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3 top treadmills for the home
CNET
Sometimes weather or lack of time can impede a potential outdoor run. Many runners have trained for races relying on outdoor trails and treadmills, and it’s always helpful to have the option of a treadmill on hand.
The best treadmills can help you get some guaranteed cardio in the comfort of your home. The treadmills available for home use have also become more technologically advanced and often have touchscreens, workout programs, streaming platforms and more.
We’ve tested the most popular treadmills by running, jogging and walking, then determined which are worth buying, whom they are best for and what to consider before making a purchase. Take a look at three of CNET’s top picks.
NordicTrack Commercial 2450
The first thing we noticed about the NordicTrack Commercial 2450, NordicTrack’s newest addition to its commercial treadmill series, is the touchscreen. It has a 22-inch HD touchscreen that resembles a desktop computer screen, so it’s huge. It also tilts and pivots so you can adjust it for different uses, like if you want to take workout classes on the floor. The treadmill itself is also on the bigger side since it’s a commercial treadmill, but it does fold up using its easy lift assist feature. So if space is limited you can always prop up the belt. Assembling this treadmill can take about 2 ½ hours (as one of CNET’s warehouse technicians estimated) and will require at least two people. However, NordicTrack does offer the option to include assembly in the delivery for an extra $299.
This treadmill has both decline and incline options, ranging from zero to 15% incline and up to minus 3% decline. It’s a rarity to find a treadmill that declines, so this is a unique feature. The speeds range from zero to 12 mph, and there are quicktouch control buttons on the console, which makes it easier to adjust your speed during interval training.
Bowflex Treadmill 10
The Bowflex Treadmill 10 has the highest weight capacity of all the treadmills on this list at 400 pounds — most cap out at around 300 pounds. It’s also the biggest one on the list, measuring 85 by 39.6 by 65.3 inches. According to our technician, assembly took about 3 ½ hours and can be tedious because of the different pieces you have to install. Bowflex does offer assembly for an additional $349.
Upon looking at the Bowflex Treadmill 10, you can tell it’s a solidly built machine due to the size of the tread and the wide design. We liked how size-inclusive the design is: The space between the handles provides plenty of room to move your arms, and the tread belt is long enough if you have longer strides, so individuals over 6 feet tall will be able to run on it comfortably.
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill looks like a commercial treadmill without the bells and whistles — and under $1,000. This treadmill took our technician two hours to assemble, but you have the option of white-glove delivery and assembly for an additional $269. This treadmill is pretty big, measuring 76.5 inches long and 36 inches wide, but it does fold up.
The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill doesn’t have a touchscreen; instead, the console has two display screens: a 7-inch LCD screen that shows your metrics during a workout, and right beneath it other smaller screens that display time, speed, distance , calories burned, incline, heart rate and pace.
Cut it out
5 things experts say you should stop doing if you're over 50
Kiersten Willish
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hitting the milestone of turning 50 comes with many benefits. For one, your days of worrying about acne breakouts are largely behind you, and allergies can be much less severe, experts say.
But there are some habits you may have continued over the years that you’ll want to quit when you’re 50 and older.
Eat This, Not That spoke to various health experts to gather 50 things you should cut out of your life for good. Granted, some of these tips are things you shouldn’t do at any age, but they’re that much more important to take care of over 50. Here are five of them.
1 Skipping regular health screenings
Dr. Aditi Springstubb wrote that osteoporosis can pose a major health hazard after 65. Because of that, Springstubb, who works in internal medicine with Hoag Medical Group in California, says a bone-density exam is crucial. Vitals and bloodwork are also important, with the latter helping monitor cholesterol. That can inform changes you may need to make. Other screenings such as those for prostate cancer and lung cancer can also be required for men 50 to 70 and people ages 55 to 80, with the latter screening depending on smoking history.
2 Not being mindful of the medications you take
Older adults can be at a higher risk of major drug interactions. Dr. Alexis M. Eastman, clinical medical director of UW Hospitals and Clinics’ Division of Geriatrics in Wisconsin, provided the statistics. She said that patients on at least six medications have an 80% chance of having a drug interaction.
“Each time you add a new medication, you’re adding to your risk,” she said. The Food and Drug Administration said you should speak to your doctor about your diet and any supplements and over-the-counter drugs you take when you’re being prescribed a new medicine.
3 Overly restricting your diet
“Healthy eating is important, but you shouldn’t deprive yourself. As a dietitian, I often explain to clients the mental health benefits of a less restrictive diet,” registered dietitian Rachel Fine with New York-based To the Pointe Nutrition told Eat This, Not That. “An ‘eat less’ mindset can set us up for a cycle of guilt when unfair expectations are not met due to the biological consequences of food restrictions (such as increased cravings).” Instead, life coach and intuitive eating counselor Rachel Cole told Well+- Good you should focus on following your cravings and paying attention to how your body is feeling.
4 Not wearing earplugs
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says you should try to avoid loud noises and wear earplugs to protect your hearing. Tiny hair fibers are inside your ear, and loud noise can damage them permanently over time.
“Loud noises are the No. 1 cause of hearing damage, even more so than old age. Hearing protection is the only way to keep your hearing from becoming prematurely damaged,” Cary Audiology, based in Cary, North Carolina, noted.
5 Not living in the moment
There’s a reason why people have been turning to mindfulness. Being aware of what’s occurring in the present can decrease rumination, according to a study cited by the American Psychological Association. The organization also says practicing mindfulness can improve focus, make you less emotionally reactive and boost working memory.
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