When a doctor wishes to evaluate a patient's heart function, he or she usually orders a stress test on a treadmill. While there are a number of diagnostic tools that a doctor can use, including an alternate to the treadmill stress test, the most common stress test uses a treadmill. During the stress test, which is also sometimes called a treadmill test, the patient is hooked up to monitors that track the heart's activity. The patient begins walking slowly on the treadmill. The speed is gradually increased as is the incline creating an effect similar to that of going up a hill. The patient may be asked to breathe into a tube periodically. After the test is completed, the patient is instructed to sit down so that their heart and blood pressure can be checked.

Medical treadmills that are used in hospitals are often different from a home treadmill. They typically have handles that extend to the end of the treadmill so that those who are walking the treadmill can hold on to the bar, regardless of where they are on the treadmill. The medical treadmill also has an emergency stop function. Many exercise treadmills also have this feature as well.

Exercise treadmills are used by hospitals and cardiologists as a tool to not only evaluate, but also to use as a form of therapy for patients. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise for strengthening the cardiovascular system. Walking a treadmill just three times a week for thirty minutes per session will improve your cardiac function and make you healthier. An exercise treadmill, such as those found at Treadmill World can be very useful at home. On the days when it is not viable to walk outside, you can use your home treadmill to keep up your exercise routine and your healthy exercise habits.

The exercise treadmills that are used in hospitals for stress tests and physical therapy can also be used in your home. These treadmills have special features such as a walking base that can incline to simulate walking up a hill. They also have varied speed functions so that you can walk, walk briskly, jog and run all while on the treadmill. Some models also have an emergency stop that attaches to the person who is walking on the treadmill and in the control pad of the treadmill. If they fall of get too close to the far end of the treadmill, the plug comes out and the treadmill comes to an immediate stop.

Of all the different types of home exercise equipment that have come and gone, the home exercise treadmill has lasted throughout the years. The quality and features of any treadmill is reflected in the price. Basic treadmill models can start at $100 and can go up to $5000.

A treadmill consists of a wide belt that's stretched over a bed and around two or more rollers. For a standard treadmill motor look for HP of around 2.5HP, this will ensure an easy and smooth action. With treadmills you need to watch out for the impact involved when your feet hit the belt; your body absorbs up to two and a half times your body weight.

Some treadmills monitor your heart by way of sensors built into the frame that are gripped by your hands, but can only be done if you're walking not running. The console indicates the belt speed and other factors, such as heart rate, miles per hour, and distance. Safety features on a treadmill are especially important if you plan to work out alone or if you have small children who might accidentally start up the treadmill.

Some excellent features, like heart monitors and safety keys that automatically stop the treadmill if you slip, will contribute to the enjoyment and safety of your treadmill workout or help add motivation. Adjustable inclines let you vary the steepness of a hill. People, who don't have enough room for a bulky exercise machine, may want to consider a folding treadmill; they collapse to allow for easy storage.

A pre-programmed workout registers your heart rate without being connected to the treadmill by a cord or wire. One of the key things to remember is that the larger motors tend to run cooler and usually require less repair and maintenance.

The more incline variation offered in a treadmill unit, the more expensive the model will be. Consider the cost of maintaining your treadmill as well. Did I mention to make sure to check out the warranty fine print, this is very important.

You might want to bring your water bottle and towel to the treadmill store and try out their treadmills. You'll probably want to buy a unit with a motor that delivers 1.5 to 3 continuous, not peak, horsepower. When buying a treadmill, the best savings will be for an online purchase, generally saving up to 45% over brick and mortar stores.

When you're reading treadmill ratings or treadmill reviews, they'll usually cover safety statistics, the heart rate monitor, the various merits of the interactive model and computer fitness programs and levels. Warranties can last for ninety days or a lifetime, read the fine print. Be careful not to believe the marketing hype if you're looking for a cheap treadmill; the truth is you get what you pay for.

A major consideration when buying a treadmill is how the machine is constructed. Buying a treadmill online has become the way to go for most people; it'll save you both time and a lot of money.

Noise from the smallest repetitive sound can drive you nuts over a period of time and give you another excuse not to exercise. Less expensive treadmill models may be fine for walkers but may not hold up as well for regular or seasoned runners.

Be careful, because any type of jogging or running, whether on a treadmill or not, puts strain on leg and hip joints. Selections of preprogrammed exercise routines are not essential to obtaining a good workout from a treadmill, but they do help to provide motivation. Walking, whether on a treadmill or not, is one of the best approaches anyone can take toward physical fitness. Running or walking on a treadmill is an effective way to workout compared to other more complex cardiovascular exercises.

And remember, home exercise treadmills are a large investment financially and in your fitness and much thought and preparation should go into the purchase of any new treadmill. By following the above tips you're sure to find the best treadmill for you. For most people buying a home exercise treadmill is going to be a major investment.

Today, fitness equipment manufacturers are trying to meet the high demand for home exercise treadmills. A well-constructed treadmill is a piece of home exercise equipment that every member of your family can enjoy, from young to old. Treadmills are simple to use, but can be dangerous in the wrong hands or around children.

Treadmill belt widths generally range from 17" to 22" and lengths from 51" to 61". For a standard treadmill motor look for HP of around 2.5HP, this will ensure an easy and smooth action. Check out the amount of horsepower (HP): HP determines how fast and hard the motor will work - the lower the number of the HP, the less the motor will be able to handle.

The newest models of treadmills come with many extra features that you may not need. A pre-programmed workout registers your heart rate without being connected to the treadmill by a cord or wire. A heart rate monitor enables a treadmill to automatically adjust the speed and/or the incline to keep your heart rate within the most optimum zone.

Less expensive treadmill models require you to manually change the incline, which can be very frustrating if you want to make adjustments midway through a workout session. Notice that some treadmill heart rate monitors clip onto an ear or, for more accurate readings, strap onto the chest. People, who don't have enough room for a bulky exercise machine, may want to consider a folding treadmill; they collapse to allow for easy storage.

One feature that is absolutely essential in a home treadmill is an emergency stop button or a safety key that automatically shuts off the power if you should stumble, trip or fall. One of the key things to remember is that the larger motors tend to run cooler and usually require less repair and maintenance.

Less expensive treadmill models may be fine for walkers but may not hold up as well for regular or seasoned runners. Be careful not to believe the marketing hype if you're looking for a cheap treadmill; the truth is you get what you pay for. After-sales service is another important issue to think about; find out if they'll promptly repair or replace your treadmill if there is a problem.

Consider the cost of maintaining your treadmill as well. You'll want a treadmill with an aluminum or high alloy steel frame that's strong enough to support the heaviest runner who'll be using it. Treadmill manufacturers are competing for your business and price wars are creating big savings for buyers.

Keep in mind that what feels right to you may not accommodate others around you as comfortably. When planning your purchase always take into account any other members of your family, or roommates, who'll be using your treadmill. It's important to set a strict budget and then stick to it.

Be aware the better quality treadmills can cost as much as $5000 and have a lot of bells and whistles you don't need. If there's a treadmill you've enjoyed using regularly at your local gym or fitness center check to see if there's a home version available in your price range.

Check out the level of noise that a treadmill makes during operation; something that many buyers overlook. Commercial club treadmills are reliable and well constructed; do look into a home version.

Be careful, because any type of jogging or running, whether on a treadmill or not, puts strain on leg and hip joints. Treadmills are known to provide one of the best ways to improve cardiovascular fitness. Make sure to see your doctor or naturopathic doctor before you start any new fitness or exercise program. Walking, whether on a treadmill or not, is one of the best approaches anyone can take toward physical fitness.

Read the various treadmill ratings and treadmill reviews that you find online so you have an idea which models are best for you. For most people buying a home exercise treadmill is going to be a major investment. So now you know just what to look for when buying a treadmill.

The major benefit of elliptical training is that you can exercise with minimal impact on your knees and joints. For your entire workout, you won’t actually have to lift your feet off a surface and put them back down again. But that’s where some people have problems with elliptical workouts. Keeping constant pressure on your feet for longer periods of time will cause them to go numb.

Because you don’t have to move your feet or your toes while exercising on an elliptical machine, you can start to feel numbness as early as 10 minutes into your workout due to lack of actual foot movement. This can be a large nuisance for some, for others it’s never a problem, and for most it can be dealt with easily.

Some people will experience numbness on an elliptical and others will not—even on the same exact machine. It all depends on the design of the elliptical and if it was meant for you. Sometimes the stride length doesn’t fit you correctly, and others you could benefit from articulating foot pedals.

The numbness may not set in until after you’ve been working out for a long time, or it may set in early but usually you’ll be able to identify the onset of the numbness before it feels completely numb. When you start to feel the warning, tingling signals or even way before you even notice that the numbness may be approaching, you can try to move your feet a little bit to prevent or alleviate the numbness.

Prevent elliptical foot numbness

* try wiggling your toes

* reposition your feet on the foot plates

* shift your weight onto the balls of your feet or your heels, or rock back and forth between both

* try not to keep too much of your weight on the balls of your feet

* loosen your shoe laces or getting better shoes with arch support

* change directions by going backward on an elliptical

* use an elliptical with pivoting (articulating) foot pedals

If you notice that numbness is a problem when you use an elliptical machine, try focusing on your feet a little bit more before the numbness even begins to start. Focusing on keeping your feet from falling asleep before it happens, may prevent the numbness from setting in at all. You may be able to prevent the tingling or numbness from even starting if you try to keep equal amounts of pressure on between the front and heel of your foot, while mixing up some minimal movements during your exercise.

If the numbness is something that sets in late in your workout and trying to avoid it or alleviate it doesn’t work, try splitting your workout up into shorter time periods, or getting off to take an occasional lap from room to room.

I’ve noticed that over time, my experience with my feet tingling and feeling numb during elliptical exercise has been concentrated in one foot. But over time, I have been able to almost eliminate the feelings of numbness from my workouts and apply great focus to ensuring that my elliptical posture and foot position is correct. Over time, you too should be able to see a reduction in the problem and if it progressively gets worse you may have another medical problem, such as a foot neuroma.

I know this is a sensitive issue. I don't mean to point fingers or call anybody names. The fact is, that many people use elliptical trainers because they want to lose weight. And unlike treadmills, which are tough and durable, your elliptical machine may not be able to bear the weight if you are an individual who is classified as "obese."

If you are over about 250 pounds, you have to take special care with your elliptical. If possible, you should take into consideration that you need a tough machine when you are shopping for an elliptical. Elliptical machines are naturally not as durable as treadmills and other fitness equipment.

Check Out The Weight Limits When You Buy

Here's a simple tip on buying ellipticals. If you see a model that is less than $500 and says that it has no weight limit, they are lying. One of the reasons why cheap machines are cheap is that they can't carry as much of a load.

Unfortunately, companies often overestimate how much weight their machines can carry. This is especially the case with low end models. With a cheap elliptical, even someone who weighs 150 pounds may put a strain on it. Don't believe the weight limits!

One way around this is to check the machine out yourself. Get on it and see how it runs. If it can't hold you, it will start to wobble quickly. After a minute or so, you'll know if it can hold you or not.

Another way around this is to buy a more expensive model that is especially designed to be durable. This may not be a practical solution if you want to save money on your machine, but a more expensive elliptical will be made to hold more.

This will cost you more, but look for an elliptical that is "commercial class." These are the ones that are made for gyms and fitness centers. They are strong, and are made to withstand lots of abuse. But, they'll cost you more.

Elliptical Machine Maintenance

There are two things you can do to make sure your elliptical isn't going to croak. First, do a routine maintenance check once in a while. Make sure everything is screwed down and bolted, and nothing is loose. If things are rattling loose, you can tighten a few screws here and there and keep the machine from falling apart more.

Another thing to do is to use your ears. If you hear a grinding noise or anything else slightly out of the ordinary, check out your machine. Something is definitely wrong. You can fix most elliptical problems yourself with a screwdriver or two.

Always pay attention to your machine and take note of anything that may be running differently.

The Good News!

Elliptical trainers are great for losing weight with less stress. They offer an easier workout than treadmills, and you can lose the same amount of fat. Some models of ellipticals have BMI and body fat reading features. If your primary goal is shedding a few pounds, this is a great feature to help you keep tabs on your progress.

Almost all elliptical trainers, even the cheapest models, have heart rate monitors as a standard feature. These features are constantly being improved and being offered on less expensive models.

An elliptical machine is a wonderful, easy way to lose weight. Some research suggests it may be a better workout for obese individuals than a treadmill. In any case, with an elliptical machine you will see results quickly.

A treadmill costs a chunk of change. There's no way around that. Choosing a treadmill can be a stressful experience. There are lots of things to keep in mind, and of course, every company or salesman will tell you that their's is the one for you!

It doesn't have to be so tough. There are a few simple things to keep in mind when choosing a treadmill.

What Do You Want To Use It For.

Exercising, of course. That's a no brainer. But, exactly what kind of exercise do you plan to do on your treadmill? A little light walking in the evenings while you watch your favorite show? A varied workout that works every part of your body? Are you training for a marathon?

What you specifically plan to do with your treadmill makes a big difference.

Treadmills come with millions of special features. You can get heart rate monitors, electronic voice coaches, built in stereo systems, incline and speed controls; virtually anything you can imagine. But, do you really need all that stuff? All those special features add dollars to the price tag. Knowing what you want to do with your treadmill can help you save money on these extras.

To Fold Or Not To Fold

You may be worried about all the space your treadmill will take up. Treadmills are giant, heavy pieces of machinery, and they don't make good furniture.

Most treadmill companies now make models that fold up for easy storage. This is a great convenience, and these models are often cheaper than their non-folding buddies.

But, the trade-off is durability. Non-folding treadmills are much stronger. Because of the construction of the folding frame, folding treadmills compromise toughness.

You can also get manual treadmills. These handy machines are just frame and belt; there's no motor and nothing that needs to be plugged in. They are light, cheap and extremely easy to move and store. But, they're not right for some people. Try one out first before you buy. Give it a good, long test drive and see how it feels.

Quality And Durability

You'll notice that prices on treadmills range from about $400 to well over $4,000. What's the difference?

In general, you get what you pay for with treadmills. The extra cost includes special features, but the main factor in cost is the quality of parts and durability of materials. If you are planning on running that treadmill hard, you should pay the extra money and get something high quality. To find out which treadmills are considered the best, check out some reviews and ratings in fitness magazines.

On the other hand, if you plan to take a leisurely stroll in the evenings and aren't training for any Olympic events, a cheap treadmill might be fine. The key is whether you plan to walk or run. Running puts more wear and tear on the treadmill, and you can shred right through a cheap model.

Keep Yourself Covered

Finally, make sure you're well covered in case your treadmill dies a premature death. There are as many warrantees as there are machines and people who want to buy them. Usually they will cover different parts separately; for example, the motor is covered under a 10 year warranty, the electronics are covered under a 2 year warranty, etc. Be sure you check this out before you buy.

Setting aside time to exercise is a tough task when trying to squeeze it in amongst work, household chores, errands, time with family, time with friends, and….well….sleep! Even the busiest people can find time for fitness. The key is to make it convenient. Following are 5 tips for making the most of your time at home:

1. Wake up early. Get up 30 minutes earlier than you normally do and use the extra time to exercise, such as walking on your treadmill, taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood, or following along with an exercise video. Research suggests that people who exercise in the morning are more likely than are others to stick with their program. However, if you're not a morning person, wait to exercise until later in the day.

2. Make household chores count. Mop the floor, scrub the bathtub or do other housework at a pace fast enough to get your heart pumping. Outdoor work counts, too. Burn calories by mowing the lawn with a push mower. Strengthen your arms and back with raking and hoeing, and strengthen your arms and legs with digging.

3. Be active while watching TV. Use hand weights, ride a stationary bike or stretch during your favorite shows. Get off the couch to change the channel or adjust the volume.

4. Involve the whole family. Take group walks before or after dinner, play catch, or ride bikes. Build up to about 30 minutes of continuous activity.

5. Walk your dog. Take your dog for long walks every day. If you don't have a dog, borrow one!

If you’re struggling to find time to exercise at home between time with family and friends, try incorporating them in to your exercise routine. Take a walk with a friend to catch up instead of talking on the phone. Benefit the whole family with a walk or bike ride. Any activity is better than no activity!

Today's best rated treadmills can do anything your training demands, such as hills, intervals, tempo, long distance, and anything else you can do on a treadmill. Treadmills are often used in the home to save time and avoid the expense of going to a gym. The home treadmill has experienced substantial growth over the past few years.

Cheaper treadmills will often give you the peak duty motor power rating, which is always higher than the continuous duty rating: know what the continuous duty rating is when comparing units. There are two types of frames - aluminum and steel; steel is heavier than the more expensive aluminum, which potentially increases stability but steel (not aluminum) may also rust or corrode from sweat. Always choose a belt width that's at least of 16 " ands long enough to accommodate your stride.

Some treadmills monitor your heart by way of sensors built into the frame that are gripped by your hands, but can only be done if you're walking not running. Some excellent features, like heart monitors and safety keys that automatically stop the treadmill if you slip, will contribute to the enjoyment and safety of your treadmill workout or help add motivation. Notice that some treadmill heart rate monitors clip onto an ear or, for more accurate readings, strap onto the chest.

Display panels should be easy to read and straightforward to operate. Most treadmills come with an electronic console that displays workout feedback such as speed, distance traveled, time you've been working out, and calories burned. Quite a few of the treadmills available today have the ability to add an incline to your workout to duplicate running or walking uphill, thereby increasing the intensity of your workout.

The console indicates the belt speed and other factors, such as heart rate, miles per hour, and distance. Features such as extra cup holders, built-in fans, CD players and other electronic gizmos may be handy but not essential for you to get an ideal workout.

The more incline variation offered in a treadmill unit, the more expensive the model will be. It's important to set a strict budget and then stick to it. The first thing to consider when shopping for a home treadmill is what you need it to do for you.

If you can afford to buy a treadmill with a heart rate monitor, it'll be a good investment in your health. One indication of the likely longevity of any treadmill is to check out the length of the manufacturer's warranty; the longer the better. If you're planning to use a treadmill purely for walking you're not likely to need an expensive top-of-the-line machine.

When buying a treadmill, the best savings will be for an online purchase, generally saving up to 45% over brick and mortar stores. If there's a treadmill you've enjoyed using regularly at your local gym or fitness center check to see if there's a home version available in your price range. Probably the most important thing to look for in a treadmill is to see how sturdy it is.

Be aware the better quality treadmills can cost as much as $5000 and have a lot of bells and whistles you don't need. Do your research; treadmills are an important investment, regardless of the price, and if it's not right for you, you don't want to find out after you've set the treadmill up at home.

You may want to spend less money if you're not really sure you'll continue using it. If you're looking for a heavy-duty treadmill that can withstand running as well as walking, be prepared to spend more money.

Walking, whether on a treadmill or not, is one of the best approaches anyone can take toward physical fitness. To get even more workouts, think about making your treadmill into a walking, working office by adding a mini-platform to the side rails. Selections of preprogrammed exercise routines are not essential to obtaining a good workout from a treadmill, but they do help to provide motivation. The more programs the treadmill has to offer the more you can vary your workout and you'll be likely to continue exercising on a regular basis.