If you’re reading this article, then it’s likely that you want to start running more often and are considering buying a treadmill to help increase your motivation and make it more convenient to run at home. But, should you buy one? Here are some reasons why you might want to do so as well as why you may not want to after all.
Why should you get one?
Treadmills have been proven to help people lose weight. (If you’re not losing weight, check out our tips and tricks on how to get started with a workout routine.) You don’t have to run on them, either—you can do walking or elliptical workouts that will help you reach your goals. While some runners might balk at working out indoors all winter long, a treadmill lets you track your workout distance and time, just like running outside would. Plus, if it gets too cold or dark where you live, it gives you the flexibility to work out any time of day without worrying about traffic or weather.
How much are treadmills?
Treadmills can cost anywhere from $200 to over $20,000. It’s important to know what features are important to you in a machine, as well as how much you’re willing or able to spend. Just because something is expensive doesn’t mean it’s worth it. There are plenty of lower-priced models that will serve your needs perfectly well—you just need to find them and make sure they’re stable enough for your weight. Look for high ratings from trusted consumer magazines and websites, as well as warranties from five years up.
When should you start using them?
Typically, treadmills are more valuable to people who have been exercising regularly and want to kick it up a notch. That said, if you’re looking to get fit or just maintain an active lifestyle and don’t have access to athletic facilities nearby, treadmills can be great. They offer low-impact exercise so you can start at your own pace and build endurance gradually over time. Those features make them ideal for beginners who don’t know how much they will enjoy working out—or those who have physical limitations that might prevent them from going outside. People with joint pain or other health issues should speak with their doctors before starting an exercise program, but in general, they are suitable even for seniors.
Treadmill vs running outdoors
Even if you live in an area with nice weather year-round, there are some times when it’s best to work out indoors. The most obvious is if you run on snowy or icy pavement, or if you want to avoid stepping on slippery leaves in autumn or broken glass in winter. For many people, though, the cost can be an issue; even if they love running outside they might not have access to a safe place to do so. One way to solve that is by investing in your own indoor equipment; having your own treadmill (or another cardio machine) at home gives you more options and flexibility. The question is whether it’s worth buying one; after all, treadmills tend not to last forever and even brand new models are expensive compared with free outdoor workouts.
Don’t be scared by all the technicalities!
First and foremost, walking is an activity we’ve all done since childhood. As adults, most of us are familiar with jogging and running. However, many people are hesitant to jump on a treadmill or elliptical machine without any prior knowledge. Don’t be scared by all of its technicalities! Walking (and running) on a treadmill is really as simple as using your own two feet to propel yourself forward. You don’t need anything else—no experience needed! Regardless of your age or fitness level, you can improve your health by investing in a cardio machine that’s right for you.
Get your diet right before anything else
The first thing you need to do when you start your fitness journey is getting your diet in check. Without fixing your eating habits, it’s almost impossible to lose weight. Get rid of all processed food from your house and fill up on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and legumes. If you want to continue living on snacks alone, be mindful of what you eat—it might shock you just how many calories we munch while mindlessly watching TV! Eating a healthy diet will help reduce cravings and also gives your body more energy during workouts so that you can stay motivated.
What to look out for while shopping?
When it comes to exercise equipment, you’re going to want to make sure you don’t purchase anything too cheap. There are several reasons why buying cheap machines won’t do much good, but one of the biggest is that they simply aren’t going to last. A machine like a treadmill may sound like it should be fairly simple and low-maintenance, but in reality, there are lots of moving parts that need to be designed well if you expect them not only to function properly but also last over time. If something breaks or fails on your sub-$500 treadmill after 6 months of use, you can probably find another used model—but there are chances it will break down again just as quickly as its predecessor.
