Archive for the ‘Articles’ category

Is It Better To Use An Elliptical Machine Or A Treadmill

January 29th, 2011


Using an elliptical machine is so different from using a treadmill to exercise. They each offer you an excellent exercise routine but an elliptical machine will go to work on some muscle groups that the treadmill will not.

Each is great in their own special way but, they are not the same. When you are knowledgable about the variations between the two, you will be able to choose which is better for you. You might even decide to use both.

The Eliptical Machine

While evaluating the elliptical machine and the treadmill, it is apparent that the elliptical does not cause force on the joints, knees, lower part of the back, or the hips like the treadmill does.

The elliptical machine exercises the top and bottom parts of the body at the same time. This causes your heart rate to go higher quicker than the treadmill will. It also provides exercise for the leg muscles, the back muscles, the shoulder muscles, the chest muscles, and the arm muscle groups. This gives your whole body the exercise it needs.

One other advantage of this machine is the ability of being able to pedal in the opposite direction. By doing this, you are able to work the quad muscles in the bottom part of the body.

The Treadmill

The treadmill can be a great thing for working in an aerobic way. It is the choice of many individuals who do not like the elliptical machine. This is great for those who are into jogging, running, or walking. This machine is the better option. This machine will be the best for those who are starting to esercise for the first time or who are trying to work certain areas of the body. The majority of treadmills can be set for different fitness levels.

This machine gives you a choice of diverse options that the elliptical does not like, running, jogging, or walking on a slope. The treadmill does not give you a high level of intensity but, it will give you the ability to burn off the fat and raise the level of cardiovascular health.

Treadmills are still the top sellers for exercise equipment but the elliptical are closing in fast. This rise in popularity is due to the fact that gyms and spas are providing this machine for their members to use.

Either of these machines will be able to make the bones thicker, take off the fat, raise the cardio health, and boost the energy levels of the person using it. The thing to remember is that these machines will not do any good if they are not used on a routine basis at home or in the spa.

The rule of thumb for purchasing either of these is you are going to get the best if you pay for the best. The internet can give you sale prices but, the equipment may not be worth the savings. Not to mention, the shipping will more than cover what you are saving on the machine.

It does not matter which one is the best choice for you. Find one that you are willing to use more. This will ensure that you have a great machine that you like to use. You will be inclined to lose more of the excess weight and become a healthier you.

By: David Faulkner

About the Author:
You can also find more info on elliptical trainer and trainer reviews. Bestellipticalreviews.com is a comprehensive resource to get reviews about elliptical.



Treadmill Mats – Why A Fitness Equipment Mat Is A Recommended Treadmill Accessory

January 29th, 2011


The treadmill is the most popular form of home exercise machine enjoyed by millions of gym members and home users around the globe. They range from the simple manually operated machines at the lower end of the budget scale to hulking great commercial quality exercise machines, which you will find in a commercial gym. The difference between the low budget and high end treadmill is vast but if you are buying one for home use they all have one thing in common: a treadmill mat will solve a whole bundle of issues.

Treadmills are large, heavy machines which can cause damage to your flooring without some way of protecting them. Not only do you run the risk of leaving permanent indentations in either hard floors or carpet where the feet are but treadmills will also scratch and scuff floors as they vibrate and move around while in use. Treadmill mats prevent this from happening, preserving wood flooring, protecting tile and stopping carpet wear and indentation marks. They also keep treadmill lubricant and the other grime which a treadmill produces over time from staining carpets and floors by providing an impermeable barrier between the two.

Exercise equipment mats are also great for soundproofing a treadmill for the benefit of all those around you. When running, a treadmill produces a lot of vibration against a hard floor and that’s in addition to the rhythmic thumping of your feet as you go for that ten mile run which goes thudding through the floors too. Treadmill floor mats are padded for shock absorbtion and to absorb those noisy vibrations cutting down on the amount of noise you make when using your running machine.

That same padding you’ll find on a thick treadmill floor mat, also protects the treadmill machine itself by preventing the shock and vibrations from reverberating back up into the treadmill and rattling the component parts. By cushioning the shock of your running feet and damping down that and the additional vibrations caused by the motor itself you cut down on the amount of wear and tear the treadmill equipment receives during the course of its life and therefore, reduce the chances of having to pay for repairs when one of those component parts wears out or breaks down.

A solid, hard wearing treadmill mat is an accessory which is something of a must-have for any home user. The benefits of such a gym equipment floor mat for outweigh the small additional cost these fitness equipment mats cost and as most are multifunctional, they can be used for a variety of different exercise equipment should your needs change down the line.

By: Mark Falco

About the Author:
Mark Falco is a big fan of the health benefits and convenience afforded by owning your own home gym equipment. He invites you to learn more about which treadmill mats are best for your needs.



What Treadmill Equipment Do I Really Need?

January 29th, 2011


If you’re in the market for a treadmill to run or walk on, you’re not alone. Many people prefer treadmills to outdoor exercise. They don’t have to deal with extremes of weather, and if they feel self-conscious exercising then a home treadmill is the perfect solution. Once you’ve decided to get a treadmill of your own, you need to decide what kinds of treadmill equipment you’ll need.

Obviously, you’ll need the treadmill machine itself. Most people are well informed on how to pick a treadmill. With any machine you consider, take note of the brand name and features as well as the dimensions of the machine. You want to make sure that there are no surprises once you bring it home and set it up. But there are many other pieces of equipment beyond the basic frame that your treadmill will require.

A treadmill belt is the second most important consideration. This is the part that you will be running on, so it really is the most important part of your treadmill. If you’re suddenly having difficulty running on your treadmill, you probably need a new belt. Most treadmills come with a belt when you purchase them. But you may want to buy a higher-quality belt than the stock belt that comes with the treadmill, or you may want an extra belt around in case you need a replacement later on.

Treadmill lubricant allows the belt to slide effortlessly over the metal parts of the treadmill, which is absolutely necessary to a smoothly operating machine. Choose a wax-based lubricant over oil or silicon-based lubricants.

In regards to lubricant, you really need to read the manual that comes with your treadmill. It should recommend a lubrication schedule that will optimize the performance of your machine. And some treadmills come with pre-waxed belts that don’t need lubrication at all. It’s all in the manual, so make sure to read it.

Another important piece of equipment is a floor mat to put underneath your treadmill. This will soften impact to your knees as you run or walk, as well as protect your floor from being scratched or scuffed by the heavy treadmill. Most mats measure about 3′ by 6′, but they vary slightly. Extra-long mats are also available. Some are made from foam, but most exercisers consider vinyl mats to be the most durable and functional.

Other accessories also fall in the category of equipment you’ll need. Accessories like replacement safety keys, surge protectors, clip on heart rate monitors, water bottles in attachable caddies, and running apparel are all necessary for a successful treadmill experience.

Hopefully you’ve seen in this article that there’s more to buying a treadmill than meets the eye. You actually need several pieces of treadmill equipment to make your purchase complete. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary equipment, start exercising and have fun.

By: Jenny Evans

About the Author:
If you are in search of the latest and greatest treadmill equipment out today, then visit http://www.TreadmillBuyingGuide101.com, where you’ll find this and much more, including a 2 part buying guide and top of the line reviews.