Commercial treadmills: The maximum burn for a healthier you.

You see them in your local fitness health spa or gym. Often they are full of people, pounding on their walking decks or waiting in line. Commercial treadmills remain to be the dominant machine in the fitness equipment category. And why shouldn't they be? It is scientifically known that the treadmill is unsurpassed for a cardiovascular workout. It works the large muscles in your body. And it burns more calories than any fitness equipment around.

Commercial treadmills aren't that much different than residential treadmills, except for the size and price tag. These commercial machines have to meet a certain criteria to become serviceable to their number of patrons in the gym.

These include:

QUALITY Commercial treadmills of high quality can provide many years of trouble-free service. They have a sturdy construction, with a frame of steel or aircraft-grade aluminum. Steel frames must have a waterproof protective coating since uncoated steel can rust. Commercial treadmills are intended to stay a lot longer in the gym than home treadmills so quality is a major factor.

STABILITY During running use, each foot strike of the runner lands with a force substantially greater than the runner's total weight. Good commercial treadmills have a broad base to distribute this force. Also, the rigid frame of commercial treadmills should not sway in use. That is why bulkier commercial treadmills are a staple in gyms because the heavier the treadmill, the greater its stability during strenuous or prolonged use.

MOTORS Commercial treadmills have at least a 3.0 horsepower "continuous duty" motor rating. The "continuous duty" rating is the best guide on how efficient and durable these machines are.

BELTS The component that is most likely to show wear over time is the belt. Belts come in one or two ply, two ply being more long lasting. For commercial treadmills, the belt should be large enough and wide enough to accommodate your natural stride.

SOUND Commercial treadmills should operate quietly enough for the user to comfortably listen to music or watch television while exercising. It should not be too much of a distraction. Sound is measured in decibels and the manufacturer should provide a decibel rating, which should be checked before purchase.

SAFETY Handrails are essential for commercial treadmills. They should be easy to reach but not so close that they will interfere with your stride.

DISPLAY The most important feature of a user interface, or display, is that it is logical and easy to read. Commercial treadmills often have an interface that is clear and bright, the buttons easy to adjust while walking or running. Most machines have displays for speed, elapsed time, pace, calories burned and calories burned per hour. An indication of the treadmill's current angle of elevation and a heart-rate monitor with digital readout are nice features too.

Manufacturers through local retailers and websites often sell commercial treadmills. Though residential treadmills for home gyms outnumber commercial treadmills in the market, they are the leading machine in health clubs for quite a number of reasons such as ease of use, consistent workout in all seasons, low impact and versatility.

So if you want to look great and feel healthy, hop on a commercial treadmill at your nearest gym. Keep in mind that the more time you spend doing cardiovascular exercises, the more calories you are going to burn and the more weight you will lose. And those commercial machines will give you that maximum burn.

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