When looking to get an intense cardio workout, there are several good options. Many physical activities will give you the kind of blood-pumping exercise that really works the heart. Swimming, running and aerobic movement will all make the heart work harder and increase its strength. However, when the weather does not permit outdoor sports, or you simply want to get an intense workout at home, a treadmill is an essential piece of equipment.

The Bowflex Treadmill Works Two Ways

A treadmill workout not only gets the heart pumping, it also works the muscles of the lower body for a leg-strengthening workout. Treadmills simulate the running action, but because they allow the user to jog on a softer surface, they lessen strain on the joints. Thus, use of a treadmill gives the benefit of an aerobic workout without the unpleasant side effects of painful joints and strained ligaments. Use of a Bowflex treadmill helps the user get more out of his or her workout.

Bowflex makes two treadmills, the 7 Series and the 5 Series. The difference is mainly in the kinds of features and amount of programs available. The Series 7 offers 15 programs, including the ability to incline the treadmill platform to 12 percent. This allows a climbing action that strengthens the calves and other leg muscles. The Series 5 has 12 programs and allows up to two users to monitor heart rates. Both have a soft suspension system that eases strain on the legs and feet.

The Bowflex treadmill gives you an opportunity to get a cardio workout at home. It provides some useful tools for monitoring your level of exercise so that you can see if you need to adjust the intensity to meet your fitness goals. This maximizes the efficiency of the workout. A good treadmill allows you to get the same fitness benefits as jogging without the wear and tear on the joints that occurs with pounding the pavement.