Beginner's Guide to Using a Treadmill: Everything You Need to Know

So you've finally decided to get in shape. That’s good. Now comes the hard part, figuring out where to start.

Don’t do what most people do, don’t overthink it. They'll spend weeks researching the perfect workout plan, the perfect diet, the perfect shoes, while weeks turn into months and they haven't moved an inch.
The treadmill skips all that nonsense. You step on it, you press a button, and you go.

It's not fancy. It's not Instagram-worthy. But it works. And honestly, that's what matters.

Why Actually Use a Treadmill

Let's be real. The weather sucks half the time. Going outside before sunrise when it's freezing is miserable. Nobody's excited about running in humidity or dodging traffic on the sidewalk. And on rainy days? Forget it.

A treadmill solves that problem completely. You're in your home. The temperature is whatever you want it to be. There's no planning required beyond putting on your shoes and hitting start. Your workout doesn't get cancelled because it's 2 AM or pouring rain or the air quality is garbage outside.

The health stuff is obvious. Your heart gets stronger. Your legs feel better. You'll sleep deeper than you have in years. After a few weeks, you notice it. Your energy is different. You're not exhausted at 3 PM anymore.

But here's the thing nobody mentions. It clears your head. There's something about the repetitive motion, the steady rhythm. Your brain stops racing. Problems that seemed huge suddenly don't feel as heavy.

What Changes You'll See

The first thing is control. You choose the speed, the incline, everything. Most decent treadmills go from 1 km/hr all the way up to 14 km/hr, so there's room to progress. You can add incline too, up to 15% if you want to feel like you're climbing a mountain. If today feels like a walk day, that's fine. If you feel strong tomorrow, you crank it up. That's all you.

Twenty minutes isn't nothing. You'll feel stronger through the day. Your legs don't hurt from sitting. Your posture gets better because you're actually using your muscles instead of just existing in a chair all day. And the cushioned deck? It's not like concrete. Your knees actually feel better instead of getting destroyed.

The numbers are addictive in a weird way. Most machines show you time, speed, distance, calories burned, and your heart rate. Watching distance go up, calories tick by, that heart rate drops. It's dumb but motivating. When your body decides to quit, you remember that number from yesterday and keep going.

And if you miss a week? Or two? You just start again. There's no judgment. No gym bro looking at you weird. Just you and the machine.

Different Kinds of Treadmills

If you're thinking about buying one, there's options.

Manual treadmills don't have a motor. You make it move by moving yourself. Cheaper. Takes up less space. But you're basically dragging yourself forward and it sucks, honestly.

Motorized ones are the standard. They're in every gym for a reason. Speeds adjust easily, you can add incline with a button press, the display shows everything. They cost more but you're actually going to use them.

Folding models work if your apartment is the size of a shoebox. Some collapse partially when you're done so they don't take up your entire living room.

Then you've got commercial grade machines. The ones that look like they could survive an apocalypse. Avon's commercial treadmills are what trainers use because they just keep working. Fast runners, slow walkers, all day traffic, they don't break down. The frame doesn't shake. The motor doesn't strain.

Avon's domestic line is different though. They're built for your home. Most models support up to 150 kg, which is solid. They've got ergonomic handles that actually feel good in your hands, and the deck is designed so you're not straining your posture. The setup is straightforward too. You don't need tools or a degree in engineering.

How to Actually Start

Don't go hard the first time. Seriously. Your enthusiasm will get crushed if you're limping around the next day unable to walk down stairs.

Start walking. Just walk at 2 or 3 km/hr. Get comfortable with the feeling. Shoulders down, looks ahead, breathes normal. A few minutes is enough.

When that feels easy, add a tiny bit of speed or a small incline. Maybe go to 4 km/hr or add 2% incline. That's it. Do this for a few days. Then do a bit more. Your body adapts if you don't shock it.

And stretch after. Your muscles will thank you. Your knees will thank you. Buy decent shoes too, ones made for impact. Those cheap sneakers will make your shins hate you.

Building a Real Habit

People think consistency means long sessions. Wrong. It means showing up. That's literally all it is.

Ten minutes on Tuesday, fifteen on Friday, twenty on Sunday. It adds up. Some days you'll have energy and go longer. Other days you'll be tired and just walk slowly. Both count.

Listen to something while you do it. Podcasts, music, audiobooks, whatever. Your brain gets distracted and the time goes faster. Before you know it, you've been on there for half an hour and didn't even notice.

Mix it up sometimes. One day sprint intervals, one day just steady pace at 6 km/hr, one day higher incline like 10%. You won't get bored if you're doing different things.

When you hit a week straight, acknowledge it. A month? That's actually impressive. You're building something real.

Picking the Right Machine

Think about what you actually want to do. A beginner doesn't need anything crazy. A solid motorized treadmill with a decent belt, a clear display, and speed controls that go up to at least 10 km/hr is plenty.

If you're running daily or your whole family's using it, get something with real horsepower. Better motors handle impact better and don't strain on inclines. Your knees will last longer.

Look for machines with good handles. Sounds weird but your grip matters. You don't want handles that make your wrists bend weird. You want something that feels natural and lets you run without fighting the equipment.

Avon Fitness makes machines that won't fall apart. They've got budget options for people just starting out, and they've got heavier-duty domestic models if you're serious about this. The TM-280 series treadmill and TM-300 series treadmill get good feedback because they're reliable. The display is easy to read. The incline adjusts smoothly. Nothing fancy but it just works.

Start Moving

A treadmill is just a machine. Nothing special about it. But it works because you don't need to think. Just go.

You'll be different in a month. Not in a dramatic way. Just stronger, less foggy, sleeping better. Your pants might fit better. That's when it gets real.

Find the treadmill that works for you. Start slow. Keep going. That's the whole thing. Check out what Avon's got in their domestic range. Pick one that fits your space and your budget. Then actually use it.