So, you've finally decided you have to do "something" to get yourself in better shape. It's a fact that in the United States obesity and overweight have reached epidemic proportions. Overweight also plays a major role in numerous preventable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. It is also a fact that diet alone will not give you sustained weight loss and better health. To sustain a healthy weight, and to achieve better health you also need aerobic exercise.

For many of us with hectic lifestyles, going to work, taking care of the kids, and running errands each day, a gym membership may not be the way to go. However, without any excuse, each and every one of us can find at least 20 extra minutes in our day to exercise at home. Do it in the morning while watching the news, after dinner while watching your favorite reality show. Do it in the afternoon while the baby naps.

Treadmill work-outs in the home are fast becoming a favorite aerobic work out for busy professionals. Treadmill popularity is also on the rise for senior citizens. Generally older people benefit from low impact exercise, and treadmills let you walk, and run, at a pace comfortable for you. You can walk and run in the comfort of your own home in any kind of weather.

As with buying any merchandise, you get what you pay for. Treadmills range from $500 to $3000 and up. They can be bought new, or at any used equipment store. As with any exercise program, your success is based on finding something that keeps your interest and something you will stick with. The prevalence of used treadmills for sale means that someone else decided it wasn't for them. Some buyers opt to spend less on a machine at first. Then, if they decide that the treadmill is an exercise they will stick with, they spend more money for an upgraded treadmill.

Treadmills are generally classified as basic, advanced, and commercial. A basic treadmill would be one that is manual, meaning without a motor. On a basic treadmill your feet actually get, and keep the belt moving. A commercial treadmill would be like something you would use in your neighborhood gym. A commercial grade treadmill will have a high quality motor, be able to reach faster speeds, have steeper inclines, will be better built overall than a lower priced treadmill, and, a commercial grade treadmill will give you a wide variety of options and programmability. Most treadmills have console panels that allow easy viewing of distance, incline, speed, and heart rate. More expensive treadmills have pre-programmable programs. They allow you to set your desired heart rate and then will automatically adjust speed and incline until your desired heart rate is achieved.

New fitness guidelines suggest a combination of aerobic conditioning and muscle strengthening. Your own work out program needs to be based on your present fitness level and the level of fitness you wish to achieve. If you are over the age of 35 it is always advised to check with your doctor before starting any type of exercise program. If you have any questions or concerns you might want to talk with an exercise physiologist who can help you plan your exercise program.