Many of us have hectic office jobs that involves a lot of sitting. Software engineers are particularly susceptible to this as their job involves many hours of continuous sitting. Keeping the body stationary in a sitting stance can give neck and back pain apart from overall health issues.

A massage parlor or spa is a great choice for sure, but very few of us have the time to visit spas and massage parlors. Not just that, visiting a massage therapist or spas can burn a hole in your pocket.

A good electric back massager can not only give you good massage and improve blood circulation but also gives you the flexibility of getting a good massage at your convenient time and place.

We have experience with dozens of massagers, initially this website was supposed to be an extensive review on every massager we could lay hands on, but then found that the visitors are most interested to find the best ones and did not seem to like reading about massagers that didn’t meet our quality test. Given below are some of the top massagers that we feel will do justice to the money spent.

Back Massager Reviews

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The Thumper mini pro 2 is a quality professional grade massager that is part of the famed thumper series massagers that uses the patented percussive thumper action. The massager weighs close to 3 pounds so it is portable and relatively light in weight.

This helps it to be maneuvered easily. What would strike you immediately is the fact that the massager is relatively light but does feel wonderfully heavy and substantial on the massaged area.

There are 3 power settings that enable it to work well on both the thick and thin muscle groups. the 3 settings are devised to deliver 20, 30 and 40 thumps per second respectively. the massager has a percussive action, that means the heads of the thumper massager bounce or thump back and forth in the same manner as a massage therapists hand would.

The anatomically designed massage spheres on the thumper massager are designed to pivot vertically and can send deep penetrating waves in the massaged area which can disperse knots in the body.

Conclusion

The thumper mini pro  is an outstanding portable massager that is perhaps the best massager within its price segment. This is the massager that is used and recommended by many chiropractors and massage therapists including yours truly. What we liked about this massager is that while it is reasonably light to hold it also has the wonderfully gritty and substantial feel on the muscle groups.

On the negative side you might feel some strain in your hands if you try to use it on your back for longer periods of time. So for that reason while this can be used effectively to self massage, it is still best used as a back massager if you have another person to use it on you.

The thumper mini pro2 is a strong therapeutic massager that goes well on the body contours. The massager is absolutely brilliant in releasing knots along the thighs, buttocks and back and I have no reservations in recommending this product wholeheartedly.

Unlike the Thumper massager described above, the Jeanie Rub Massager has an oscillating movement rather than a thumping action. We found the Jeanie massager to be particularly good at alleviating deep seated muscular pains and improving circulation with its soothing oscillations and vibrations.

The massager itself is built solidly with quality die cast aluminum and sports premium grade vinyl pads. It has a variable speed motor that operated from 1100 to 4600 rpm.

The Jeanie rub massager can be used on sensitive areas and also on the bony surfaces. We found that the Jeanie massager is better preferred by thin people with less muscle mass compared to a percussive massager like the Thumper massager. This massager has a more gentler kneading and oscillating type action where as the thumper has a knocking, thumping and vibrating action.

Conclusion

The massager is very good in relieving pains due to pinched nerve or knots and is particularly good for the back, especially if you have someone to use it on you. If you intend to use it on the back yourself, you can just place it behind on the couch and lean against it. Both the Thumper massager and the Jeanie Rub Massager are brilliant massagers.

The thumper massager is preferred by people who want a more invasive and strong massage experience whilst the Jeanie Rub massager is liked by people who like to be kneaded. The Jeanie Rub massager is quite a bit heavier than the Thumper massager and perhaps less portable. You will not go wrong with either of the two top massagers and we recommend both equally.

Homedics has come a long way from being just a one dimensional company manufacturing just handheld massager products to growing to become an authority in the electric and shiatsu massager category. The QRM-400H Therapist Select Quad-Roller Massaging Cushion is a top grade shiatsu cushion based massager with heat capabilities.

We have had some bad experiences with massage cushions in the past and most have design problems but this cushion pleasantly surprised us. The cushion has two separate mechanisms for the back and shoulders and this we feel is a must for any good massage cushion.

It is also height adjustable, so should fit most backs. The QRM-400H Shiatsu Massaging cushion can provide circular and kneading shiatsu massage and/or up and down roller massage.

This is the latest model and a big upgrade from the older SBM 400H model in that this massaging cushion has 4 rollers with 2 rollers on each arm whereas the previous model had just two massaging heads.

What’s more, this massager is currently priced at a discount. You can visit the product page at Quad Roller Massaging Cushion.

The cushion can work in 6 modes and can be controlled with a remote control. At its max

setting this cushion is simply outstanding and the level of pressure and heat combine to give a wonderful shiatsu massage. The experience is almost as good as a professional massage at a massage parlor, not quite but pretty close.

Conclusion
Probably the best massaging cushion and definitely worth the price. Highly recommended.

Back Pain Symptoms

Almost all of us have experienced back pain at some point of time in our lives, some more than others. Infact it is estimated that 4 out of 5 adults experience considerable episodes of back pain in their lives.

Back pain may occur due to various causes – some due to bad lifestyle while others could be due to muscle strains, degenerative spinal conditions, accidents or sports injuries.

Laying down back pain symptoms can be tricky as sometimes more serious conditions like a large herniated disc can be painless whereas a simple muscle strain that only needs some massage and rest could give acute pain. Also, many of the conditions share identical symptoms.

Symptoms of back pain

• Persistent stiffness or pain along the spine – anywhere between the hips to the base of the neck.
• Chronic pain in the lower or middle are of the back particularly after extended standing or sitting period.
• Back ache that radiates lower to the buttocks and thighs and sometimes onto the calf and feet.
• Muscle spams in the lower back when standing straight for some time.
• Acute pain in the upper back, lower back or neck that is more localized and arising or aggravated after engaging in strenuous activity.

When to seek medical attention

• If you feel numbness in the limbs and experience even a little loss of control. This could indicate spinal cord damage.
• If the back pain extends upto the calf of the leg it could indicate a condition known as sciatica and will need a doctor’s attention.
• If the pain is acute while bending forward or coughing it could indicate a herniated disc and will need medical attention and therapy.
• If the back pain is often accompanied by urinal or fecal incontinence.
• If you are over 50 years old and experience pain in a particular area of the spine which aggravated when getting up from bed or whilst lying down then it could indicate osteoarthritis which will need medical care.

Back Pain Causes

Back pain and in particular lower back pain is perhaps the most common of medical problems. On the good side, many episodes of back pains will subside and resolve within a few weeks but sometimes back pains can linger for long causing frustration to both the patient and even the doctor as it can get difficult to treat.

Understanding the root cause of a chronic back pain will effectively determine the course of treatment and cure. So if that famed massager isn’t giving you relief as it will in most cases then you should indeed look further. some of the common back pain causes are laid out below.

Lumbar Muscle Strain

The most common cause of back pain is undoubtedly muscle strains. Patients might not remember the cause of the strain but the good news is that it is very easily treatable with massage therapy and rest. A good back massager should hold you in good stead in such cases.

Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is a pretty common cause of back pain and the treatment depends on a case by case basis. It is also known as pinched disc or bulging disc or slipped disc and is often a source of confusion to the patients as different doctors use the terms randomly.

Generally when a patient is suffering from herniated disc, it is not the disc space that usually pains. The pain is actually caused by the disc herniation pinching a nerve within the spine. This pain is radicular in nature and can stem down to the leg or traverse up to the neck too.

Spinal Stenosis

This is a condition that usually affects senior citizens. As people age the spinal column can narrow and constrict creating pressure in areas where the spinal nerves leave the spinal column thereby causing pain.

Symptoms might appear very slowly and include pain, numbness or weakness in the legs and arms and pain in the neck and back. Treatments include physical therapy, braces, medications and even surgery if needed.

Discogenic Back Pain
This is another common back problem and occurs due to inter-vertebal disc damage(without the disc herination). A discogram will be needed to diagnose discogenic back pain.

This problem usually occurs in middle aged individuals after the spine has undergone a lot of wear and tear. In the beginning stages pain will be minimal but if the condition is aggravated it can cause acute lower back pain.

Treatments include oral medication, spinal injections, braces often accompanied by massage therapy usually by a qualified massage therapist. A good back massager could help too.

Lumbar Spine Arthritis

Arthritis normally affects knees and finger joints but it can also affect spine joints like in the case of lumbar spine arthritis. Patients suffering from this condition will experience back pain when they flex and move.

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is caused by decreased bone density and bone tissue thinning. This can result in a plethora of orthopedic issues and general discomfort. Back pains due to osteoporosis is generally linked to vertebral compression fractures. It causes bones to weaken and can lead to fractures.

Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition wherein the adjacent vertebra loses stability and begins to develop a tendency to slip. An individual suffering from this condition will experience tightening of the hamstrings and overall stiffness of the back affecting gait and posture. This is caused due to spine degeneration due to age or lifestyle.

A person suffering from acute spondylolisthesis tends to rotate the pelvis more than normal as a result of decreased hamstring mobility, such a person will appear to waddle more than walk.

Back Massager Benefits

It has been scientifically proved that a good massage begets involuntary mechanical and relaxation responses from the body that can produce both emotional and physical benefits.

Relaxation Response
Relaxation response is brought about caring safe touches or gentle vibrations that has a calming effect on the brain and body.

This causes the blood pressure to stabilize at optimum levels that slows down the breathing rate which in turn reduces the stress hormones to truly bring about muscle and tissue relaxation.

All this causes alleviation of the hormone seotonin that is responsible for positive thoughts and emotions.

Mechanical Response

The vibrations and physical pressure involved in a good massage causes and increase in the lymph and blood circulation. This also causes normalization of muscles, tendons, ligaments and tissues that causes relief from pain and soreness and offers positive energy and general well being.

Immediate Benefits

• The obvious benefit is ofcourse pain relief. The endorphin release irons out knots and tensions in the body and alleviates and reduces pain caused by various muscle strains and musculoskeletal injuries.

• Massage is known to reduce anxiety in patients and the transient anxiety levels before and after massage has been clinically documented.

• A good massage can immediately reduce blood pressure and hypertension patients can benefit greatly.

• This is a freak one but true. A good massage is also shown to improve the computational capabilities and alertness of the brain.Electroencephalography tests have attributed this curious effect to the decreased stress hormones during a massage and right after it.

• Better blood circulation.

• Reduces cramps and spasms.

• Reduces PMS symptoms in women. Helps in reducing menstrual cramps and water retention.

Long Term Benefits Of Repeated Therapy

• Regular back massage can give long term relief from chronic back pain. Chronic body pains and restlessness are side effects of some chronic ailments like diabetes. Massagers can help the patients lead better quality of life.Some studies claim that quality of life and disease progression of HIV patients improves with good regular massage therapy, however this treatment is not scientifically supported.

• Reduces depression and susceptibility to anxiety and panic attacks.

• Improves mobility and stamina. Shown to reduce stiffness in chronic arthritis.

• Better pulmonary function is noticed in some asthmatic patients.

• Tissue regeneration in some cases. This is why even patients suffering from paralysis and muscular dystrophy are put on a strict massage regimen.

• Reduces stretch marks and scar tissue.
• Aromatherapy massage is shown to increase the PBL or the peripheral blood lymphocytes that results in the stimulation of the human immune system. The same effect can be achieved by using a good back massager after applying lavender or almond oil on the body.

How to Manage Back Pain

These bones are differentiated as being:

• Cervical vertebrae which consist of the 7 bones in the upper part of the spine (in the head and neck)
• Thoracic vertebrae which are the 12 bones between the neck and lower back (the lumbar region)
• Lumbar vertebrae which are the 5 largest and strongest bones (yet, are most prone to injury)
• Sacrum which is formed from 5 bones fused together, along with the Coccyx (more commonly known as the tailbone) which is made up of 4 bones fused together.

Back pain is pain not necessarily in the back (the spinal column) but possibly in the muscles, nerves, joints or anything radiating from or in the spine. The pain can be abrupt, short-lived, or long-term; constant or intermittent; be localized or move to other areas, especially the extremities of the arms, hands, feet and legs; and may include tingling, weakness or numbness.

IT’S COMMON

Back pain is extremely common. After headaches, it is the most common location of pain. Specifically, pain in the lower back is the most common form of back pain because it bears most of our weight.

Lower back pain (also called lumbago) is the fifth most common reason for visiting a physician, and accounts for 40% of the missed days of work in the United States, and is the leading cause of disability throughout the world. It is most common in people between the ages of 35 and 55.

Doctors different it by its location: either neck pain, middle back pain, lower back pain or tailbone pain. It can be acute (up to 12 weeks), chronic (more than 12 weeks) or subacute (one lasting 6-12 weeks). It can be nonspecific (and usually associated with muscles, fascia and ligaments) or specific (such as having an infection or cancer).

Virtually all (98%) of back pain patients are those who have nonspecific acute pain which has no other ailments or diseases as causes. You may (or may not) feel severe back pain, but that does not necessarily mean harm or damage to your body.

Think of a paper cut: it is small and superficial, causes a great amount of pain but does no harm (it usually seals itself before any infection can arise). However, the 98% does leave 2% of patients as possibly having an infection, cancer or other condition that can also result in back pain.

It can be diagnosed with x-rays, a CT scan or an MRI scan, but because back pain is usually (98%) not associated with a location, these are rarely effective. Thus, the doctor usually prescribes things for the result (the pain) rather than the cause, whatever it may be.

Other Back Pain Causes

Just as diet and exercise comprise very many of the treatments of very many ailments and diseases, so too are there a few general causes of back pain. Such causes can be described as being:

1) Medical:

There are innumerable conditions that can cause back pain. It would be counter-productive to list them here in this article, but they can be found at this webpage.

Perhaps the most common ones are spinal disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, kidney stones, lumbar spinal stenosis, trauma (accidents, especially), muscle strains or pulled muscles, cancer, infection, fractures, inflammatory disease, and sciatica.

There is also pregnancy, during which half of all women experience lower back pain. In keeping with the theme of this article (avoidance), it would be easy to suggest not getting pregnant. Of course that, in itself, may not be desirable. Just be aware that if you do become pregnant then there is a very good chance that you will feel back pain.

There are also innumerable medical drugs that have back pain as a possible side effect. These drugs can be found here. If you are prescribed any of these then ask you may want to ask about the likelihood of you getting back pain, and whether or not alternative medicines are warranted.

If you are taking these and then develop back pain then do consult your doctor right away. If you already have back pain and are prescribed any of these drugs for other conditions then ask your doctor about the likelihood of your back pain worsening.

2) Psychosocial: This would comprise stress (especially mental stress at work), anxiety, job dissatisfaction, distress, depression, cognitive dysfunction, dysfunctional family relationships, and others

3) Activity such as heavy physical work; repetitive work; frequent bending, twisting, lifting, pushing or pulling; static postures; and vibrations.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: pain that does not lessen, or worsens even when resting; pain which is worse when laying down; severe pain; increasing weakness or numbness in a leg or foot; difficulty in walking, standing or moving; fever, unexplained weight loss, or other signs of illness along with the back pain; numbness in the genital or anal area; loss of bowel of bladder control; a burning feeling or difficulty in urination; if you have had a trauma, such as a fall or impact; or if you or your family has a history of cancer.

Lifestyle Changes To Alleviate Bac Pain

To avoid or minimize back pain, regardless of cause (except for medical causes, which often require medicine or surgery) you can do things differently. If you are overweight or obese and now have back pain then lose weight through diet, exercise, surgery or other means. There is no proof yet that obesity can cause back pain, but there is a high correlation between the two. Other suggestions can be grouped around:

Change yourself In my other article about back pain, I suggested trying Tai Chi and other methods of reducing stress. Other methods which reduce stress (and hence reduce the possibility of getting back pain and of minimizing its effects) are meditation, counseling, stress management classes, cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques and yoga (which I discussed in yet another article about back pain).

Perhaps the best–and certainly the simplest–are breathing exercises. One very easy exercise is to find a comfortable position; focus on breathing, and in doing it slowly and steadily; feel your tension escape as you breathe out; and do this for 10-15 minutes.

Change the things that you do Avoid the activities that can cause back pain. If you have to do them then do them differently and better. For example, if you have to lift heavy things then use your legs more and less of your back in lifting.

Avoid sitting and avoid standing. Of course, these contradict each other; the qualification is that you should avoid doing these for extended periods of time. If you do need to sit for a long period of time then try doing it on an ergonomically designed chair, or try using a standing desk.

If you do need to stand for a long period of time then use a small footstool by alternating a leg on it, taking the load off your back. You can use the same footstool while you are sitting, so that your knees are above your hips.

Sit up straight! You mother and teachers told you this, and it is especially helpful now if you have back pain. This is especially relevant for those who have desk or office jobs. When you are at your desk, sit up straight and as far back in your chair as possible, while keeping your feet flat on the ground.

When you stand, keep your shoulders back and your weight evenly distributed between both feet. Always be aware of when you may be slouching and then remove that.

People change jobs and even professions for many different reasons. If you have back pain then consider job training for another position within your company.

Sleep well and correctly. Be like Goldilocks and find a bed that is neither too hard nor too soft but one that is just right. It is best to sleep on your side but if you continue to sleep on your back then you can place a pillow under your knees, and if you sleep on your stomach then you can place a pillow under your stomach to counteract the effects.

Exercise and exercise more. In my other article, I suggested strength training, tai chi, pilates and aquatic therapy. You do not have to go to a gym, and you can try things that are even simpler than my suggestions.

In 2008, the USDA Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Report advised just 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, and two or more days a week of strength training.

Children were advised to be physically active for at least one hour each day, and other guidelines can be found here. All of these can be as simple as walking, biking or swimming. Maintain your activity, and gradually increase it to help you recover from back pain sooner.

Change other things Do not wear high-heeled shoes; wear comfortable shoes; and look for shoes with arch support.

Avoid having objects, such as a wallet, in your back pocket while you are sitting. Make sure that you have a comfortable chair in your car, or add beads to it, especially on long drives.

Your spine, along with the enamel on your teeth, are one of the strongest parts in your body and is, along with the enamel on your teeth, very difficult to damage. Your back can take a lot of wear and tear, although it can break down, but also recovers (usually) just as quickly.

With the correct and complete information, help, support and treatment, you should be able to manage and remove your own back pain.

How Does Vibrating Massagers Work?

Many of the vibrating massagers work using the principle of centripetal force. An unbalanced weight is rotated around an axis that is not inline with the center of axis thus creating a significant centripetal force.

Now this force follows the weight around as it makes fast 360 degree rotations causing repeated directional cycles of centripetal force which feels like high frequency vibrations.

The frequency of vibrations is directly proportional to the number of times the weight is slung around the axis within the massager.

Modern electrical back massagers build on this principle and take it further. For example, the thumper massager has a thumping action apart from the usual vibrations to give extra impact and relief.

How Vibrating Massager Relieleve Back Strains

In the relaxed state muscle cells are long and narrow and under stressful situations they contract and become shorter and thicker.

Once the strainful period is over they are expected to go back to their relaxed state but sometimes quite a few of these muscle cells only relax partially which results in thicker loosened cells that can cause pain as they press against nerves.

This my friends cause back strains and knots resulting in discomfort and pain. A vibrating or percussion massager exerts force on the muscle tissues that creates what we call ‘microscopic pulling’ that helps the constricted muscle cells to return to relaxed state which in turn relieves pressure on the neighboring nerves thereby providing pain relief.

Treadmill for home have no doubt been around for some time ever since the first one was invented. Contrary to what you may know, the first treadmills were not used as exercise equipment but rather as prisoner punishment and as power equipment. It was until the 19^th century when treadmills were designed as exercise equipment.

Electric Treadmill For Home

An electric treadmill is a ve for homery common exercise machine that most people would own in their homes. Most people would choose to own an electric treadmill as it is much easier to use and would suit everyone in the home including children (of course under the watch of adults) unlike other equipment such as weight related machines that mostly only fits the adults.

When you own an electric treadmill, where would you choose to place it? There are many corners in the house that could be used to place an electric treadmill. Let’s consider the following suggestions:

We could place the treadmill in the living room. Generally, the living room is the place where everyone in the family would gather. Some families gather in the living room to watch TV, some gather for family activities, some gather for meals and some might even gather for family meetings and discussions. In simple terms, living room is where all family members do a common activity together.

When you place an electric treadmill in the living room, it functions not only as simple as an exercise machine, but also a machine that would bring a family closer together. Imagine the whole family doing workout together, wouldn’t it be a very warm and cozy sight to watch? We could maybe have a father working on the treadmill and other members of the family doing other things besides. Then with a determined father on the treadmill, other members would be motivated or encouraged emotionally to join.

As a result, other family members will take turns working out on the machine, sweating and resting together. Therefore, by putting the electric treadmill in the living room, it does not only tighten the bond among the family members, it also helps to encourage everyone to work their body.

However, some prefer doing workout in isolation. Doing exercise alone is good with the concentration towards the body movements and the breathing to maximize the effects of exercising. Thus, some would prefer to place the machine in a more isolated place, perhaps in the bedroom.

By placing it in the bedroom, one tends to workout when all other matters are done. This is because, a bedroom, is where we rest after a day of work and activities. So, there is the tendency that one would prefer to do the workout before bed. This is to a certain extent good as after some workout, one could sleep better. By exercising before bed, one could, through exercise, let out the bad omen of the day then have a good night sleep. With this, one not only has a good night sleep, but having a healthier body through exercising right and sleeping well.

Besides these two more common places, some would also consider placing the machine in a special room meant for exercising together with other exercising equipments and machines. With this, the house would seem more organized and systematic without having all furniture and things in the wrong place or mixed together.

One would also consider placing the machine on an opened verandah. As by placing the machine at an open space, one would take in more fresh air, prolonging the period of exercise as the capacity of lungs is filled faster with a smoother flow of air and thus feel tired slower.

Other places to consider could be the study room, a special room set aside for family gatherings such as karaoke room, activity room and etc. As to where to place an electric treadmill in the home would definitely depend on the preference of individuals. Perhaps some might even have more creative or exotic corners for it.

Benefits Of Having An Electric Treadmill At Home

The awareness towards the benefits of exercising has been increasing. People know and are more aware now towards the importance of exercising and the impact without exercising. Thus, today, many are going all out on workouts whether on a smaller or a bigger scale. Consequently, we get to see lots and lots of home exercise equipments mushrooming today. This is due to the fact that although people are aware of the importance of exercising, they are however still bound with work and other daily activities that leave them with limited time. Thus, home exercise becomes a favourite exercise options.

There are a variety of home exercise equipments, such as abs equipments, exercise balls, exercise bikes, yoga equipments, elliptical trainer, treadmills, exercise bands and etc in the market today for us to choose. The most common and family-friendly would be the treadmills series. Most would prefer the electric or motorized treadmill that is less straining where manual treadmill requires one to pull the belt using their own footsteps.

I would prefer to buy an electric or a motorized treadmill as well compared to other home exercise equipments. One main reason is that an electric treadmill is easier to use and it is suitable for the whole family. I guess everyone who is physically whole have no problem with running, jogging or walking. With an electric treadmill, we could set the speed to one that suits us, according to our individual body fitness and preference. Thus, everyone could use it without having to worry that it might be too heavy, or too fast, or require certain specific skill or knowledge.

Apart from that, I would also choose an electric treadmill as my home exercise equipment as the workout done on a treadmill is more whole than most of the home exercise equipments that focus on parts of the body. For example, dumbbells are for building biceps muscles, abs equipments are for the abs and etc. With running being the basic workout on a treadmill, I could work the whole body, although more strain goes the feet. Anyway, an electric treadmill would be the more ‘wholesome’ equipment as compared to the rest.

In addition, with an electric treadmill for home under 500, the workouts can be set according to the physical fitness and heart beat. Therefore, I would not have to worry as when I do running or jogging in the field that I might run too fast or too long or not enough for me. I would be guided with the help of workout buttons on the treadmill.

Owning an electric treadmill at home makes workout more convenient. I do not need to worry about the weather or having no company when going for jogging in the field. I do not need to worry about showing off the imperfect body or less professional workout approach to a bunch of strangers in the gym. I could workout at my own ease and relaxed mode at home with the pleasure of a roof (no worries about weather) and perhaps some entertainment (music or TV) having no worries about no company to join for the workout.

Therefore, when choosing to own home exercise equipment, I would prefer the electric treadmill that gives me a more ‘wholesome’ workout, that gives me the pleasure of doing workout at ease and relaxed at home with no worries of weather or embarrassment.

Electric Treadmill vs Outdoor Running

An electric treadmill for home is probably the most widely owned exercise machine in the house. I have several friends who have such equipment at home. It might not be the cheapest exercise machine, but it is probably the easiest one to use, as what is so difficult about walking or running on a conveyor belt.

I’ve always seen people running on treadmill and it seems so easy and relaxed. They could watch TV, eat and talk with others at the same time. I never really grow much interest to an electric treadmill as I think that it is just another one of those over-promoted workout equipment. I could go to the stadium or even the park or even at my house and do the same workout, what’s so difficult about walking around at the same place anyway.

However, after a first encounter with an electric treadmill, I definitely changed my mind about electric treadmill. Working on an electric treadmill is quite unlike running or jogging or walking on the track. It strains the muscle more than merely running on our own and you tend to get more tired on an electric treadmill than the running tracks. Thus, it creates better results.

For that one time at a friend’s house, everyone got bored and got on board an electric treadmill to have some running fun. I saw that they all had a great time but when they eventually stepped down, they were all panting and feeling their loud heart beat, even for those who only ran for ten minutes. So, it got me curious and aroused my interest in trying.

I got on the machine and started to run, well, wanting to run though. However, it was kind of hard and my friend told me to tune up the speed. Then I figured that the conveyor belt was moving too slow and since I was walking faster than it, I was actually pulling it rather than it helped pushed me. So I tuned the speed up slowly, and picking up my running pace slowly too. The higher the speed, the smoother I ran, and the lighter I felt. Imagine running while flying, wouldn’t it be light? Well, it felt something like that.

I ran for ten minutes then slowed down and eventually stopped. Though only for ten minutes, the effect was obvious. Though the running was light and easy, but when I stopped, I could feel the tiredness and the strain and my heart was beating real fast and hard as if I had been running for half and hour.

Then, eventually I realized that though I didn’t feel tired at the time of running, I was actually using up more energy than I expected. The machine helped to start off the workout slowly then pick up pace then slowed down slowly, which is the typical way of doing workout where one start off with warm up activity then ends with cooling down exercise. Once starting to run, one has to complete all three stages for the whole workout to come to an end. In addition, while running, I only thought of stopping when I really felt the tiredness. Thus, unconsciously I had run more and used more energy than I normally would when jogging in the park.

For an amateur jogger like me, an electric treadmill would definitely help in my workout as I don’t get to do running simply but doing in stages. In addition, I wouldn’t have much excuse to not commit to jogging once I own one at home.

Should You Buy an Electric Treadmill for home?

Electric treadmill for home are an excellent piece of fitness equipment and a must have for any personal home gym. Gym World, Sport & Leisure UK, and Exercise Equipment are all online retail sites offering top quality treadmills at affordable prices. For a low budget price, the Reebok i-Run Plus is a treadmill that is best operated by the average user.

For a medium budget, the Tunturi T 20 offers a strong 2.5 HP, a 12% incline, and up to a 10mph speed. For a higher end budget, the Tunturi T 40 is made especially for fitness enthusiasts who have to have the best. It possesses a 3HP motor, a 12% incline, and a top speed of 12 mph. It also includes excellent durability, added comfort, and heart rate programmed and sensors.

Electric treadmill for home or motorized treadmills are a great addition to your home gym. They offer convenience for those who have difficulty getting to a gym. For those cold and rainy days, running indoors is a must. Walking, jogging or running on a treadmill offers a low-impact workout, as most treadmills reduce stress of the joints. The physical benefits include getting you in top shape while improving your aerobic capacity and cardiovascular system. Other physical benefits include body fat loss, toning of leg muscles, burning of excess calories, and increased energy.

Once you have made the decision to purchase an electrical powered treadmill, there are a few points to consider. The motor must be a minimum of 1.5 horse power and be suitable for people weighing up to 18 stones, or 252 pounds. For those who are heavier, a bigger motor is necessary, as the higher the horse power, the more efficiently it will operate.

The speed range will depend on individual fitness levels. A walker will need one that runs at least 0-6 mph. Most people use a treadmill with a 1-10 mph range, and for the more serious runner, a range of 6-12 mph is more suitable. The incline range should be a minimum of 0-10% power incline. Most treadmills offer electronic data, such as distance, time, and speed displays. Also available are treadmills with pre-set workouts that target specific goals. Depending on the size of your budget, higher end treadmills can record workouts and include heart rate programmes. A one year warranty is necessary, and you’ll need to choose a brand that offers a good belt thickness, shock absorption and running surface length.

In conclusion, investing in an electric treadmill is the best option for those on a path to better fitness.

Things to Consider When Buying an Electric Treadmill for Home

There are many things for you to consider when buying an electric treadmill. There are many different styles, brands, and options to choose from.

One thing to consider when buying an electrical powered treadmill is how it is going to be used. Is the treadmill for your personal use only or will there being others using it? How often will it be used? Will it be used for walking only, or will it be used for jogging/running?

When considering the use of your motorized treadmill, considering the amount of shock absorption and the width and ply of the tread belt can be useful. Usually jogging requires better shock absorption and a wider, two ply belt. This makes jogging/running safer and more comfortable.

You may want to consider whether or not you want to keep your treadmill open when not in use. If not, you will want to consider a treadmill that folds up. A treadmill that folds up can be handy when moving it, when cleaning around it, as well as saving space.

You may want to consider the top speed of the motorized treadmill and the horsepower of the motor, especially if you are going to jog/run on the treadmill. Also, some motors are noisier than others, so depending on your situation, the noise of the motor may be an issue for you. Many stores, especially sporting goods stores, have treadmills set up that you can try out before buying one.

You may want to consider how much money you have to spend on the treadmill, what options are available, which options are important for you, which options you can do without, or you may want all of the options. Also, you may want to consider the warranty on the treadmill.

Different electric treadmills have different options. There are many options to choose from. Some of these options include manual or power incline, different types of heart rate monitors, LED or LCD settings, CD players, preset programs and manually set programs, and iFit. A heart rate monitor is important to have, as is a starting key that fastens to your clothing so it pulls out and stops the treadmill automatically should you fall. Many of the other options are for convenience, fun, or a better overall workout.

Different stores have different offers and prices, so shop around until you are able to find the electric treadmill that will best fit your needs at a price you can afford.

Treadmill Training Weight Loss Tips

One of the best and easiest ways to lose weight is by walking and running. One of the best ways to exercise your walking and running is by using a treadmill and more specifically an electric treadmill. Treadmill is very easy to use by everyone, both beginners and experts. Many weight loss experts suggest using the treadmill to accelerate your weight loss efforts. Treadmill training can be done in the comfort of our own home; it is safe, fun, accurate and not affected by other factors (e.g. weather conditions).

To lose weight by using the treadmill you have to follow some guidelines to make sure that you make the most of your exercise. These tips on weight loss are presented below:

1. Be consistent. To lose weight with treadmill exercise you need to be consistent. Maintain a regular training schedule of about 45 minutes per day for at least 4 days per week. Take note of how many calories you lose by following this pattern. If you want faster results increase the duration and frequency of exercise.

2. Combine your training with a healthy diet. Although the benefits of treadmill training are a lot especially for weight loss, for better results you need to combine your training with a healthy diet. Do not just really on the treadmill training alone. Treadmill is a very good tool to assist you in your efforts. Diet is another tool and for better results you have to do both. Watch what you eat, eat less and exercise more are the keys of weight loss success.

3. Exercising on the treadmill is easy even for beginners. It is better though to inform your doctor that you are going to start exercising. You may need to complete some tests to ensure that you do not have any health problems that can be forbidding. If everything is ok start slowly and increase the intensity of the exercise gradually. Most electric treadmill has great fitness programs for beginners you can take advantage off.

4. While running on the treadmill make sure that your body position is comfortable. Having a comfortable position will allow you to increase your pace and burn more calories. Some tips regarding your body position while running are:

Keep your head up, straight up your neck and look in a front (a TV in front of the treadmill can help you do achieve that better) Your arms should swing naturally close to your body like when running on the track.   Do not make too long or too short steps. Keep a steady pace and make sure that your steps are firm

5. Besides losing calories exercising on the treadmill will help you to increase your metabolism. By improving your metabolism you assist the fat burning process and thus you have better results faster. With diet alone you cannot burn fat. You need to exercise in order to burn fat and the treadmill is one of the best ways to do this.

There are a lot of ways to use a treadmill for exercise. The above tips on weight loss will help you get started with your treadmill.

Benefits of a Home Workout Solution

• Treadmills are the longest standing pieces of cardio based exercise equipment – Other pieces of cardio equipment haven’t been around as long and are much earlier in their development. Treadmills have been around forever, and the manufacturers have had plenty of time to innovate.
• Running is natural – As humans, we have evolved to walk and to run. Moving in any manner is good for us, but we didn’t evolve by mimicking elliptical or rowing movements. We ran and walked before learning anything else. It’s a basic movement.
• Treadmills are simple – I’m over simplifying, but you have a belt, you have a motor. As far as cardio equipment goes, there is less to go wrong with a treadmill than any other, more complicated pieces of exercise equipment. Simplicity means easier maintenance and less costly repairs.
• Cost – Since a treadmill is a much more basic design than an elliptical, for example, you can generally get a higher quality piece of equipment for less of a dent in your pocket.
• Options – You can get a basic entry level model (best for those starting out) or you can invest in one with a lot of bells and whistles. The choice is yours.

How To Increase Bench Press Performance at Home

There are various kinds of bench press exercises too.

• Close Grip bench press workout – allows you to emphasize on your triceps and the grip is to be at shoulder length.
• Reverse Grip bench press workout – these also emphasize on your triceps and the palms should be facing you while doing this kind of press.
• Incline bench press workout – builds your shoulders and the position should be on an incline bench.
• Decline bench press workout – this allows you to pull the maximum weight and should be done on a decline bench.
• Floor bench press workout – this exercise is done on while lying on the floor and helps in building your triceps with maximum effect.

Bench Press Workout: Problems

A bench press workout helps in sculpting a strong and wide chest and also helps in building tremendous strength in your upper body. Most injuries happen while doing the bench press workout because it is the most heavily worked out exercise in the gym. Some other reasons behind the high number of injuries while doing the bench press workout are not using the thumb while making the grip which leads to the weights slipping from your hands, not adding weights gradually and starting with heavy weights which is a wrong technique, not asking anyone to be your spotter because someone should always be keeping a look out for the weight being stuck on your chest.

Shoulder Pain While Doing Bench Press Workout

Another common problem while doing the bench press workout is shoulder pain. This can be taken care of by simply stopping the exercise and reverting back to dumbbells but that is not the proper solution.

The best way to avoid such problems is using proper techniques like bringing your chest and shoulder blades together while doing the press, doing the barbell row and the overhead press before and after the bench press because the bench press concentrates more on the front rather than the back shoulders. Thus if you don’t work out your back then it may lead to muscle imbalances.

Be sure to give importance to grip width, gripping the bar properly, bringing your chest and shoulders together, tightening your upper back and using a wide foot stance helps in achieving better results out of the most popular work out in the gym. Always remember to touch your chest and keeping your arms perpendicular to the floor while doing the bench press workout and also remember to keep the bar above your elbows while doing the exercise. Remember not to push your head onto the bench press because that will only aggravate the ill effects of the bench press workout rather than helping you.

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