Weeks after the Japanese disaster, images of devastation, fear and terror still dominate the worldwide media, leaving governments, environmentalists and architects across the world grappling with ideas on how to build more ‘flood-proof’ structures.

But how can the world stop a tidal wave more than 10 metres high and travelling faster than an airplane, destroying whole coastal towns?

New York is not usually inhibited of leading the way and implementing strategies and trends for the rest of the world to follow, and in present-day New York, the focus is on creating flood-proof buildings, with stilts seemingly being the answer.

Since there was a recent change in building regulations in New York, developers of new constructions in flood-risk areas are required to design and build buildings on stilts, so that they stand at least 3ft above maximum flood levels.

Talking about designing buildings which are resistant to flood water, James P Colgate, assistant commissioner at the Department of Buildings says:

“There’s a very small population of buildings where you have to design on stilts. Most of these buildings are designed for still water. When the water comes up to a certain level and when it leaves, that event should happen without an insurance claim and without damage to the building or people.”

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Just what constitutes such an expensive piece of exercise equipment?

Although treadmills are one of the most popular pieces of cardiovascular exercise equipment on the market, the recent rumour that the Spanish King has spent 14,000 euros on a treadmill for the royal household has naturally sparked criticism, with many believing the money could have been ‘better spent’.

Whilst little information has been divulged about the design and capabilities of the 14,000 euro treadmill, the rumour does make one ponder about what components are required to constitute an expensive treadmill.

When manufacturers design treadmills, its motor, like the engine of a car, is at the heart of a treadmill.

According to Bret Spottke, American Council on Exercise-certified personal trainer, the motors on treadmill vary a great deal, Typically motors are designed with a motor range of 1.0 to 4.0 horsepower, and you can usually add another nought to the price tag of those treadmills at the higher end of the horsepower scale, as greater power means the machine can provide a more intense workout with less movement or judder on the belt.

Quality and comfort go hand in hand, and if you are forking out a small fortune on a piece of exercise equipment, you would expect that it has been designed with some luxury comfort features.

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