Foreword

The #1 fear that people have when investing in a home treadmill (or any piece of exercise equipment) is that they won't use it.

You know the story. It gets delivered, you set it up and enjoy it for a few days...and then it sits...and waits.

A few months down the road, you notice how dusty it has become and how much space it's taking up. And you remember how much weight you were determined to lose by using it faithfully every day. But now, unfortunately, it doubles as a clothes rack.

• Never fear. This article will help you make sure that DOESN'T happen.

A treadmill provides the best overall cardiovascular workout & it's still the number one exercise machine for those who want to lose weight. So it's an investment in your health that will pay large dividends...if you are prepared to get the maximum benefit from it!

Here are 5 easy ways to get the BEST use from your home treadmill:

1) Do your research first

Make sure you look at what each treadmill offers you and compare it to your unique needs.

For example, if you live in a condo and/or like things neat and clean, a folding treadmill might suit you best. If you want a folding treadmill, do you prefer a manual folding treadmill (like most folding treadmills) or do you want a shock-assisted folding treadmill with wheels on the bottom that's easy to move?

If you like to drink water during your workout, make sure there's a water bottle holder included in the treadmill console (it might surprise you how many treadmills do not have this feature.)

Do you get bored easily and need a challenge? What about getting a treadmill with lots of user programs or one that is iFit compatible?

These things may seem little and maybe it might cost you a bit more; but if it means you're actually going to enjoy your workout it will be well worth it!

2) Place the treadmill in a 'happy' spot.

By 'happy' I mean well-lit, open and stimulating. Don't put it so you face the bare wall when you walk or run. I've tried this this and the workouts don't last long! If you get bored easily, put it facing the television or facing a window where you can have an attractive view while working out.

Rooms and spaces have definite 'feels' to them and that will affect the success of your workouts. Make sure your treadmill is placed in an area that makes you feel energized, happy and mentally stimulated.

3) Get your exercise arsenal ready BEFORE the treadmill arrives.

Do you like listening to fast music when you exercise? Do you like watching your favorite movies? What about reading magazines? What inspires you to work out and feel your best?

Get these things ready even before your treadmill arrives and you'll be three-quarters of the way there. Have several workout or favorite CD's around. Get your favorite movies or shows on tape. Gather your favorite magazines.

By having an 'exercise' stash around your treadmill, you'll be inspired to workout AND you won't be stuck running around looking for something to do when you want to start exercising.

Again, this may seem simple, but it works. Why do you think gyms have magazines, televisions and CD players handy?

4) Make an exercise plan.

Before you start working out, try making a plan, a "roadmap to your rock-hard body" so to speak. By writing down how long and what kind of workout you'll be doing in week 1, 2, 3, 4 etc, you'll get yourself psyched up for success.

Remember that every time you workout, you are planting the seeds for the kind of dream body that you want.

By having a plan, you can see just how many seeds you've planted (and even how long it will take to start reaping the results!) Have fun with it and you'll be motivated to achieve your health goals (and get maximum benefits from your treadmill!)

5) Track your progress

Ok this is related to #4 but it's more of an ongoing thing. By tracking your progress every day, you get a major sense of accomplishment which snowballs into even greater fat-burning results.

I suggest you have 'minimum goals' like "I'll walk for at least 10 minutes." or "I'll do 5-30 second intervals." These are easy to do and you'll probably go beyond them - which will encourage you even further and heighten your sense of accomplishment.

And of course, you're also getting maximum benefit from your treadmill!

Those are 5 ways to get best use from your home treadmill. Just remember that even a little bit of preparation will pay off large dividends in the long run.