Changing Up Your Home Workouts - Treadmill

Since its emergence into the mainstream market, treadmills have been a simple and effective way to add cardio and lower-body strength training to any exercise routine. In fact, their usability and range of prices mean getting a full-body workout doesn't require an entire gym. And thanks to noncommercial buying options, running on a treadmill doesn't require a gym at all.

While you don't need a machine to get in a running workout, treadmills offer superior performance when compared to outdoor running. Whether it's blazing hot, raining, or snowing outside, you can still hop on your indoor treadmill to get your scheduled workout in. The cushioned belt on the treadmill also provides a lower-impact exercise when compared to running on concrete. This helps to keep your knees and other joints protected.

You also have complete control over your intensity and incline. Whether you live somewhere that's flat as far as the eye can see or there are more hills than people, treadmills allow you to choose what incline is best for your health.

Treadmills also give you the ability to track your progress, which can be a huge motivator. You'll be able to track your distance run and calories burned and monitor your heart rate so you stay in your target zone.

You also have the ability to watch television or read while you're exercising to double up on the efficiency of your workout. Some offices even provide treadmill desks to help keep their employees healthy while working.

If you're looking for a way to increase your cardio health while simultaneously getting in some strength training, treadmills offer versatile workout options for everyone.

The History and Types of Treadmills

Treadmills are actually devilishly clever exercise devices; while their original function was to efficiently leverage manpower to crush grain or pump water, they were later used as a form of torture in the 1800s.

While an intense workout on a treadmill might feel like torture today, treadmills are an excellent way to add flavor to any exercise routine, no matter your fitness level.

An early version of the modern treadmill didn't emerge until 1952 when cardiologist Robert Bruce and mechanical engineer Wayne Quinton invented a way to diagnose heart and lung disease. However, the treadmill wasn't produced for the mainstream market until after "Father of Aerobics" Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper published his research paper on the importance of aerobic exercise in 1968.

Thanks to additional years of research and mechanical tinkering, we have four main types of treadmills today: manual, motorized, folding, and commercial.

As the name suggests, manual treadmills have no motorized components and are powered solely by the user's own force. They are the least-flashy option and sit at the lower tier of pricing.

Motorized treadmills are the base for the second type of treadmills and can offer you the option of increased speeds and inclines.

Folding treadmills are a great selection for home gyms due to their ability to be folded flat and stored out of the way.

Commercial treadmills come with all the bells and whistles and are usually the type seen at commercial gyms.

Under these main categories, there are many different brands, perks, prices, and styles, so finding the right one will take a little bit of research.