| For those of you trying to stay in shape or shed | | | | desired pace and exertion level.Those that fall in |
| a few pounds (who isn't?) there are tons of | | | | the $1000+ category usually offer two to three |
| resources. Perhaps you think there's nothing | | | | hp motors, and several incline options. They can |
| better than outdoor sports to burn up the calories | | | | rev up your own motor to running speeds of up |
| as you feel those wonderful endorphins kicking | | | | to eight to ten miles per hour. Many are easily |
| in.But what if it's winter and you're snowbound? | | | | portable, folding away for under-bed or closet |
| What if you live, as I do, in the Southeast, where | | | | storage.A higher end treadmill might offer an LCD |
| it seems that it's either too hot and humid for | | | | display that lets you see your calories burned, |
| outdoor exertion, or it's pouring rain.Your next | | | | your speed and time elapsed. What's really nifty |
| best alternative may be an indoor regimen. Gyms, | | | | about these $1200-$2000 models is that if you |
| however, are expensive, and crowded - and, | | | | get really bored you can choose from one of |
| annoyingly for those of us who are well past our | | | | their myriad computerized programs, which give |
| prime, full of 18 year olds in Spandex that make | | | | you workout variety and a little spontaneity as |
| us feel like the Pillsbury Doughboy in sweats.So, | | | | well. A few even offer a chest sensor, a great |
| it's home gym time. Yes, stationary bikes are the | | | | option to prevent you from overdoing.Top-end |
| cheapest, but have you ever sat on one of those | | | | workout wizard models typically come with a |
| seats for any length of time? Ouch!My favorite | | | | warranty for motor, parts and labor. Handy |
| indoor equipment is a home treadmill. It burns up | | | | features often included are 12 mph top speeds, |
| more calories than a stationary bike, is more | | | | many more workout programs, calorie counter |
| comfortable, and doesn't tear up my arthritic old | | | | and heart rate monitor, two cooling fans, personal |
| knees like a stair stepper. Best of all, I can turn it | | | | profile centers, impact absorption and even |
| on, climb aboard and watch TV all at the same | | | | carbohydrate counters.For the budget conscious |
| time. My exercise time just flies by. Then I fold it | | | | there are plenty of good manual treadmills out |
| up, stuff it under the couch. Try doing that with a | | | | there at bargain basement prices. For a few |
| Bow Flex!Your home treadmill can be manual or | | | | hundred dollars you can still get a fast-paced |
| electric, and come in a variety of different styles | | | | workout. You can spend as little as $200 for |
| and options for workout speed, regulation and | | | | three incline choices and a top speed of five miles |
| incline. You can walk on a flat surface at an easy | | | | per hour. Of course, there are also plenty of folks |
| three miles per hour or race rapidly up a hill. It's all | | | | who made the purchase and are now just letting |
| up to you. Treadmills are easy to operate and | | | | their home treadmill gather dust. |
| offer a workout that quickly adapts to your | | | | |