If you're reading this, then you were probably born to run. Or at the very least, you'd like to walk more briskly. Maybe you don't like exercising outdoors, where you're a victim of circumstance; if the heat is too intense, you could give yourself a heart attack, and if it's raining, you'll ruin your new exercise clothes.

Luckily, we live in a day and age where we're not held hostage to mother nature. If you're serious about your exercise regime, the investment in a running machine may very well be worthwhile. Ask yourself a few questions:

Would you exercise more if it wasn't so hot/cold/inhospitable outside?

Do you prefer listening to music while you exercise?

When you go to the gym, do you find yourself mostly sticking to the running machines?

If the answer is yes, you may want to consider shopping around for a running machine. The convenience of having a running machine in your own home will make you use it more often than you would if you had to lug yourself all the way to the gym. And speaking of the gym, you can kiss that membership dues goodbye. In a couple of years, your running machine may well pay for itself.

Lots of improvements have been made to running machines since they first came out, too. They now come equipped with all sorts of gadgets and gizmos that even the most unenthused exercise participant will be tempted into giving it a go when there's so many interesting components to explore and investigate.

Hold your fists around two conveniently located bars for a few seconds, and one running machine will take your pulse, then tell you where your heart rate needs to remain to continue your ideal workout level. Many running machines now have built in media jacks, so you can easily plug in your MP3 players or other devices and workout to your favorite tunes and audio books.

Some people prefer to read while they run. Make sure you find a running machine that has a convenient place for you to lay out your book or magazine. There are even running machines that hook up to your television screen, allowing you to program different running environments so you can have the appearance of mother nature, without the nasty weather. Imagine going running on your favorite beach without having to pick sand out of your shoes later.

And if you like to be cooled off while you run, or simply simulate the feel of wind in your hair, look into a running machine that has a built in fan. It'll cool you off without slowing you down.



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There are hundreds of articles on the Internet explaining the health benefits of used treadmills. Most of these articles will focus on the physical benefits to the body like increased cardiovascular health and decreased weight leading to a reduction in health problems like adult onset diabetes. It is the less talked about benefits of used treadmills that make the purchase of this exercise equipment worth its weight in gold.

Used Treadmills Can Relieve Depression Symptoms

Exercise has always been great for the body, but now researchers are finding it is also great for the mind. Regular exercise boosts self confidence which can alleviate some of the symptoms of depression associated with low self esteem and weight related emotional issues. Beyond the physical, the effect of exercise on the mind may also include an effect on the brain.

Regular use of used treadmills may also increase the level of neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood. Beta endorphins, for instance, have been linked to what is termed, "runner's high". With regular use, the used treadmill can cause this same high leaving the user feeling emotionally more in control after the workout than before. The second neurotransmitter, serotonin, offers a stronger link to depression. Many medicinal depression treatments focus on the level of serotonin in the brain. Exercise, including the use of used treadmills, can increase these serotonin levels in the brain naturally without the need for expensive depression medications that come with a laundry list of side effects.

Stanford University Says Exercise = Sleep

Insomnia is a condition that many people suffer from occasionally. For chronic insomniacs, traditional medications may have some effect in the beginning, but the body soon grows accustomed to the medication and the feeling of being awake 24 hours a day soon returns. A study at the Stanford University School of Medicine may bring light the endless cycle of sleeplessness. Exercising regularly with used treadmills (meaning 30 to 40 minutes of exercise, 4 times a week) can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve the quality of sleep.

Stop the Effects of Aging on the Brain

Science is not done with used treadmills yet. Exercise studies have now linked one hour of exercise every day of the week to a reduction in the brain shrinkage that occurs with age. Starting at the age of 40, every 10 years the brain shrinks by 5%. In addition to keeping the brain from shrinking, the mental cognitive decline associated with age can also be slowed with regular use of a used treadmill and a healthy diet.

Other positive effects of the use of used treadmills include increased blood flow to the brain, glucose management, increased bone density, decreased risk of certain types of cancer and marked improvements in sex life and sexual function.



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Anyone beginning on a personal exercise program knows that there are countless equipment options available for losing weight and improving muscle tone. Weight machines, stair climbers, exercise cycles, and more are popular choices, each of them having their own distinct benefits to the user.

Aerobic exercise is the way to go for those who want to lose weight and body fat, so machines that will help you get a good aerobic workout are the best options for those looking to shed the pounds. An excellent option for providing such workouts is the treadmill. Easy to use and versatile in application, treadmills are the machine of choice for people from all walks of life and for men and women at every age, both young and old alike.

Treadmills give you the chance to do your walking in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Weather conditions in some parts of the world prevent people from getting in that walk around the block every evening. Other people have odd work schedules and can only do their exercising at three in the morning, which is hardly the best time for being out in the neighborhood alone. But treadmills enable walkers to get moving no matter the weather or time of day. When set up in one's home, they also make it easy for the walker to watch TV or get reading done while exercising, two things that are impossible when walking outside.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of treadmills is that the speed and resistance of the machine can be adapted to nearly every fitness level. Those who have not walked in a long time will need low resistance and an easy pace so that they can get into shape before moving on to more challenging speeds and resistance levels; as your fitness improves, so too can you increase the workout intensity. The ability to increase the resistance of the treadmill through an adjustment of its incline is especially good for the exerciser, as going up an incline typically burns more calories and strengthens the heart more than just simply walking on level ground.

Treadmills also are able to measure the heart rate and give a record of the calories burned and the distance walked. It can be hard to measure your progress if you are just taking a stroll around the block, but the calories-burned readouts on treadmills can show you just how much your walking is benefitting you, and you can base your workouts on the amount of calories that you desire to work off. Set the treadmill for a 500-calorie workout and once those calories have been burned, the workout is over. You can also tell the treadmill the equivalent distance you desire to walk and then have it shut off once that distance has been reached.

All in all, treadmills are an excellent choice for any person starting a personal fitness plan. Inexpensive relative to the health benefits they provide, treadmills can help you workout for years to come. Choose one today and you will be well on your way getting back into shape.



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You've seen them in films--students at Ivy League colleges gliding swiftly through the water in sculls with that distinctive back and forth sliding motion. Turns out it's a great workout, and one that you can do at home on your own rowing machine.

Rowing machines support the user in a smooth, low-impact motion that works the entire body. Regular use promotes a trim waist, improved posture, excellent cardiovascular health, and an overall full-body workout. While stairsteppers and treadmills put most of the focus on the lower body, rowing machines offer a more balanced exercise solution that is kind to your joints.

Is there any drawback to using rowing machines? If used improperly, back injury may result. Pay attention to proper form and take your time learning to use your machine.

First, make sure you are properly seated on the rowing machine. The first position in the rowing motion is called "the catch." Arms should be straight with wrists flat. Lean forward slightly with calves straight up and down. Your chest should be close to your thighs. Check for a straight back and remain aware of any tendency to hunch.

The next part is "the drive." Push your feet down on the rowing machine's pedals as you pull the bar toward you. Do not hyperextend the knees; keep them slightly bent at all times. Stop when the handle is about one inch away. Elbows should be back. If you are tipped back slightly, take care that you are not hyperextending.

For "the finish," return to the starting position. You may notice your body slumping over the knees. Correct by bending at the hips and keeping your back straight.

Rowing machines are available in a wide range of styles and prices. While perusing the vast array, keep the following in mind:

- Handles. Are they comfortable enough for a longer workout? Do they cushion and support the hand?

- Features. Do you want a heart monitor or an display that provides speed and other rowing statistics?

- Stability. You'll have less confidence on machine that wiggles and tips, so it's worth the money to invest in a machine that glides smoothly and remains stable throughout the full range of motion.

- Resistance. Hydraulic rowing machines tend to be smaller and more affordable, but the hydraulics tend to leak after long-term daily use. Air resistance is a popular choice and offers a very smooth glide. Magnetic resistance is the quietest choice if noise is an issue. Water resistance rowing machines offer the closest experience to rowing on actual water, but they are pricier and do require some maintenance.

If you work out at home without a dedicated space, look for a foldable model that will fit under a bed. Ideally, check out the rowing machines at a gym to get a firsthand idea of the comfort, features and model you seek.



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