Treadmills haven’t always had the best reputation. Not just this day in age but back in the 18th and 19th centuries, they were actually used as devices to inflict torture on prisoners back. It actually wasn’t until the 1970s that treadmills really were looked upon as a fitness device. The first affordable home treadmill that started popping up in homes were made of wooden rollers, a single on and off switch, and retailed for about $399. A not so glamorous piece of equipment, but today the treadmill is making a comeback even harder than before.
The problem is that there are too many options. The fitness industry has turned into one where everyone is trying to stand apart from another and come up with their new twist. Sure this is all fun, to try out a new workout and change it up every once in a while, but there comes a point when too many options turn into a negative impact and we are starting to see that now. With too many options in the market, people are turning back to things they know. The, not so long ago, dreaded treadmill (or should we say dreadmill) now is becoming more appealing like it did when it was first introduced into the market.
There has never been anything wrong with the treadmill. It has always been a great piece of equipment to get us moving and increasing our heart rate. The best thing though is that the treadmill continues to advance. We are long beyond the days of wooden rollers and the treadmill only being able to do one thing–turning on and then back off. Treadmills these days have been impacted, ergonomically better to match how our bodies move, offer high inclines and high speeds, as well as have fun programs for us to follow and coaching talking back to us to keep us motivated.
Heck, there are even workout classes and boutique gym designed around treadmill use. It is really hard to walk away for good when a treadmill has been scientifically proven over decades to transform your mind and body. With the sustaining craze of self-care keeping your mind in check is more important than ever, as well as keeping your body healthy.
A treadmill is effective, healthy and easy–either you are walking, running or sprinting. The choice is ours. We even created some workouts designed especially to perform while on a treadmill, like our “HIIT Treadmill Workout”.
Do you have a love or hate relationship with the treadmill?
