If you’re looking for a cardio exercise that’s both safe and effective, go for walking. That info comes from many fitness professionals themselves. But it’s not always that you can conveniently go outside to walk, such as when there’s heavy downpour or too much sun. This is when owning a treadmill comes very beneficial.
Now comes a dilemma: should you go for something that’s manual or motorized? Each one of the two has its own advantages and disadvantages. So how can you tell which one’s the best one for you? The following are some basic things you need to know about them.
A manual treadmill is powered by the movement of your feet against the belt on the deck. It has no motor that makes everything automatic. Because of this, your hips and lower abdomen does more work. It’s the best way to achieve the full benefits of going for a walk outside.
But it also puts more impact on your knees, hips and other joints in your lower body. If you got joint problems in your lower body, a foot-powered treadmill may not be the best choice for you. The same is true if you are extremely obese and suffering from certain heart conditions. A motorized one will make for an easy workout, yet just as effective.
The manual kind of this fitness equipment can be a real space saver. It’s lightweight, so it’s easy to move it from one room to another. It can also be folded, and be conveniently stored behind the door, under the bed, and other small available spaces. The motored kind is usually heavier, bigger and can’t be folded that much.
However, a consistent or continuous working out can be an issue with a manual treadmill. As soon as your stride slows down, so does the belt of the deck. If you want to shift the incline, first you have to stop and get off the machine to do so. But if you’re not after a really complex routine, a non-motorized one is a good choice.
Another advantage a manual treadmill has is hassle-free operation. It’s so simple to use, so you can have less of the confusion and more of the workout benefits. There are no complex buttons or mechanism to fiddle with. But still, some foot-powered ones got some basic contraptions – heart rate monitor, distance covered, calories burned, etc.
Since there are no motors or other sophisticated mechanisms around, manual ones are generally much cheaper. It’s a great choice if all you need are some plain exercise routines, plus if you need to abide by a certain budget. You can, anyway, purchase some add-ons in time. You can purchase a separate heart rate monitor and other contraptions as you go along.
You can, however, purchase a used motorized treadmill for a cheap price. It’s usually available at gyms or schools when they upgrade their machines. The internet too is a great place to look for a cheap one. But do check out the machine thoroughly to make sure you’re getting something that’ll last for a long time.
Learn more about the various types of treadmills you can get, and learn the secrets behind how a treadmill can help you lose weight and increase muscle.