Dance treadmill - " A cross between zumba and treadmill". http://imperialcreatelab.com/new-treadmill-design/
On YouTube we see videos of people dancing on the treadmill on a daily basis. This shows that there is a potential market for treadmill dance classes around the globe. Treadmills are good for walking and running. However, conventional treadmills are not ideal for dancing. The main problem is that the control panel, support and arms of the treadmill are quite bulky which can sometimes cause painful injuries to knuckles and limbs.
Why can we not have a treadmill which is good for walking, running and dancing?
Design;
a) The new design should ditch the support and arms of the treadmill and focus on its base.
b) Or perhaps the arms of the treadmill could be retractable, or even bend down.
c) The control panel could be in the footing area or there could be an app for controlling the treadmill.
d) What if the treadmill base could be portable and easily stored away in the gym? Perhaps even flexible? (This could potentially allow for treadmill dance classes to spur rapidly alike spinning classes.)
Frequently asked questions.
1) Why do people around the world dance on the treadmill?
a) For fun; but also because it is more convenient than having to commute to a proper dance studio.
b) Space/time optimisation since classmates will never bump into each other while dancing. (Perhaps most zumba students can relate to this assertive);
d) With an ipod one can dance to his favorite songs, instead of zumba music only;
e) Dancing on a treadmill will reduce impact by around 30%, if compared to dancing on hardwood flooring, therefore sparing your knees.
f) Freedom to choose between joining a class, or being your own coach while creating your own dance steps and routines.
2) Why would anyone invest on a treadmill suitable for dancing?
For the same reason that an investment was made in a company called "endless pool". Treadmills are patentable devices, which have a fan base of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide according to Youtube. The aggregated value of a treadmill is relatively high, which means that the return on investment could be excellent. There is money to be made on the sales of new treadmills, but also on the sales of colligated goods such as treadmill dance videos, treadmill dance courses for amateurs and trainers, books on how to dance on a treadmill, devices which can make people better at treadmill dancing, and safety equipment like helmets.
3) How much does a conventional treadmill cost, and how much should the new design cost?
Nowadays, a robust treadmill which is traction-friendly can cost from £2,000 to £9,000 in the UK. The new design should cost less than £1,600. (This price tag will most likely help to gain terrain and market share in the hotel industry - which tends to purchase cheaper models of treadmills.)
4) How big is the gym sector in the UK, and around the world?
Huge. Just in London there are hundreds of gyms, and Sports Direct is opening 200 more very soon.
5) How safe is it to dance on a treadmill?
As safe as roller skating or skiing.
6) Can anyone dance on a treadmill?
Yes, anyone who has a sense of balance, and who sets the treadmill to a slow speed can dance on it. (Slow speed in also good in order to go easy on the knees, especially if you are a beginner.)
7) Will it damage my knees?
Not if you dance on the treadmill at a slow speed. (This was confirmed in 2014 by professional physiotherapists at Apostherapy, who have examined the knees of Miss J. Pinto (our volunteer treadmill dancer).
8) Will I burn more calories?
Yes.You will definitely burn more calories dancing on the treadmill as opposed to dancing in the studio, or just walking on the treadmill. (You can tell by the amount of sweat shown on your clothes at the end of your workout.)
9) Might someone fall off of the treadmill and get hurt?
This is unlikely to happen since people will receive training for learning about recommended starting position, exit position, and speeds.
10) Where can I find free treadmill dance routines?
On YouTube, of course.
Energie Fitness 2nd July 2015
MTV is also a good source of ideas for dance moves.
11) What if I look stupid trying to perform a treadmill dance routine?
You will never look stupid provided that you have confidence in yourself.
12) Why no one has invented a treadmill suitable for dancing before?
Perhaps because the demand did not exist yet. Or perhaps because treadmills did not become traction-friendly until recently.
13) Can I dance on any type of treadmill?
No. You shall only dance on the traction-friendly treadmills; which are usually the robust and expensive models. (Precor and Lifestyler are good treadmills for dancing.)
14) Which markets are being considered for commercialisation of this new treadmill design?
At least these three: UK, US and Brazil.
15) How expensive is it to file a patent application?
The price varies widely around the world. (But in Brazil it can cost less money than in the UK.)
16) What happens when patent applications are not filed?
The manufacturer of the new design could face competition, and no legal action can be taken to stop these competitors from copying the innovation and making a profit.
17) What new materials are out there, which could be used in the new treadmill design?
To be confirmed. (Perhaps graphene.)
18) Is there any ergonomics study which apply to this physical activity?
Yes, a Federal University in Brazil did a study and gave it to a gym called Body Tech.
19) What about health and safety regulations?
Treadmill dancers should wear a helmet. This helmet needs to be as trendy and comfortable as possible, and preferably be sold together with the treadmill.
20) How much wear and tear does dancing on the treadmill cause to the machine itself?
That will depend on the weight of the dancer, types of dance moves, and the treadmill brand. "Jump runs" - such as the one shown in the picture above - tend to cause more wear and tear in the long term.
21) How often should I dance on the treadmill and for how long?
We recommend twice a week, and for no longer than 1 hour each time. This if for safeguarding the health of your knees and joints.
22) What if I already had a knee injury; should I dance on the treadmill?
Probably not. Please check with your GP.
23) I just danced on the treadmill and my knees are throbbing or dull, what does that mean?
It means that you need to reduce the speed, or change to another physical activity for a few days. Start with the slowest possible speed, and increase it gradually,as you improve your skills. The slower the better when dancing on the treadmill. Always be mindful of how it feels on your knees. The throbbing/dull sensation should disappear if you follow this instructions.
23) Where should the gyms place the dance treadmill?
Keep it in mind that people will need space to be able to open their arms and extend their legs. It is also recommended to place the treadmill in a studio surrounded by mirrors. Mirrors allow for the dancer to check his position in relation to the matt of the treadmill without the need to look down - which could distract the dancer and even cause loss of balance.
24) Any other tips?
Yes. As a treadmill dancer you should resist the temptation of twirling on the treadmill. This is because it is not yet know what effect twirling will have on your knees in the long term. Try creative rotations instead; which feel more natural to the joints and knees. Knee damage is something which can build up silently, without you realising it. And always check your laces before you start any exercise.