Archive for the ‘Elliptical Trainer’ tag
About Treadmill Cushioning and Treadmill Shock Absorption Technology
One of the reasons many people buy a treadmill is for treadmill cushioning which offers shock absorption upon foot-strike and results in a lower-impact workout compared to walking or running on pavement.
Treadmill cushioning has come a long way in recent years. In fact, I’m impressed with some of the treadmill shock absorption technology offered by some treadmill manufacturers. Some shock absorption technology reduces impact up to 40 percent.
What is bad cushioning technology?
There are 2 bad forms of cushioning:
1. Thick tread belt
Yes, it would a bit of a joke for a treadmill manufacturer to claim it provides treadmill shock absorption technology because of the thickness of the tread belt.
Any treadmill that says its thicker treadmill belt is good for low impact cardio is not good. In other words, don’t buy a treadmill for lower impact workouts simply because it has a thicker treadmill belt.
In fact, a thicker belt is not considered cushioning technology. These days you won’t find many, if any treadmill makers touting a thicker belt as cushioning technology. I want to mention it so that you know this when you first start researching treadmills. It may occur to you that looking for the thickest tread belt may be the best approach to take. It isn’t.
2. Spring technology
Spring technology results in a bouncy treadmill deck. This is not the optimal treadmill shock absorption.
What is good cushioning technology?
In a nutshell, quality treadmill cushioning that turns a treadmill into a lower-impact cardio machine is one where the running deck is cushioned in some fashion.
3 types of shock absorption technologies:
1. Full tread-deck cushioning
Full tread-deck cushioning is where a treadmill deck’s cushion is the same all over the deck.
2. Multi-zone cushioning
Variable cushioning is where the tread deck is softer at the front where you step down and firmer at the rear where you lift off. This is the best form of treadmill shock absorption. It provides low-impact where it’s needed and a firm lift-off for running performance.
3. Adjustable cushioning
Adjustable cushioning is where you can actually adjust the amount of cushioning on a running deck. Note, that some treadmills with adjustable cushioning will either have the same amount of cushioning across the entire running deck or on higher-end models, provide multi-zone cushioning.
Shock absorption generally
As you can see from some of the prominent treadmill manufacturers above, the technology varies, yet the one commonality is the cushioning is not based on a thicker tread belt. Fortunately treadmill cushioning technology is more advanced than that.
Can you have too much cushioning?
Yes. I equate too much cushioning to running in sand. If you’re a performance runner, then if the running deck is too soft, your running performance is compromised. This is why, if you can afford it, it’s best to get multi-zone treadmill cushioning technology.
Treadmill cushioning is not the ultimate low impact cardio machine
If you have serious joint and/or back problems, cushioning may not be sufficient for you. Instead, you might want to consider a low impact cardio machine such as an elliptical trainer, stepper, and/or exercise bike.
On the other hand, if you’re a runner and don’t have joint and/or back problems, using a treadmill with cushioning technology can prolong your running career. In fact, mixing in treadmill workouts with your pavement-running workouts provides lower-impact cardio workouts which give your joints and back a breather from constant hard-impact workouts running on pavement.
Advanced shock absorption technology costs money
Another commonality among some of the above treadmills is that the more advanced treadmill cushioning options are on treadmills that cost more money. If cushioning is important to you, then be prepared to pay for a higher-cost treadmill.
Click here to read an in-depth ProForm Performance 600 Treadmill review or click here to read an in-depth ProForm Trailrunner 4.0 treadmill review.
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Trade In Your Stairmaster For An Elliptical Trainer
Many of us like the idea of running or jogging, but aren’t too keen on the demands that are required for the exercise. Good weather is important when running–I mean, who really enjoys running in the rain or sleet?! Also, comfortable, supportive shoes are extremely important when running outdoors, especially if you have to maneuver over uneven terrain. In addition, we also have to worry about the painful impact that running/jogging can have on our knees and ankles. Sometimes, running just doesn’t seem worth the strain on our joints.
Those of us who aren’t so much into running may be looking for a low-impactexercise that offers the same great results as jogging or running with the dependability of remaining indoors. But what fun is it to have to work several different routines or use two or three different pieces of equipment to get a good workout?
Years ago, the exercise world was ruled by the stairmaster and the treadmill. People loved that there was a piece of equipment that could help them obtain a jogger’s physique without actually having to run. But those machines are incredibly space-consuming, not to mention bulky!
However there is a new machine that is not only a great deal less bulky than the stairmasters and treadmills of yesterday, but is also offers an extremely smooth movement. The elliptical trainer can be as low or high-impact as you want because you are the one who sets the pace!
One of the most admirable things about elliptical trainers is that you can work out your whole body in one fluid motion. everything from your shoulders to your calves will feel the burn! You don’t have to trudge through hours of sweating and grumbling to achieve nice muscle tone, either. If you’re worried about the element of time, just ask yourself if you can manage about 20 minutes a day, three to five days a week. Even if you use the elliptical trainer while watching your favorite show, the workout still counts!
Elliptical trainers vary in price range and can be purchased online or at most fitness equipment stores. If you want to use an elliptical trainer, but don’t want to commit to a purchase—you can usually find a few elliptical trainers at most gyms.
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Bowflex Selecttech Dumbbells and Treadclimber Lead Home Gym Revolution
Bowflex, America’s leading home fitness equipment company, has helped countless people reach their desired health and fitness goals. The leading edge Bowflex line of home exercise equipment offers gym-quality workouts in your own home, helping you to lose pounds, get in better condition or completely reshape your body.
In this product spotlight we’ll concentrate on the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbells and the Bowflex line of Treadclimbers — two extremely popular Bowlex products — and for good reason.
The Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells exemplify one of the most progressive and versatile exercise equipment advances in recent years. You no longer need a group of dumbbells at various weights. The SelectTech series effectively replaces 17 sets of dumbbells using a patented dial system that allows you to quickly adjust the weight in 2.5 lb, 5 lb or 10 lb increments, depending on the model. The entire system sits on one compact base that takes up about the space of one set of dumbbells.
Bowflex offers the SelectTech Dumbbells in three models – the SelectTech 220, SelectTech 552 (the most popular) and SelectTech 1090.
Available in four primary models, the Bowflex Treadclimber provides an option for every fitness level and budget. They include the TC1000, TC3000, TC5000, and TC6000. Owning a Bowflex TreadClimber is like having a treadmill, elliptical trainer, and Stairmaster combined in one compact home exercise solution. The machine’s unique synthesis of movements, utilizing two independently operating platforms, is efficient and highly effective.
The most affordable model, the TC1000 features a 3.8 mph (6.1 kph) maximum walking speed, while the top of the line TC 6000 runs as fast as4.5 mph (7.2 kph). The TC3000 and TC5000 each top out at 4.0 mph (6.4 kph).
There are numerous other important distinctions to be made among the individual Bowflex Treadclimber models. Starting with the TC1000, each model includes 3 elemental functions — Speed, Distance and Time. The TC3000 also includes Calories per Minute, Total Calories and Total Steps. The TC5000 then adds two additional functions — the Climb Indicator and the Heart Rate Monitor. Finally, the high end TC6000 includes all of the above plus additional training programs, including Cross Training, Intervals, Plateau, The Brooklyn Bridge and The Golden Gate Bridge. The Heart Rate Monitor on the TC5000 and TC 6000 allows you to easily keep track of optimal levels using a wireless chest strap and an integrated display.
We’ve highlighted two popular Bowflex products designed for very specific types of exercise. The Bowflex influence is also seen in their line of complete home gyms. These include the Bowflex Revolution, Bowflex Ultimate, Bowflex Ultimate 2, Bowflex Xtreme SE, Bowflex Xtreme SE 2 and Bowflex Blaze.
Bowflex has become the most recognizable name in fitness. They continue to design and produce home equipment options that will keep you motivated and on the path to reaching your fitness goals.
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