- With Mayo Clinic physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist
Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.
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Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.
Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.
Dr. Edward Laskowski is certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. He is co-director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center and a professor at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
He has been on the staff of Mayo Clinic since 1990 and specializes in sports medicine, fitness, strength training and stability training. He works with a multidisciplinary team of physical medicine, rehabilitation and orthopedic specialists, physical therapists and sports psychologists.
Dr. Laskowski is an elite-level skier and approaches sports medicine from the perspective of a physician and an athlete. In addition to skiing, he is an avid hiker, cyclist and climber.
In 2006, President George W. Bush appointed Dr. Laskowski to a two-year term on the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
Dr. Laskowski was a member of the medical staff of the Olympic Polyclinic at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and was involved in medical coverage for the Chicago Marathon. He serves as a consulting physician to the National Hockey League Players' Association and is a featured lecturer at the American College of Sports Medicine's Team Physician Course.
Dr. Laskowski, a Cary, Ill., native, has contributed to Mayo Clinic's CD-ROM on sports, health and fitness, a Web site guide to self-care, and hundreds of Mayo Clinic articles and booklets in print and online. He is a contributing editor to Mayo Clinic's "Fitness for EveryBody" book.
"There are many myths and misconceptions about exercise and fitness in general, and also many traditions that don't stand up to scientific scrutiny," he says. "My goal is to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information on sports medicine and fitness topics in a way that you can practically incorporate into your life."
Fitness basics (4)
- Exercise and illness: Should you exercise when you're sick?
- Heart rate: What's normal?
- Body fat analyzers: How accurate are they?
- see all in Fitness basics
Aerobic exercise (10)
- Weighted hula hoops: Exercise gimmick or good idea?
- Elliptical machines: Better than treadmills?
- Air pollution and exercise: Is outdoor exercise risky?
- see all in Aerobic exercise
Strength training (10)
- Weightlifting belt: Do I need one?
- Sit-ups: Is it OK to stabilize my feet?
- Flat stomach: Can wearing a girdle tighten abdominal muscles?
- see all in Strength training
Sports nutrition (4)
- 'Natural' steroids: Are they safe?
- Insulin: Can it boost athletic performance?
- Energy drinks: OK for athletes?
- see all in Sports nutrition
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Question
Buying a treadmill: What should I look for?
I'll be buying a treadmill soon. What are the most important features to look for?
Answer
from Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.
Treadmills are among the most popular exercise machines. When you're buying a treadmill, keep these points in mind:
- Motorized vs. manual. A motorized treadmill is easier to use than is the manual variety. A motorized treadmill allows you to adjust the speed for walking or running. It's difficult to walk briskly — much less jog or run — on a manual treadmill.
- Horsepower. Higher horsepower treadmills generally run more smoothly and are more durable. Look for a treadmill with at least a 1.5 horsepower, continuous-duty motor. If you're planning to run on the treadmill, choose a treadmill with at least a 2.0 horsepower, continuous-duty motor.
- Stability. The treadmill must be sturdy enough to support your weight, and the handrails should be easy to grip. While the treadmill is running, stomp your feet on the belt. There should be no groaning, grinding or hesitation in the motor. The treadmill should feel solid, not wobbly — even at an incline.
- Size. The platform or belt should be both wide enough and long enough for comfortable walking or running. If space is an issue, look for a treadmill that folds up when not in use.
- Safety features. Make sure the treadmill is equipped with an emergency shut-off key, clip or tether.
- Programming features. The control panel should be easy to read and adjust while the treadmill is running. Consider which programming features are important to you — such as programmed workouts that vary speed and simulated terrain — but don't invest in features you're not likely to use.
- Noise level. Make sure you're comfortable with the noise level of the treadmill, especially if you plan to watch TV or listen to music while you exercise.
- Warranty. Make sure you understand the warranty details.
Above all, remember that you're buying a treadmill to make it easier to fit physical activity into your usual routine. The best treadmill isn't necessarily the most expensive or the most advanced — it's the one you'll be most likely to use regularly.
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