Treadmills are a great way to get in shape. They simulate walking but do
not require as much muscular resistance as a stroll in the park. They
are also easier on the joints. It is not hard to use treadmills. All it
takes is getting used to the equipment. Treadmills can be used at home
or in a gym.
Most people start out by walking on a treadmill, even to warm up.
Walking at a brisk pace provides many cardiovascular benefits. People
who run on treadmills need to get used to changing speeds while moving
at quick speeds. They also need to learn how to stop the machine without
falling. Many injuries can occur, particularly among runners, if they
do not know the proper way to exit a treadmill machine.
Most treadmills today are electronic and computerized. They have certain
buttons that employ various functions. It is important to learn these
functions from a fitness training or a manual if you are working out at
home. There is generally a "Quick Start" button, which gets the
treadmill moving. There are also buttons to increase the speed gradually
as you start to warm up. Some treadmills have an "Emergency Stop" chain
or button. This function can be used to stop the equipment more
quickly. In addition to increasing speeds, the machine can be elevated
to simulate walking up hills for a more rigorous workout. Treadmills
also have buttons for entering body weight, so people can see how many
calories they burn during a workout. Also, by maintaining a grip on the
bars in front, one can keep track of one's heart rate.
It is important to start slow in the beginning. Some people are at a
higher fitness level than others. Beginners should start with a lower
speed and gradually work their way up. For example, the quick-start
button on most treadmills will start a person out with a walking speed
of 2.2. From there, it is up to the individual as to how much he can
handle. Start at a leisurely pace, then gradually increase the speed
once the legs are warmed up. Make the workout taxing enough as to burn
fat and work the heart, but don't go too fast. Going too fast on a
treadmill is very hard on the hamstrings. Overuse can make the backs of
the knees sore; this is particularly true among older people. Do not use
the treadmill if you have a hamstring injury.
source
http://www.howtodothings.com/health-fitness/use-treadmills
