First the basics, how it works. You have a walking belt that is powered by an electric motor, on which you can walk or run. The walking surface may have the capability to be raised and lowered and the speed can be increased and decreased. No real learning curve is required. Treadmills provide exercise specific training for runners and walkers.
Don’t be penny wise and dollar foolish. Not every less expensive treadmill is a good deal. The phase “you get what you pay for" most certainly applies to exercise equipment. If you are a serious exerciser or runner you will need to spend in excess of $ 2500.00 dollars to get a model that will last and offers features that most runners expect.
Measure your floor space before you purchase a treadmill. A non-folding model can occupy at least 18 square feet. You need to consider at the least a 3 foot wide by 6 foot long area for usage. Folding models take up about ½ as much space when not in use. There are some folding models that fold electronically. A nice feature for user that may have a hard time lifting the walking deck.
Are you a walker or a runner? If you are a walker than lower price models should suffice. Runners will appreciate the stability of the non-folding models. If you are a runner than you should realize that you will probably need to spend in excess of $ 2500.00 for a model that will last for years to come.
Hit the stores, if you need to feel and touch your purchase. But you will find better discounts on-line. A lot of manufactures offer free shipping with an on-line purchase. Just like shopping for a new car, the new model treadmills start coming out for the Christmas shopping season. The reason for this is due to the fact that most exercise equipment buyers find a need to get in shape for the holidays. With company parties, and New Years resolutions. You may find some great deals on current model closeouts at this time of year. Another good source is E-Bay, but be cautious on purchasing a used treadmill from a private party. You will be responsible to pickup the treadmill and take it home to reassemble it. Many treadmill repair problems will not surface in a 5 minute tryout. Once you get the treadmill home and use it for over 20 minutes you may find out exactly why the person sold it to you, and you thought you got such a deal. Purchasing from a used or reconditioned treadmill from a dealer is definitely a smarter purchase. The dealer will usually offer delivery, setup and some type of parts and labor warranty. They also may offer and extended warranty.
Feature, features, features. Decide what’s important to you. What is the maximum speed? Does the treadmill incline? If so, how high of a percentage? Do you need programs? Do you want to make your own programs? How about items like fans, TV’s, orthopedic walking belts, large console displays, book holder. Does the treadmill only have front rails or does it also have side rails? Heart monitors, did you need this feature for medical reasons? Do you want a model with a wireless heart rate detector? If so, is the treadmill capable of this feature and if so is it an additional expense. Go to a local retailer and try the treadmill, you can always go on-line to research for better pricing.
What about warranty? Because treadmills tend to take a beating, this may be the most important feature of all. Many of the lower price range treadmills may only come with a 90 days parts and labor warranty. Does the manufacturer have a national network of service centers? Can you purchase an extended warranty? Also check the application of the treadmill most lower priced models are labeled for “In Home Use" only, the warranty will be void if used in a gym or other commercial type setting i.e.: condominium or apartment workout rooms.
Bottom line is if you’ve decided that a treadmill is for you, you must remember that not every less expensive treadmill is for you and it may not necessarily be a good deal. In my experience if you want gym quality in a non-folding treadmill you need to spend about $3000.00. That will generally buy you solid construction with better hardware and programs. These treadmills will also come with a superior warranty.
The emergence of bamboo fabric is just one more area this sustainable product is being used to help the green cause. From fashion to bedding sheets, bamboo fabric is starting to give some of the more traditional fabric resources a nudge to one side.
Health Benefits
The benefits of using bamboo fabric include health and wear related. Bamboo Kun is a quality in the plant which contributes to it's strong anti-bacterial nature. As a bedding sheet, this is particularly effective and an excellent alternative for those fighting the dreaded bed bugs.
It's also beneficial for allergy sufferers given it's hypoallergenic qualities. For those wearing it as clothing, it's no secret it's anti-bacterial resistance helps in reducing the risk of bacteria multiplying. The added benefit of this is the odor caused by this bacteria is negated to a great extent and because of the fabric's contact with the skin, it will contribute to the elimination of this odor causing agent.
Clothing And Bedding Benefits
The insulation qualities of bamboo fabric make it ideal again for clothing and bedding. As a bedding product, while it will cost a little more to purchase, the benefit lays in it's ability to adapt to the seasons. It will keep you cool in summer and warm in the colder months. The extra cost of purchasing sheets is negated simply because it will negate the need to buy winter and summer bedding products.
As a clothing material, it has the same benefits and it's a product which caught the attention of manufacturers towards latter half of the 20th century.
Alternative To Cotton
As a rival to cotton, bamboo fabric is steadily gaining in the popularity stakes. One of the drawbacks with cotton lies in it's production which usually sees it heavily protected through the use of pesticides. This is a fact that hasn't gone unnoticed by environmentalists and one of the reasons bamboo is considered a healthier alternative.
It doesn't need to be bombarded with pesticides to help it grow and is very sustainable. It has excellent water retention capabilities, another plus for our abused environment.
The push towards bamboo as a resource for fabric begins to make a lot a sense when you consider the benefits. Homeowners have long recognized it's benefits as a flooring and furniture material and the transition to using it as a clothing and bedding material seemed only...well, natural.
Both Abad Wilson & Dean Caporella are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.