Today's electric treadmills are a far cry from the old models that you might remember from your youth. While they still can be used as a regular treadmill, modern electric treadmills come in a wide variety of styles and features. For instance, flat-belt manual treadmills still have their place in some homes, but treadmills that use electricity have become the wave of the fitness-conscious, due to their many advantages. First of all, they are silent, quiet, and powerful – which means no more worrying about the kids or guests disturbing you while you work out. They are also environmentally friendly, since they don't use exhaust fumes and other harmful chemicals.
One advantage of an electric treadmill is the calorie-burning potential. With virtually no running involved, you can burn calories at a steady pace. The lower intensity level that electric treadmills provide means that you get more calories per minute on average than with a low-intensity bicycle ride. As a result, your heart will be working harder and longer to push the bike, burning calories even while you are not actually on the bike. This leads to better overall fitness and health. When you combine this type of conditioning with the increased speed and smooth motion of an electric treadmill, it's easy to see why they have become so popular.
Even safety concerns are not an issue when using electric treadmills. Since there is no external lever that you need to hold down, you can put your body in a completely relaxed state, allowing you to focus on your exercise. This allows you to reduce the chances of straining yourself by taking your eyes off the screen and falling. Most electric treadmills will also have built-in safety features that stop the motor if your feet hit the edge of the belt or if you make a sudden jerking motion. This means that, should you ever fall off, your body will be fully supported, meaning that any serious injuries will be avoided.
Of course, an electric-powered exercise machine is not without its disadvantages. One of the closest is the incline feature of a manual treadmill. Since manual treadmills can only offer a small incline (often less than twenty degrees), many people find that they don't use their treadmills enough to justify the cost of using one. If your goal is to lose weight, you may find that using a lower incline on your electric treadmills may be better for your long-term fitness goals.
However, even an electric-powered treadmill may have its disadvantages. Some users have complained that the noise from the motor is distracting, especially if you are trying to work out in a busy public gym. Additionally, while an electric treadmill may be cheaper initially, you may find that the cost of maintaining it increases substantially over time. One way to avoid this is to purchase a non-electronic manual treadmill, which also has the benefit of excellent battery life.
Overall, electric treadmills are a great choice for people who like the benefits of a treadmill without the noise and increased maintenance that comes with a manual machine. They can also be an excellent choice for those looking to lose weight or increase their cardiovascular health. Even though they may not offer as much incline as manual treadmills, they do allow you to burn more calories throughout the day, which helps you lose weight. As with any appliance, you will want to research both the pros and cons of each type of exercise equipment, before making your decision.