The Treadmill Sensei's Home Buyers Guide to Choosing an Elliptical Trainer

!±8± The Treadmill Sensei's Home Buyers Guide to Choosing an Elliptical Trainer

Over the past few years Elliptical trainers have taken the fitness industry by storm. What was once a fad relegated to late night infomercials is now perhaps the single most dominant piece of equipment at the majority of gyms and personal training centers.

Let's start with the guide by taking a look at the differences between a treadmill and an elliptical trainer. The most immediate thing you're going to notice is that the elliptical is almost entirely impact free. This means you will no longer be subjected to the lower joint pain most associated with running. Even a treadmill with great shock absorbtion and an orthopedic belt, while better than running on pavement, will still abuse your knees and ankles.

On the flip side, a treadmill is much better for targeted training for joggers and runners. You can't really train properly for a marathon on an elliptical. As close as the feel of an elliptical is to walking or running, it's still not as good as actually running.

Now, let's take a look at the "pain" of running. Recent studies have shown people to work out hard and longer on ellipticals because the perceived amount of effort seems to be much less. The more "comfortable" a work out, the longer and hard someone will go. This is one of the main reasons a lot of seniors and older exercisers have taken to the elliptical so readily.

Another glaring difference is the crosstraining arms most ellipticals have (with a few exceptions such as the majority of the Precor elliptical units). With the addition of the crosstraining bars, the elliptical allows you an additional aspect in your work out -- strength training. Almost all fitness experts agree that all proper workouts need a strength training aspect and the elliptical packages it with the cardio training quite nicely.

Let's talk about what to look for in an elliptical trainer. First, which is better, a front wheel or rear wheel elliptical. Truth be told, they both work exactly the same. Anyone who tells you differently is just trying to see you a bill of goods. They give you the exact same workout. The only real difference is if you're a larger person or if you're on a lighter weight (or less sturdy) machine. In this case, the front drives will definitely feel quite a bit sturdier. This is because when you work out on an elliptical, you are throwing all of your weight forward. Having the drive and heavy flywheel up front will help to balance you out. Larger flywheels are better as they tend to last longer and give more sturdiness to a machine.

Most elliptical trainers have magnetic brakes and you don't want to mess with anything else. The old friction based brakes tended to wear out too quickly, so stay away from any dinosaur machines that still use them.

Stride is one of the most important features on an elliptical because they have the most to do with comfort. Longer strides are better on ellipticals -- unless, of course, you're a shorter person, but for most people strides of 18" or longer are best. Personally, I've find 20-21 inch strides to be the best for anyone up to about 6'4". Anything shorter than 18" will be uncomfortable for most people.

Footpads: make sure the unit you are looking at has articulating footpads. The reason for this is because elliptical traininers with static footpads (such as the Tunturi units) can cause your feet to start to go numb on longer work outs. This is from the lack of circulation caused by the static pedals. Looks for footpads that flex with your feet. You'll thank the sensei for it.

Things like programs, heart rate control and personal fans are nice, but the above points are the main things to keep an eye on. Also, try out the feel of the way you mount an elliptical. There are two varieties of mounting -- side mount machines (such as the Precor 546 or Star Trac Rear Drive) and rear mount machines (such as the Matrix E5x or Horizon EX44). Some people have a bit of difficulty on mounting from the side and should look at rear drive options. As with the position of the flywheel, rear-mount versus side-mount ellipticals work exactly the same way.

The best way to pick out an elliptical is to head out to either a gym or local sports retailer and give them a try. Be warned, tho, once you work out on a commercial grade elliptical, it's hard to transition over to a residential grade one. The top of the line commercial ellipticals are by Star Trac, Matrix, Precor and Life Fitness. The top residential grade ellipticals include Horizon, New Balance and Endurance. Fitnex and Spirit / Sole are great mid range brands that do an exellent job of giving commercial quality work outs for not much more than a residential price.

The Treadmill Sensei's Home Buyers Guide to Choosing an Elliptical Trainer

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Treadmill Running Vs Outdoor Running

!±8± Treadmill Running Vs Outdoor Running

Below are common questions many people have regarding the benefits of indoor and outdoor running.

Does running outdoors burn more calories than running indoors?
Some studies indicate that running outdoors burns 5% more calories when going at a speed of 5 to 9 mph. When running at 10 mph or more, you can burn 10% more calories. The reason you can burn more calories jogging outdoors is because there is wind resistance, making the workout more challenging than if you run on a treadmill.

To mimic an outdoor run, incline the treadmill at least 1%. In addition, the treadmill surface is flat. Unlike outdoor running where there are dips and valleys in surface, even if they are minor. On the flipside, some studies indicate that there isn't a difference at all. In the end, it's hard to tell because treadmills are known to be 10%-15% percent off when it comes to displaying how many calories a person loses.

When training for a 5k run, should I train indoors or outdoors?
Since 5 K's are run outside, the best approach is to train outdoors the majority of the time. For best results, shoot for exercising at least 60% outside. This way you have the opportunity to train in conditions that closely simulates the 5K contest.

Is it safer to run indoors or outdoors?
Studies indicate that treadmill running decreases injuries 50%. That said, some joggers indicate that their ankles and hips hurt when working out on the treadmill. So you should run both indoors and outdoors to determine which method is best for you.

The debate between indoor and outdoor running is contentious. There are die hard fans of each method. Even though there are some differences between the two, in the end, it really does not matter which method you prefer. What counts is that you workout.

Treadmill Running Vs Outdoor Running

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How to Keep Your Treadmill Running

!±8± How to Keep Your Treadmill Running

Your treadmill is probably the most expensive fitness investment you've ever made. It's only natural therefore if you want to prolong its life. One of the ways to doing that is to keep a regular maintenance schedule.

A quality treadmill, however, should not require frequent maintenance schedule. Upkeep for your treadmill includes period dusting, and, if need be, occasional belt lubrication. The following are some tips to help you maintain your treadmill and prolong the life of your fitness investment.

Keep it Clean and Dust-free

The number one cause of premature belt failure is dirt. That has always been the case ever since the first treadmill was sold in the fitness equipment market. And the number one way of avoiding dust from totally ruining your precious treadmill is to adopt a cleaning routine of sorts.

Dusting between the belt and deck at least once a week will ensure longevity of the machine. The deck should be kept dry and debris-free at all times. In addition, make sure the area where you place your treadmill is relatively dust-free, to minimize the dust from getting between the belt and/or the deck.

Apply the following cleaning procedure once a week or as needed:

Wipe down display with a mild solution of Non-Phosphate cleaner on damp soft cotton. Cloth should be damp not wet.

Wipe down handrails and traction strips with soft cotton cloth and mild soap and water. Cloth should be damp not wet.

Vacuum or wipe down the deck area between tread belt and frame.

For once a month cleaning:

Unplug treadmill. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Take off motor cover and vacuum inside the motor area, being very careful not to directly touch the static-sensitive electronics.

Slide clean towel under tread belt and wipe deck and under the belt. Rotate belt 180 degrees and repeat.

Apply lubrication (only when recommended) under tread belt.

Check drive belt tension and adjust as necessary.

Check tread belt tension and tracking and adjust as necessary.

Adjust the Tread Belt Properly

The best treadmills are those that provide you with easy access to belt tracking. But even the best treadmills with the most easily accessible belt tracking are also susceptible to stretch slightly under initial use. That is why it is important that you adjust the tread belt every so often to keep down stretching.

Most manufacturers include the Allen wrench in the package when you buy a treadmill from them. Use that to tighten both belt adjustment screws clockwise. If your manufacturer did not supply you with an Allen wrench, use another of the right size.

A ¼ turn clockwise should tighten tread belt if it has loosened from breaking in. The screws for belt adjustment are usually located at the rear end of the treadmill. Some belts do require looser running than others so don't be surprised if your tread belt is a little loose even when you haven't used it yet. Check the user's guide before making adjustments just to make sure.

Moreover, be sure to keep the belt running at a low speed of around 3 mph when adjusting the belt tracking. This is the ideal speed when making any adjustments with the screws.

Ensure Proper Alignment of Belt

The tracking adjustments may also be used to properly align the belt of your treadmill. So, when adjusting your belt tracking, be sure not to turn either side more than ¼ turn at a time only. Belt tracking adjustments are almost always minor anyway, so don't overdo your adjustments.

Roller knocking occurs with improper belt tracking. This should be avoided at all times. If you hear a knocking noise when running your treadmill, that most often means that you have a defective roller. However, there are instances where the noise results from the belt placing too much force on the roller from side to side. You will recognize the difference between the cases in that the knocking noise in the latter will be at a much slower rhythm than roller rotation.

One way to reduce the loan on belt is proper tracking. Not only that, it will also help guide the belt and ensure that the front and rear rollers are parallel. Just follow the manufacturer's directions on belt tracking to keep from misaligning or over-stretching the belt. A word of caution: be careful not to over-tighten belt when adjusting alignment.

Use Treadmill on Level Floor

Wondering why your treadmill is making all those squeaking sounds? Well, before you decide to pick up the phone and call your manufacturer, check if your treadmill is running on a non-level floor. Often, the number one reason why treadmills make squeaking noise and its belt mistracking is that people place their treadmills on ground that isn't consistently leveled, without even realizing why.

Most treadmills have level adjustment in rear supports. If your treadmill cannot be leveled with the floor, then level the floor with your treadmill instead.

Power Cord, Belt, and Deck

It's standard procedure among all electronic equipment - you should keep the power cord free and away from places where people are likely going to step on it. The same rule applies with treadmills, especially if you are using the electronic type as opposed to its manual counterpart. Also, make sure that the power cord is clear of the incline mechanism.

When it comes to maintenance of your treadmill's belt, it is accepted that you lubricate the belt every so often. When you do that, try to avoid using silicone or oils, unless the manufacturer itself recommends it. The ideal combination for a long-lasting treadmill is often a clean, dry and dust-free bed and belt.

Only use silicone spray when the manufacturer recommends it. And even then, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions closely, especially when it comes to application schedule and type of lubricant. Some treadmill decks may require initial waxing to help reduce friction with the belt. Unless recommended by the manufacturer, however, do not wax a deck. Lubrication to pretreated wax decks may gump the wax.

Ensure Low Friction between Deck and Belt

To begin with, you want low-friction contact between the deck and belt. Damage to the motor electronics is more likely if the friction between the deck and belt is high. In addition, high friction belts will not coast when power is shut off. Neither will they be easy to dead-walk on when the power is off. Basically, high friction belts can cause the motor to stall - a situation which you do not want to happen as this is one sure-fire way of damaging your treadmill's motor.

To avoid high friction contact between the deck and the belt, be sure to follow your treadmill manufacturer's guidelines for proper deck and belt maintenance. Lubrication when unnecessary can lead to excessive amp draw and subsequent damage to motor electronics.

Blown Fuses

You don't usually discover blow fuses, unless you are doing or having someone do some technical diagnostics on your treadmill. And even then, it is generally not recommended for users to replace blown fuses in the motor or motor controller.

When replacing blown fuses, you have to use the recommended fuse. This is true even if you're referring to an electronic piece that isn't a treadmill. When it comes to treadmill fuses, however, you have to understand that they are not interchangeable with automotive fuses. And so, if you discover a blow fuse in your treadmill, do not even attempt to make replacements on your own. Instead, contact a dealer for proper replacement.

Ground to an AC Wall Outlet

Why an AC wall outlet, you ask? Well, with many users owning treadmills that come equipped with computer consoles (such as those with programming) these days, console crashes are also becoming common. A computer crash may be anything that occurs out of the ordinary, such as a display blanking out, locking up, or not recording information. It could even be that the treadmill simply wouldn't shut down altogether. One way to determine that a crash is not due to a defect is to turn the treadmill power off and then on again.

The process of cycling power on and off will reset the computers most of the time. If the crash is caused be a computer defect, this will likely result in loss of control to incline and speed or the treadmill may not even start at all. One way to safeguard your treadmill from console crashes is to plug the equipment into a grounded AC outlet.

If, however, the crash occurs frequently or is repeated, then consider the option of having it replaced. Most manufacturers that offer warranties in their products include console crashes in their warranty.

Read the Owner's Manual

All of the above are meant to be steps you take once everything else in the owner's manual fails to yield the result you want. But as what the old adage says: "An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure." No amount of repair and maintenance tips can compare to what you can prevent by just reading through your treadmill owner's manual.

The manual contains all the tips and advice for your treadmill's proper maintenance - something you can really use if you want to save from costly repairs. All maintenance procedures should be listed in the owner's manual, along troubleshooting guidelines, parts listings, and instructions on repairs. Damage to your treadmill from improper use or unauthorized tampering can result in the manufacturer voiding the warranty. That is why, if you are in doubt about proper handling of your treadmill, contact either your dealer or the manufacturer for recommended care.

How to Keep Your Treadmill Running

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