Manual Vs. Automatic Treadmill
In either of its forms, the treadmill provides the user with an opportunity for a good cardiovascular workout and the machines can be found in gyms and sporting goods stores around the country. Automatic treadmills have a motor which moves the walking tread along, while manual treadmills depend on the user's momentum to operate. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
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Flexibility
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If you're looking for a workout that isn't the same each day, the automatic treadmill has a rather large advantage over the manual forms. A manual treadmill provides little in the way of versatility. Motorized treadmills, on the other hand, usually come with various programmed workouts and the ability to adjust the incline.
Cost
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Manual treadmills are usually much less expensive than their motorized counterparts. Automatic treadmills come with the motor, a computer system, and several other features, all of which help to drive up the cost. Manual treadmills, by contrast, are rather simple devices and can typically be found for hundreds less than a comparable automatic version.
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Ease of Use
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When it comes to ease of use and general simplicity, the manual treadmill has several advantages over automatic treadmills. They are usually smaller, which means owners can more easily find places in their house to put them. Besides that, many of them can be folded up and slid away when not in use. They also don't require a power source, which means even fewer limitations on where it can be placed.
Adjustability
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Anyone who has worked out for a long period of time knows that ratcheting up the intensity of the workout is the only way to make progress, particularly if you don't have an unlimited amount of time. With a manual treadmill, you can do this, but it can be difficult to keep track of your intensity levels. Good automatic treadmills come with prescribed workouts designed for different levels of fitness.
Extra Features
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With manual treadmills, you more or less get what you see. Some bars to hold on to and a tread you can run or walk on. With an automatic treadmill, the sky is the limit when it comes to extra features. Some of these more expensive features include heart rate monitors, MP3 players, built in televisions and even Internet access.
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References
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