Is a Portable Treadmill Right for You?

Looking for a home work out system but don't have much space? Read on to find out if a portable treadmill is right for you.

Treadmills are deservedly the most popular home exercise machines.

They provide a thorough and flexible workout and have a host of features and accessories to make your work out complete.

The problem is that for some people, they may be too bulky. Great news, a portable treadmill gives you all the benefits of the regular model and you can take it anywhere and store it easily.

If you value the benefits that aerobic work outs bring, you've probably through about getting some sort of exercise equipment for your home.

Home workouts make perfect sense - no more expensive gym memberships, work out whenever you want, no need to fight your way across town to the fitness center and so on.

So if you're in the market for a home exercise device, look into getting a portable treadmill. This is a fold up treadmill that's especially designed to be moved easily. Here's how to decide if one of these handy items is for you.

The obvious candidate for a portable folding treadmill is the condo or apartment dweller. Here the issue is the great bane of the urban dweller - limited space.

You may have room in your living room or balcony to set up a treadmill but after using it, it needs to be stored away.

That's when a portable, fold up treadmill is perfect. Just wheel it out, have your workout and then pack it away in a closet or under the bed.

With a folding treadmill at home, there's no need to venture out for a jog and risk muggers, dogs and bad weather.

Other major candidates for portable treadmills are those who move around a lot. If you're a student or work in a job that requires you to change residence frequently, obviously you need to get a treadmill that you can take along wherever you go with the minimum of effort.

Another issue is that living temporarily in one place means that a gym membership might not be practical or economical. In this case having your own mobile home gym solves the problem perfectly. And of course you have the wonderful benefit of independence.

Fold up treadmills can pack away to units that are around 10" high and less than five feet long. Just the size to fit into the back of the car. They usually come with wheels for mobility. You can get more expensive models with automatic folding if you wish.

Though not quite as stable as standard treadmills, the best portable models come with skid-resistant rubber floor protectors to keep you solid during your workout.

Quality portable treadmills pack all the power you need, too. A typical model comes with 1.5 HP motor that can power the belt along at speeds of up to eight miles per hour. That means whether you enjoy walking or a brisk jog, these units can give you what you need.

Modern units come with all the bells and whistles such as built in programs to plan and monitor your work outs and fitness levels. An LCD display console shows such key information as your heart rate and the time, distance and calories burned for your session. (And of course there's a place to dock your ipod.)

Compact treadmills can't match the power and features of standard high-end models but they're ideal for general use. And they tend to be much cheaper.

As with standard treadmills, the portable models can be either manual or motorized. You should realize too that the range of inclines tends to more limited that standard items.

And bear in mind that the compact size means a shorter running deck than full sized treadmills. This could be important if you have long legs.

Foldable and convenient, a portable treadmill saves time, space and gives you complete control over your exercise routine wherever you live. Even pack one away in your office for a lunchtime workout.

So now you have no excuse not to get those vital cardiovascular workouts or shed those pounds. Check out the great range of portable treadmills available online today and get ready to move your fitness up to a new level.