What Are the Designs of a Treadmill?

Treadmills are a means of aerobic exercise.

Treadmills are a cardio staple in gyms across the nation, as well as a common choice for at-home workout rooms. Although treadmills are instantly recognizable, they come in an array of designs with features that vary based on your budget and needs. If you're considering investing in a treadmill to amp up your workouts at home, or if you want to step on the right treadmill at your gym, learn about your options first.

Manual Treadmills

Manual treadmills are among the most basic treadmill types. With manual treadmills, the belt turns under the power of your strides rather than automatically. This can prevent mechanical issues when a part of the treadmill's gadgetry malfunctions, but the workout may not be as effective. The speed isn't as easy to adjust, so this design isn't ideal for fans of interval training or runners who like to gradually increase speed as they go.

Folding Treadmills

Folding treadmills are designed for home exercisers who are short on space. These treadmills are collapsible, with a hinged deck that can be raised and locked in place for storage. Folding models typically take up half as much space when folded. They can be less stable than a regular treadmill, but if you don't want to sacrifice a permanent space in your living room, family room, or exercise area to the treadmill, you may prefer this design.

Monitoring Treadmills

Some higher-end treadmills come equipped with sensory technology to track your heart rate. Top-of-the-line models might feature a heart-rate monitor that straps to the chest to monitor your progress and level of exertion, while others offer heart-rate monitors located on the handgrips or handrails. Treadmills designed with heart-rate monitors are a plus if you want to make sure you're pushing yourself as far as you can go or if you want to avoid the risk of overexertion.

Programmable Treadmills

Many treadmills are designed with some kind of programming to allow the user to set or customize a workout. On programmable treadmills, runners can vary the intensity of the workout at the touch of a button, or replicate the effects of an outdoor run up and down hills or slopes by adjusting the incline of the belt. Treadmills with programmable workout controls can help prevent boredom or burnout from doing the same workout every day.

References

• Ultimate Fat Burner: Treadmill Info
• Consumer Reports: Treadmill Guide