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Treadmills provide opportunities to perform that "old standby" method of exercise-walking. For those who don't know, a treadmill is a mechanical device that has a moving walkway that allows a person to keep walking while staying in one place.

History of Treadmills

According to The History Of website, treadmills were invented in 1875 by farmers who needed alternative power to perform various farming tasks. So, they developed mechanical devices using belts and wheels that produced power when farm animals-like horses, sheep, and canines-walked and ran on them.

Who would have thought that just 75 years later, an exercise cardiologist would adapt it for use in conducting diagnoses and evaluation of people with lung and heart problems. Known as the "standard treadmill test," millions of people have undergone this procedure in physicians' offices or hospital laboratories.

Why Use a Treadmill

Fast forward to today's exercise treadmill. The moving walkway goes round and round while, you, the person trying to stay in excellent physical shape, walks or runs on it. Treadmills, as we know them today, are fantastic for doing our cardio exercise several times weekly. The point is to get your heart rate up to the accelerated pace required to keep your heart healthy. Regular use of your treadmill, at least 3 times weekly (some experts now say that 5 times is better), is an incredibly effective strategy to burn calories. Thus, you will also lose weight.

Treadmill Injuries

As a loyal treadmill user, I know one of the main ways people get injuries is when they are overdoing it. It's important to gradually work up to goals in terms of time, speed, and intensity of treadmill sessions. Otherwise, you might twist an ankle, stumble and injure an arm, or even fall off the back end of the moving walkway. Avoid striding or running at a speed that you aren't sure you can keep up with. Remember, the treadmill is a machine and you are not.

Also, nothing substitutes for an adequate warm-up and cool-down to get muscles stretched out and ready to work. Without taking a few minutes for simple pre- and post-exercises, you could pull/strain a muscle. Do only what you feel you can. The signals your body sends while you exercise are relevant. Heed them.

Treadmill Brands and Pricing

Many treadmill brands are available. Proform treadmill, NordicTrac Treadmill, or Reebok treadmill-which do you prefer? Many different brands are found at your local big-box store. Ranging in price from $200 to $2,000, almost

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