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Frequently Asked Questions & Advice
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Welcome to the frequently asked questions section, this section aims to answer the most common fitness equipment related questions that customers often ask us. Click below or scroll down to find your relevant Q & A topic:
Treadmills | Rowing Machines | Elliptical Cross Trainers
Exercise Bikes | Table Tennis Tables
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What areas of the body does a treadmill target?
The treadmill primarily targets your legs but also works out other parts of your body, including your arms, chest, back, shoulders etc. the movement of jogging or running is also a fantastic cardiovascular exercise that will help improve your overall health.
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What is the purpose of a treadmill floor protector mat?
The main purpose of the floor protector mat is to help shield the motor from dust and debris. When a motor turns it generates static electricity, this static electricity attracts dust particles which can clog the motor severely decreasing its performance. Secondly the protection of the mat will ensure floors are protected from scratching (especially while the treadmill is in use)
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What is a decent Treadmill motor size?
A decent motor size on a treadmill is generally 1.5 continuous HP (horse power) and above. If you are looking to do a lot of running we recommend purchasing a motor that can perform 3.0HP continuous duty and above, however we always recommend visiting one of our 5 UK showrooms to try out the treadmill you are considering
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What is the purpose of an orthopaedic belt?
The orthopaedic belt is designed to help reduce the impact on your joints when you use the treadmill. Generally orthopaedic belts are found on higher budget treadmills
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Does Treadmill cushioning matter?
During jogging or running each time your foot hits the ground a force greater than your bodyweight is transmitted back up towards your leg. Cushioning helps absorb some of that force, and some treadmills absorb this better than others. If you plan to use the treadmill to run long distances a good cushioning system is important.
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What is a decent belt size?
Deciding which belt size is best for you we always say it depends on how tall you are. Below is a list of recommend treadmill belt lengths:
- Under 5' 7" tall - look for around 52" + length
- Between 5' 8" and 6' 4" - look for around 55" + length
- Between 6' 5" and 6' 11" - look for around 58" + length
A recommended good belt width is around 18", this size allows you to walk and run with good space. Remember the above guide is an estimate and we always we recommend visiting one of our 5 UK showrooms to try out the treadmill you are interested in purchasing.
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What is an average treadmill weight?
Typical treadmills weigh between 60kg (9.5st) all the way up to 200kg (31st). in general commercial treadmills tend to be heavier than lower budget treadmills
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What is a maximum user weight for a treadmill?
This depends on the treadmill purchased, are lowest range treadmills maximum weight is around 90kg (14st) and our full commercial high end range is around 180kg (28st)
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What is the maximum speed of a treadmill?
The maximum speed completely depends on the treadmill you are purchasing, our treadmills range between 14km up to 25km.
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What is a maximum treadmill incline?
Our treadmills range from 10% incline up to a massive 40% incline (such as the Sportek ST7100)
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Is it worth buying a treadmill with all those programs?
Running on a treadmill can become repetitive and mixing up your workout program will help keep you interested in running. If you use a heart rate monitor then a treadmill with various heart rate controlled programs is always a good choice.
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Where is the best place to store a treadmill?
Treadmills have electric components this means they must be used indoors. At Fitness Superstore we always recommend storing & using the treadmill in a clean and dry environment. If you don't have space you could store the treadmill in your garage but we DO NOT recommend this. Storing a treadmill in an constantly changing environment can be damaging for the electrical components.
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Is it worth spending a lot of money on a treadmill?
The old cliche you get what you pay for springs to mind, but we always say don't go over your budget. As we have mentioned before its worth visiting one of our 5 UK showrooms to try out the treadmill you are interested in purchasing.
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I have purchased a treadmill, what can I do to help maintain it?
There are several ways to help maintain a treadmill, but if you are unsure of anything always consult the manual that came with the treadmill. Below are some of the recommendations to maintaining your treadmill:
1. Purchase a treadmill mat to help prolong the life of your treadmill.
2. Always keep the treadmill clean and as free of dust as possible, remember static electricity from the treadmill motor attracts dust particles. Clean the treadmill regularly with a dry towel, remembering to turn the treadmill off first and do not clean with water.
3. On occasion the treadmill belt may slip, this is normal and all you need to do is tighten the alignment screws at the back of the treadmill. A quick quarter clockwise turn with and Allen key will do the trick (remember if you are unsure it is best to consult your manual)
4. Make sure the treadmill is on level ground, when I treadmill is not on level ground you may find the belt can slip and you could do damage to the treadmill.
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What areas of the body does a Rowing Machine target?
The rowing machine primarily targets the arms whilst also targeting your shoulders, at the same time improving your heart.
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What is the purpose of a Rowing Machine floor protector mat?
The rowing machine floor protector mats main purpose is to help protect your floor surface from scratching.
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Air, water, magnetic rowers - what is the difference?
The difference between the 3 types of rowing machine is the resistance, below is a brief explanation of each resistance type
- Air rower - air rowing machines have a fan at the front that spins as you row. The fan creates drag with the air and this is the resistance you feel when rowing. One of the great advantages of air rowers is the rowing motion remains smooth throughout the workout, plus the breeze created from the fans helps keep you cool.
- Water Rowers - water rowing machines use a water as the drag, inside the water tank is a fan that spins in the water creating a resistance when you row. Water rowers are smooth in motion similar to air rowers but are much quieter; in fact the noise created from a water rower can be quite calming.
- Magnetic rowers - magnetic rowing machines use a magnet as resistance but do not feel as smooth as water and air rowers.
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What is an average rowing machine weight?
Typical rowing machines weigh between 25kg (4st) up to 90kg (14st). Generally water and magnetic rowing machines will weigh more than air rowers.
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What is a maximum user weight (KG) for a rowing machine?
Typical rowing machines maximum user weight is between 115kg (18st) up to 200kg (31st) but this depends on the rowing machine you are purchasing.
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Is it worth spending a lot of money on a rowing machine?
Air and water rowing machines are generally more expensive compared to magnetic, but stick to your budget. However if you are serious about rowing then a higher quality rowing machine will be worth buying.
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Where is the best place to store a rowing machine?
Rowing machines have electronic components, for this reason rowers should be stored in a dry environment. Please note we never recommend storing rowing machines in your garage.
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I have purchased a rowing machine, what can I do to help maintain it?
There are several ways to help maintain a rowing machine, but if you are unsure of anything always consult the manual that came with the rower. Below are some of the recommendations to maintaining your rowing machine:
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