threshing machines used in the fields and powered by horses or mules.
So how did treadmills get from the farm to the family room? The first inklings of this transformation occurred in 1952 when a doctor at the University of Washington, located in Seattle, invented a treadmill that could be used for medical purposes. Specifically, the medical treadmill was used to test patients for heart and lung disease, and evaluate the severity of their conditions.
In the 1960's the fitness equipment industry began to blossom, and home treadmills were among the first machines developed and promoted by several manufacturers. Each promoted themselves as having the best treadmill on the market, but the reality was that each different machine inevitably had its own strengths and weaknesses. Some of the earliest manufacturers included Finland's Tunturi as well as Aerobics, Inc. in the United States. Interestingly, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) contributed a great deal to the technology and mechanics of treadmills because they saw treadmills as an excellent way for astronauts to stay fit while in space for extended periods of time. NASA developed several versions that were used aboard the orbiting Skylab station in the 1970's.
Construction and Technology Changes
Early home treadmills were large and required quite a bit of space in the home. They were manually operated and controlled, meaning that the user's own motion was the driving force that kept the treadmill in motion. As technology advanced throughout the 1980's and 1990's, more advanced home treadmills began to appear on the market. These machines included advancements such as motorized tracks, motorized incline adjustment, electronic controls, programmable workouts, and most importantly to many people, compact versions that fit into smaller spaces. Now you can even get a wide width treadmill that allows you to walk your dog right alongside you while you exercise!
Basic Components
The basic components of home treadmills are important to understand and consider before you decide which brand and model to purchase. These basics are the foundation for the durability, reliability, and usability of your treadmill.
Motor - The size of the treadmill's motor is important because it will affect overall performance of the machine. A motor that is too small will not provide sufficient power and will breakdown more quickly than a motor that is the correct size for the type of use your treadmill will receive. Most experts agree that the motor should be rated at minimum of 1.5 horsepower under continuous operation if you intend to use your treadmill for walking. If you plan to run, though, or if you weigh more than 180 pounds you should look for a motor that is 2.0 horsepower or more.
Belt - The belt should be durable and not prone to excessive wear. A two-ply or greater belt is best, because a single ply belt will simply wear out and need replacement too quickly. The belt should also be large enough to accommodate the length and width of your stride. The American Council on Exercise recommends a belt length of at least 49 inches, with 50 inches or more being even better, and a width of 18 inches or more.
Deck - The deck is important because it flexes when your foot strikes it, cushioning the impact and helping to prevent injuries like shin splints, back strain, and foot problems. Look for a deck that is at least ¼-inch think and provide the lowest impact possible.
Display panel and controls - The display panel and controls should be easy to read and operate. Push button controls are best because they are easiest to use while you are in motion. The display should have large numbers and be able to show critical information like your speed, the incline you are using, the amount of time you have been on the treadmill, and the equivalent distance you have covered.
Advanced Features
Many modern home treadmills are available with features that are more advanced and may (or may not) contribute to the usability and convenience of the machine. Some advanced features are indeed useful, but many fall in the category of luxuries that do not add a lot to the machine, other than to the cost, of course.
Incline - The maximum incline on many home treadmills is 10%, which is sufficient for walkers and runners of low or average fitness levels. More serious users, though, who want a more intense workout, should opt for a maximum incline of 15%. Regardless of the maximum incline you choose, though, you should always test the machine at that maximum level to assess its stability.
Programmable controls - These advanced features can be very useful. It allows you to program your workouts so that speed, incline, and time can vary over the course of your exercise period. You can program several different workout profiles to add variety to your activity, or if there are multiple users of the machine, each person can program and store their own favorite workout profile(s).
Pre-programmed workouts - Many home treadmills come with workout profiles pre-programmed into the machine. They are typically labeled for different fitness levels and can be a very effective way for inexperience users to get started on their machine.
Built-in fan - Because the treadmill is used indoors, sweating and temperature control can be important. Some home treadmills come with built in fans, but a better option for many people is to purchase an inexpensive box or oscillating fan instead of paying extra for the built in feature.
Summary
Remember, the best treadmill is the one that you will actually use, so pay attention to the basics to ensure your machine will meet your needs. Invest in a machine that is durable enough to withstand the level of use you will give it, and you will be rewarded with reliable operation for many years to come.
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