| According to the Sports Goods Manufacturers | | | | Running on a treadmill is much easier on your legs, feet, |
| Association, treadmills are the #1 home-fitness item, | | | | and joints than running on rock-hard concrete and |
| outdistancing stair-climbers, stationery bicycles, rowing | | | | asphalt, and special low-impact treadmills are available |
| machines and cross-country skiers. In fact, some | | | | which claim to reduce the impact of running by 40%. |
| surveys indicate that nearly 40 million Americans run | | | | How? The running belt on the treadmill gives more |
| on treadmills. | | | | than outdoor surfaces, and the inner workings of the |
| Marathoners use treadmills, so do collegiate runners, | | | | treadmill help to disperse the shock waves that occur |
| soccer moms, lunchtime joggers and legions of senior | | | | when your foot strikes a surface. |
| citizens who are eager to get in shape and keep in | | | | YOU'VE GOT HEART |
| shape. And according to the research firm American | | | | Want to know how many calories you've burned? |
| Sports Data, women, forever dedicated to | | | | Your heart rate? How fast you're running? The |
| self-improvement, are purchasing 75% of the new | | | | distance you've run to the hundredth of a mile? A wide |
| home treadmills being sold. It's easy for women to | | | | range of built-in monitors is standard equipment on |
| incorporate a home treadmill into an existing exercise | | | | many treadmills. Monitors help you get the most out of |
| program as an alternative to outdoor running. Or, a | | | | your workout by approaching it scientifically and |
| treadmill can easily be the centerpiece of a fitness | | | | focusing on things like keeping your heart rate at a |
| plan, providing excellent cardio-vascular benefits all by | | | | good level. |
| itself. | | | | In fact, some treadmills even offer a special function |
| The "smart money" knows that an investment in a | | | | that regulates the speed of the treadmill based on |
| good home treadmill will pay off with big dividends in a | | | | your heart rate - the ultimate custom-tailored workout. |
| variety of areas: | | | | FORM IS THE FUNCTION |
| IT'S A SURE THING | | | | It's tough to develop a good running form when you're |
| It doesn't matter if you're weathering a snowstorm in | | | | skipping to avoid tree roots or jumping on and off |
| Nome, Alaska or a heat wave in Tallahassee, Florida, | | | | sidewalk curbs. And good form is integral to getting the |
| your treadmill is always ready to take you a few miles | | | | most from your run. With a treadmill, you have the dual |
| closer to good health. Let the mailman worry about | | | | advantage of a smooth running surface and a steady |
| snow, or rain or dark of night, with a treadmill, you can | | | | pace, so you can concentrate on things like lengthening |
| run whenever you like. | | | | your stride, pumping your arms, etc. Any progress you |
| THE CALL OF THE WILD | | | | make on the treadmill will easily be translated to your |
| There's no doubt that a run on a forest trail or in an | | | | outdoor running. |
| urban park is a wonderful experience that brings out | | | | TV - YES! COUCH POTATO - NO! |
| our spirit of adventure. But, in many areas, a run in | | | | If you love to watch television, your time on the |
| nature may expose you to wild animals, unfriendly pets | | | | treadmill is a perfect opportunity for guilt-free |
| and even unsavory human beings. Far too many | | | | multi-tasking. In the gyms of Wall Street in NYC, |
| women in large cities and small towns have been | | | | captains of industry watch CNN and get the market |
| victimized while out for a morning or afternoon run. A | | | | news while they're getting their morning dose of |
| treadmill is always in a safe place - your house. And | | | | endorphins. At home, with a VCR, you can watch |
| you can bring the outdoors in for you run by setting up | | | | whatever you like - cartoons, Regis and Kelly, soap |
| your machine near a window so you can enjoy the | | | | operas, even tapes of your favorite marathon! (Hey, |
| view during your workout. | | | | maybe you'll pick up some running "style tips.") |
| SLIPPERY WHEN WET | | | | FINDING THE ZONE |
| After a heavy snowfall, plows often heap white | | | | Because home treadmills eliminate a variety of |
| mountains onto the sidewalk, forcing runners into the | | | | distractions and stressors - dogs, traffic, uneven roads, |
| streets, where ice and cars present dangerous | | | | etc. - they allow you to really clear your mind and |
| obstacles to making it home alive. | | | | easily enter a relaxed, meditative state while running. |
| STEP LIGHTLY | | | | |