According to the American College of Sports Medicine, regular aerobic exercise is necessary for your fitness and well-being. Walking on a treadmill is one of the most convenient ways to exercise. There's virtually no learning curve involved, and even the smallest of gyms usually has a row of treadmills available for use.
Limited Impact
Walking on a treadmill produces less impact on your bones and joints than the repetitive jarring of a full run. But that limited impact may be good for you. According to the Mayo Clinic, weight-bearing exercises like walking on a treadmill can help build stronger bones and slow bone loss from osteoporosis.
Adjustable Incline
Many modern treadmills feature adjustable incline settings. Just push a button, and the treadmill will set itself to the proper incline as you walk. Walking at a steep incline gives you greater workout intensity without having to increase your speed, resulting in a much greater calorie burn.
Muscles Worked
Walking on a treadmill tones your entire lower body, including your glutes, hip flexors, quads, hamstrings and calves. While you can and should swing your arms naturally as you walk, your upper body muscles aren't carrying any weight or pushing against any resistance, so a treadmill workout's upper body toning effects are negligible.
Weight Loss
In order to burn off a pound of excess body fat, you need to burn 3,500 more calories than you consume. If you weigh 185 lb., that's just under eight hours of walking at a brisk pace of 4.5 miles per hour, something you can easily accomplish in one week of determined exercise.
Aerobic Exercise
According to the Mayo Clinic, regular aerobic exercise like walking on a treadmill helps manage chronic health conditions, reduces the risk of developing other chronic conditions, boosts your immune system and strengthens your heart. Regular aerobic exercise can also help you live longer, and keep you active and independent later in life.
No Surprises
Walking on a treadmill mimics the same muscle and joint motions as walking outside, but since you're working out in a controlled, indoor environment either at home or in the gym, you don't need to worry about tripping over rocks, stumbling on tree roots, getting a sunburn or being chilled by a sudden rain.
References
- American College of Sports Medicine: Exercise Recommendations
- ConsumerHealthDigest.com: Burn More Calories With Your Treadmill
- MayoClinic.com: Osteoporosis Prevention
- MayoClinic.com: Aerobic Exercise: Top 10 Reasons to Get Physical
- Harvard Health Publications: Calories Burned in 30 Minutes for People of Three Different Weights
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