Saturday, June 25, 2005

10 Quick Tips for Buying Treadmills by Jennifer Dennis



10 Quick Tips for Buying Treadmills



Thinking about purchasing a treadmill? Before you make a purchase, read these
important tips for buying the machine. This fitness equipment will be an
important investment, both financially and physically. Read these important
considerations before you decide which make, model and style work best for you.

1. Price ranges for treadmills generally break down in the following:

  - Budget: $500 - $1500

  - Mid-Range: $2500-$3000

  - Quality: $3000 and up

With treadmills, you get what you pay forliterally. With every additional
dollar, you are assured a superior product. Stronger belts, motors, premier
monitors, more exciting fitness programsthe list goes on and on. Look for a
smooth ride on the treadmill machine, easy-to-adjust incline, water bottle holders and
additional features that will make all the difference on your run. With every
additional dollar, you will also ensure increased use, year after year.



2. Your fitness level can dictate what type of treadmill you should buy. Do you
see yourself frequently running or do you prefer to walk? Daily fitness
lifestyles determine the model you should purchase. If you prefer walking, you
need a strong belt with easy-to-adjust incline levels to give you the
multi-faceted workout you want. If you are a fast, strong runner, a longer belt
will be a better fit for you. Ensure that you have strong, steady arm rails that
can support your body. A beginning walker should have an incline of at least 10%
and a 15% for advanced users for maximum output.
Walkers should be able to attain a speed of 5 mph or 8 to 11 mph for runners.
The speed should increase incrementally so that the user does not fall off while
adjusting speeds. All machines should have an auto-switch in case of accidents
or emergencies.
3. The deck length and width can substantially affect your workout
experience. If you frequently walk, you will want a treadmill that is wider to
give you plenty of room to exercise. Runners prefer a longer deck to enjoy a
full range of motion while exercising. Either way, you will get a great lower
body workout with high cardiovascular intensity that can lengthen your lifeand
improve your daily experience.
4. A good treadmill deck should be low-impact and a least a quarter-inch
think. Low-impact decks provide stress relief on your joints and back. Read more
on Flex decks vs. Standard decks to see which one fits your fitness lifestyle
best. Overall, the more cushion on a deck, the more motivation the fitness user
has to take the next step... and next step... and next step.
5. Maximum Developed Horsepower is another influential factor in a treadmill.
MDH is when the motor is required to work harder than the idle speed, causing
the motor to need extra horsepower. This extra horsepowers top amount is called
the MDH. The better the machine, the stronger the MDH, ensuring your machine
will last longer and work more effectively.
6. Monitors are essential to a great workout. Heart rate monitors are an easy
and efficient way to obtain optimal fitness levels in an easy-to-read format.
Set your designated heart rate and let these accurate monitors tell you where
you stand as you run, walk or jog. Moderate Rate heart rates at approximately
50% of the maximum heart rate, or an RPE of 5-6; Weight Management heart rates
are 60-70% , or RPE 6-7; Aerobic is 70-80% or RPE 7-8; the Peak Performance
should only be used by top athletes and is 80-90% with an RPE 8-9. Controlling
speed, distance and incline through your monitors will also help to obtain
desired heart rates.
7. The SpaceSaver option is ideal for individuals living in an apartment or
home with limited space. If you dont want to see your treadmill machine every
dayor simply dont have room for ita SpaceSaver model will fold up easily and
efficiently for storage. Purchase attractive treadmill furniture to store your
SpaceSaver in an accessible and convenient location.
8. Making your machine iFit compatible directly confronts the biggest problem
you will face with any machine you buyboredom with your fitness routine. iFit
gives you the chance to have a personalized, rewarding workout time after time.
Through your machine, you will set and obtain your personal goals for a
rewarding experience.
9. Speed range and incline range should be easily changed throughout your
workout. If you want to change inclines throughout the exercise, the machine
should give you a smooth, flowing adjustment. In addition, your machine should
remain relatively quiet.
10. Warranties are essential to buying your next treadmill. Especially if you
are considering a used or refurbished model, see what the distributor or
manufacturer offers you for replacement parts or service. Warranties confirm the
quality of the product and you should make sure it covers the weight of the
heaviest person who might use the machine and works against defects for one to
three years.
About the Author: Jennifer Dennis is a successful author and regular
contributor to http://www.treadmills-and-treadmill-reviews.com - a fitness and treadmill industry resource that features treadmill reviews,
guides, product descriptions and articles.

About the Author
About the Author: Jennifer Dennis is a successful author and regular
contributor to http://www.treadmills-and-treadmill-reviews.com - a fitness and treadmill industry resource that features treadmill reviews,
guides, product descriptions and articles.

Lose Weight by Sleeping? by Alex Sharp




Do you feel that you need to lose weight? Well then dont just count calories. You might want to count sheep as well.

Recent studies have shown that sleep deprivation disrupts a series of metabolism and hormonal processes. It causes increased hunger and affects the bodys metabolism making it difficult to lose and control weight.

Lack of sleep causes a hormone called cortisol, which controls the appetite, to take excess calories and store them as excess body fat. In addition, sleep loss interferes with carbohydrate metabolism which may cause high blood glucose levels. The excess amount of glucose encourages the overproduction of insulin, which may lead to diabetes or even obesity.

Furthermore, sleep deprivation can promote weight gain by affecting our behavior. People who lack sleep tended to crave sweets or high carbohydrate, high fat food with low nutrient value. They tend to snack on chips, cakes, pastries, burgers, fries, soft drinks, etc. Though the short-term rise in blood sugar, brought on by these snacks, gives a surge of energy, the extra calories are not needed by the body and must be stored as body fat.

These calories are not so easily shed than taken. When they are sleep deprived, people are often too tired to exercise or they work out less intensely than usual. They commonly feel exhausted and lack the energy and motivation to do even simple exercises. They rather go to sleep, or eat, than go physical. In due time, the calories that are gained and not easily burned are deposited in the body as fat.

Some people may require less hours of sleep to be in top condition during the day; while others need more than 10 hours. But experts agree that most people need at least eight hours of sleep each night to give themselves enough energy to exercise, eat right and keep off those unwanted pounds. Yet, according to a poll sponsored by the National Sleep Foundation, only 30 percent of adults get eight or more hours of sleep on weeknights; while 52 percent do on weekends. A third of adults reportedly sleep no more than six-and-a-half hours nightly.

In fact, disruption in the sleeping patterns in the United States and in the industrialized world is thought as one of the main reasons that people are getting overweight. People should start making behavioral and lifestyle changes now for a better, healthier tomorrow.

For further information on getting a good night's sleep, please visit www.natural-stamina.com/BetterSleep.html
About the Author
Alex Sharp is the founder of Natural-Stamina.com, a program designed to help men with all issues of their life.