A treadmill is a motorized running or walking machine that is used indoors. Some people use it at the gym, while others prefer to purchase one as home exercise equipment. There are a variety of home treadmills and gym memberships for just about every type of budget. This exercise machine offers numerous health and fitness benefits.
Aerobic Exercise
Working out on a treadmill is an effective form of aerobic exercise. As such, consistent treadmill exercise can lower blood pressure and resting heart rate, which can prevent heart disease. Running or walking on the treadmill can burn calories, which can lead to weight loss. Treadmill training can also lower the LDL or so called "bad" cholesterol level and raise the HDL or "good" cholesterol, thereby creating more favorable cholesterol readings.
Progressive
The treadmill can be used either for walking or for running. Both speed and incline can be adjusted to add measurable intensity.
Keeping Track of Progress
The treadmill console tells you your speed and duration. Some treadmills have calorie counters and heart rate monitors.
Safety
Some people have safety concerns about running outdoors. These may either be crime or health-related. The woman who can only run at night in a questionable urban neighborhood may valid concerns about doing so. Likewise, anyone who has borderline heart disease may not feel comfortable about solo, outdoor aerobic exercise. Running on a treadmill indoors helps address these concerns.
Weather
Weather concerns are not a problem for treadmill users. There is no need to worry about extreme heat, icy conditions or high pollen count.
Versatility
Although treadmill exercise usually involves forward movement, to quote the "Wizard of Oz" scarecrow, some people do go backwards. Physical therapists and sport coaches sometimes advise their clients to use backward and sideways movements, in order to use different muscle groups.
Exercise Bench
A mat can be placed over a cooled-down treadmill for performing incline and decline strength-training and abdominal exercises.
Excuse Proof
Many gym treadmills now have individual video screens, which eliminate your excuses about not wanting to miss your favorite television show. Of course, home models allow you to enjoy your workout and your favorite shows in the privacy of your own home.
Bone Health
Treadmill exercise is weight-bearing, which can protect your bones against osteoporosis.
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