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Get a Home Gym For Less

FitSugar — Mon, 14 May 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Raise your hand if you're looking to get a piece of gym equipment for your home but can't afford to pay thousands? [FitSugar raises her hand.]

I've recently been checking out WorkoutWarehouse.com because they have some pretty low prices. You can choose from a ton of cardio machines and other exercise equipment for a fraction of the price. Check it out at WorkoutWarehouse.com.

Need a list to get you started? Check out my list of home gym must haves.

Treadmill Trivia

FitSugar — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:00:03 -0700

If you love working out on a treadmill, take this quiz to see how well you know your machine.

Take the quiz

5 Treadmill Gripes - and 5 Solutions

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 05:30:22 -0800

I'll admit that I'm kind of annoyed that the colder weather has forced me to move my runs inside. I prefer jogging in the fresh air, and there are many reasons I hate the treadmill. I'm sure you can relate, so here are five easy ways to make your treadmill time more fun and enjoyable.

Gripe	Solution
It's way too boring.	Staying in one place can have its downfalls, so make it fun by listening to a book on tape, learning a language, watching a movie or TV show, perusing a magazine, or listening to a great running mix.
It's too loud.	You can't stop the noise, but you can prevent yourself from hearing it by getting a set of good noise-isolating headphones like these Ultimate Ears Metro F1.2 ($70). They'll block out all outside noise, including the annoying guy next to you trying to pick you up.

To see the rest read more.

Gripe	Solution
It's too repetitive on my body.	The great thing about treadmills is that you're in control of the speed and the incline. So mix it up to feel different effects on your body. If you don't want to futz with the buttons, many newer treadmills offer built-in interval workouts. Select a workout from the list and it'll make you feel more like you're running outside than just running on a hamster wheel.
I don't believe the readout.	When using your own treadmill or one at the gym, you get accurate readings of the time, distance, and how fast you're moving, since these are simple functions the machine can figure out by using the clock and the speed of the belt. When it comes to calories burned, if there's a place you can enter in your weight, then the calorie readout should also be fairly accurate. To be sure, you may want to get a heart rate monitor or the Nike+ Sports Kit.
There's no place for my water bottle or magazine.	If your treadmill doesn't have a rack or water bottle holder, you can buy these separately. A Cardio Caddy With Bottle Holder ($25) can keep track of your water, iPod, or remote control. You can also purchase the Up'n Over Rack ($25). It's made of clear plastic and fits over the treadmill display so you can read your book and also peek at how long you've been walking.

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A Little More on the Treadmill vs. Running Outside Debate

FitSugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 05:30:00 -0700

We all have personal preferences: dark chocolate over milk, red wine over white, running outside over running on a treadmill. Wait! I like both hitting the pavement in my sneakers and chalking up miles on a treadmill. And it looks like variety is a good thing when it comes to where you choose to run. You shouldn't really place yourself too strongly in either camp.

Running outside definitely has its benefits, like boosting your mood and making you feel more invigorated than running indoors. You also burn about five percent more calories when running outside. Which makes sense since you have to contend with the elements (like wind – oh how I hate running into a headwind!), and you don't have the assistance of the treadmill belt pulling your legs back for you. Studies have also shown that when running on treadmills, we tend to go a bit slower than we would on a track.

To see the benefits of running on a treadmill just read more.

On the other hand, or should I say foot since we are talking about running, treadmills reduce the incidence of overuse injuries by up to 50 percent. Running stresses the legs, particularly the lower leg. Think shin splints and you will know what I mean. By preventing and decreasing overuse injuries, the treadmill can help keep you running for longer and possibly farther (even though you are not really moving forward).

Once again the take home message is to mix it up. Treadmills, with their steady pace, work like a metronome on tempo runs. You set your pace a little past your comfort zone and the constant motion of the belt keeps you moving. Running outside is invigorating and a great way to see the world.

So where do you fall in this debate? And have I convinced you to try running on the other side? Tell me in the comments section below.

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6 Ways to Beat Treadmill Boredom

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 06:40:01 -0800

Most of us covered in cold and snow are forced to move our runs inside. If you don't have access to an indoor track, then a treadmill is the next best thing. While I'm grateful that this machine allows me to keep up with my runs, the repetition of staying in one spot can be beyond boring. Here are some things to help make your treadmill time more enjoyable.

Entertain yourself with a book on tape. You can download one to your iPod or MP3 player and it will make 30 minutes just fly by.
Watch a movie. If you have a treadmill at home, watch rented movies from Netflix on your own TV. If not, you can buy a sturdy plastic rack that fits over the front of the machine. Then place your portable DVD player or laptop on it. Movies are a great way to pass the time if you're working on longer distances, because there are no boring commercials.

To see the other four ideas, read more.

Do interval training. Watching the clock so you can alternative between a few minutes of jogging and a few minutes of sprinting will definitely keep your mind and muscles busy. Here's a treadmill interval workout for you to try.
Have at least 10 playlists on your iPod so every time you hop on the treadmill, new tunes will inspire you to move. Or you can swap iPods with a fitness buddy.
Run next to a friend so you can chat and push each other to keep going.
Use the treadmill differently. If you're used to jogging, put the incline all the way up and walk instead. Or try walking backward, sideways, or walking lunges. Not only will it be more exciting, but you'll use different muscles, too.

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Treadmill Tips: Stand Back and Check Your Stride

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:30:00 -0700

No matter the weather, many of you prefer to run on a treadmill. One of the great things about it is that the conditions, as long as you don't have to wait for a machine, are quite predictable. Unfortunately, running with the belt can shorten your stride. One way to prevent this unnatural shortening is to stand back from the console. Place yourself in the center of the belt. This way you can take longer, more natural strides. If you're too close to the front of the treadmill, you might end up swinging your arms too high to avoid hitting the control panel. This higher-arm swing not only wastes energy, but can also be a real pain in the neck.

Looking to freshen up your treadmill routine? Check out these printable treadmill workouts.

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Treadmill RECALL!

FitSugar — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 13:30:00 -0700

A voluntary recall of Cybex or Trotter Treadmills has recently been announced. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed, details of the recall are below.

Units: 4,700 (33,719 units were recalled on October 8, 2003)

Manufacturer: Cybex International, Inc., of Medway, Mass.

Hazard: During repairs associated with the October 8, 2003 recall, wire nuts were installed improperly, causing the treadmills to overheat and posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Description: This recall involves the treadmills "Cybex 400T," "Cybex 410T," "Trotter 510," "Trotter 525", "Trotter 535", and "CXT+" that were recalled on October 8, 2003 and later repaired. The treadmills are black with gray coloring, have rectangular uprights, and measure 69 inches long and 30 inches wide. The brands and models are written on the display panel. The “CXT+” model does not bear the brand Cybex or Trotter.

Remedy: Consumers whose treadmills were included in the 2003 recall and were repaired should immediately unplug and stop using the treadmills. Consumers with recalled units will be notified directly by Cybex. Consumers should call Cybex directly to schedule a free repair.

Consumer Contact: Call Cybex toll-free at (888) 678-3846 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at cybexintl.com.

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Get in Gear: Asics GEL-Treadmill Shoe

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 02:30:00 -0700

The shoes you wear can really make or break your workout. To help prevent aches and pains, it is important that you wear the correct shoes for the activity you're going to be doing. So what if your exercise of choice is running on the treadmill?

The Asics GEL-Treadmill sneaker ($100.00) is designed specifically with treadmill running in mind. The shoe is made to enhance your treadmill training experience as the sole vents increase air circulation and the ASICS I.G.S. encourages a natural gait on the treadmill. In other words, it is supposed to help improve that zig-zag, unsteady feeling we sometimes get while running on the treadmill in our efforts to stay in the center of the running belt. Pretty cool eh? Buy a pair directly from AsicsAmerica.com.

Green Exercise: Manual Treadmill Requires No Electricity

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 11:45:00 -0800

Since it's getting chilly out, walking or running outside may seem less and less appealing. You can buy an expensive motorized treadmill or spend lots of money on a gym membership, but if you want a cheaper or greener option, a manual treadmill may be just the thing you're looking for.

These treadmills have no motor and use no electricity. All it takes is your muscle power to get the belt moving, which means it's good for your body and the environment. Not only that, but it makes much less noise so you can listen to music or watch TV and be able to hear without having to wear headphones.

This one is called the TrimWalk Folding Manual Treadmill ($100). Just like when you walk or run outside, you can set the pace yourself. It has a display that will tell you your distance, speed, time, and calories burned (powered by a AA battery). You can also fold this up and put it under your bed when you're not using it. This is a great option if you're looking for an inexpensive treadmill.

Treadmill Tip: Focus on Your Hamstrings

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:00:00 -0800

The cold, wet, snowy Winter months can definitely make running on a treadmill much more appealing than the great outdoors. There are advantages to both running locations, but one disadvantage of using a treadmill is the belt. The backward motion of the belt assists you by pulling your feet back underneath your body, which means you are exerting less energy to move your feet and legs than when running outdoors on a surface that doesn't provide any momentum. However, you can work your legs more by imagining that you are pulling the belt back with your hamstrings. This idea helps me feel like I am digging in my foot and accessing the power of my hamstrings, which really work to push the body forward when running. The treadmill can get pretty boring, but with this little trick, you have something else to focus on besides watching the clock, and you're building hamstring strength. I call that a win-win situation.

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