What is a treadmill? Distinguish the types of popular treadmills today

Treadmill is a device that supports health training and weight loss that many people are interested in. Let’s find out more specifically about what a treadmill is and what types of machines are popular today to choose the most suitable product!

What is a treadmill?

Treadmill is a device that supports walking and jogging exercises at home. The machine is equipped with a variety of speeds and different slopes, helping to simulate and bring the most realistic experience. You can customize the speed to suit your health and needs.

Most modern treadmill models are capable of running as fast as 12 km/h and reaching an incline of 10% or more. Depending on the price and brand, the device will be equipped with many different features.

Types of Treadmills

Mechanical Treadmill

A mechanical treadmill is a treadmill that does not use electricity, but works based on the user’s pedaling force. The device is very simple structure, including the following parts:

• The frame : Made from thick steel and durable powder coated, helps to fix the running table and other devices such as clocks, handles, …
• Running table : Designed with a certain slope for easy movement. The running table is made of thick steel frame and MDF wood, with a long service life.
• Conveyor belt : Has high-quality rubber material, has the function of moving when the exerciser uses the force of the foot to impact.
• Some other parts : For the multi-function treadmill, it is also equipped with a number of supporting parts such as a massage machine, a waist swivel, a tummy tuck,…

The mechanism of operation of the machine depends entirely on the pedaling force of the practitioner. When there is force on the running table, the conveyor belt will automatically move without using electricity, but the practitioner has to spend a lot of effort.

Advantages of the treadmill:

• No power consumption and little noise : Because the machine relies on the strength of the practitioner, the machine does not consume electricity at all, limiting the generation of noise and vibration.
• Space saving : The device has a compact and simple design, so it does not take up much space, suitable for small spaces. At the same time, the machine is light in weight and some machines can be folded, so it is convenient to move the machine anywhere.
• Tracking convenient parameters : The machine is equipped with a display screen that allows you to monitor the parameters of time, calories consumed, distance, speed, heart rate,… From there, customize Exercise regimen to suit your needs.
• Cheap price : The mechanical treadmill has a price of about 2 – 4 million VND (updated in November 2022, may change from time to time), suitable for many users.

Disadvantages of a treadmill:

• Short training time, quick exhaustion : The practitioner has to use a lot of his own strength to push the conveyor belt into motion, so it consumes a lot of energy, causing the body to sweat a lot, quickly lose water, and get tired quickly. and shorter training time.
• Functional limitations : The machine does not have a variety of training programs, cannot adjust the speed and change the terrain, so it often causes boredom for the practitioner.
• Not suitable for many people : The product is not suitable for the elderly, people with poor health, people with heart disease, bones and joints, …

Electrical treadmill

The electric treadmill works on the principle of converting electrical energy into kinetic energy for the conveyor belt to operate, without using the strength of the practitioner. There are two common types of electric treadmills as follows:

• Single-function treadmill : Simple design, only the main function is walking and jogging, without many auxiliary details.
• Versatile Treadmill : In addition to the main function of jogging, the machine also integrates many other convenient functions such as massage belts, sit-ups, dumbbells, waist turntables, … providing comprehensive exercises .

The Aguri AGT-117L Treadmill has a variety of exercise modes for users to choose from

The electric treadmill is composed of the following main parts:

• Exercise machine : Equipped with control buttons, handles, LED screen showing all parameters about the operating mode of the machine.
• Frame : It is responsible for supporting the whole machine, so it is manufactured from solid steel, good bearing. Powder coating aesthetic, durable and shiny like new with time.
• Running belt : Includes running table and running mat covered with a sturdy frame system, anti-slip, increased grip when running and high durability.
• Tripod system : Used to support the front and back of the machine, equipped with wheels for easy movement, combined with a support spring system for many different exercises.
• Motor : AC motor used for home machines, DC motors are often found running machines for gyms. The engine is configured from 1.5 to 7HP , the machine with high configuration will have stable and long-lasting durability.
• Massage unit : The machine head is equipped with a massage unit and a sit-up bar, enhancing exercises for more effective sports training.

Advantages of electric treadmill :

• Quiet operation, no noise : The machine has a wide running mat combined with a spring under the motor, minimizing friction, so when operating, it does not emit annoying noise.
• Good shock absorbers and shock absorbers : Good shock absorbers help reduce pressure on joints below the body, suitable for elderly people, people practicing rehabilitation or people with average health.
• High safety assurance : The machine is equipped with a magnetic lock that helps the motor stop working immediately when the user accidentally falls or slips while practicing.
• Increase training efficiency : You can customize various levels of training to suit your fitness and purpose.
• Diverse features : Electric treadmills are often integrated with many additional utilities such as massage, weight training, sit-ups, heart rate monitoring, calories, … giving you many choices.
• Support many entertainment features : You can listen to music, watch videos while jogging to help increase the excitement when exercising, creating a feeling of relaxation.

Disadvantages of electric treadmill :

• The price is quite high : Because of its many features and modern technology, electric treadmills have a higher cost than conventional treadmills, ranging from 7 to 35 million VND (updated in November/November). 2022, subject to change over time).
• Cannot practice when the power is out : Because the machine only works when there is electricity, when the power is out, the machine cannot be used.

Aerial treadmill

Aerial treadmills are carpetless machines like electric and mechanical treadmills. Aerial treadmills work on 100% human strength, requiring a rhythmic combination of hand and foot force.

The treadmill has a fairly simple structure, with a bearing bar manufactured from high-grade steel coated with shiny powder-coated paint, which is durable and scratch-resistant. The machine has the lightest weight of the 3 types of treadmills, about 18.5 – 25kg .

Advantages of aerial treadmill :

• Compact size : Compact design, light weight makes it convenient to move anywhere during use. You can fold the device after you’re done exercising to save space.
• Use even during power outages : Practice anytime even during a power outage, you don’t have to worry about your monthly electricity bill, and because it’s not powered by a motor, it doesn’t make any noise when in use.
• Easy to repair and maintain : Thanks to the simple structure, there is no motor, so the machine is easy to repair when there is a problem. If the problem is related to the joints between the components, you can fix it yourself without calling a repairman.
• Durable over time : Made of stainless steel, the machine is durable and long-lasting. You just need to put the machine in a cool place, avoid high humidity, you can ensure its durability.
• Cheap price : About 1.5 – 6 million VND (updated in November 2022, may change from time to time), suitable for the budget of many customers.

Disadvantages of aerial treadmill :

• Not a variety of exercise functions : The machine only has the main function of running, so it cannot well serve the sports training needs of many users.
• Restricted users : The machine uses 100% of human power, so it causes loss of strength very quickly, not suitable for people with weak health, the elderly, people with heart disease, bones and joints, …

What type of treadmill should I buy?

Each type of treadmill has different advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, you should base on your economic situation, users and your training needs to choose the most suitable product!

Criteria	Mechanical Treadmill	Electrical treadmill	Aerial treadmill
User object	Young people who are in good health want to lose weight and need to exercise a lot.	Suitable for all users, including the elderly, people with heart disease, bones and joints, …	Individuals who want to practice sports at home, have good health and do not have heart, bone and joint diseases, …
Structure	Frame part. Conveyor. Some other parts such as: massage machine, waist rotation part, abdominal crunch part, …	Exercise machine head. Rib frame. Tape running. Tripod system. Engine. Massage unit. Conveyor.	The structure is quite simple with the main part being the bearing bar manufactured from high-grade steel coated with electrostatic paint.
Function	Jogging, walking, body massage, sit-ups.	Jogging, walking, climbing, massaging parts, crunches, abdominal vibrations, waist rotation,…	Jogging, walking
Rates (updated November 2022, subject to change over time)	About 2 – 4 million VND	About 7-35 million VND	About 1.5 – 6 million VND

Hopefully the above article will help to understand in more detail what a treadmill is as well as today’s popular treadmills, from which to choose the most suitable one. If you have any questions about the treadmill, please leave a comment below!