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The History And Features Of Home Treadmills
By Julie-Ann Amos
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.
About the Author
Julie-Ann Amos is a freelance writer for Treadmill-Ratings-N-Reviews.net,
providing the best
treadmill ratings and reviews on the 100
best
treadmill models. She has researched expert
treadmill reviews and contributed articles on a variety of fitness
equipment.
Copyright 2005 Treadmill-Ratings-n-Reviews.net
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