Exercise does not need to be complicated or difficult to be effective. Walking is a basic form of exercise that can be performed at any location. If you are considering the treadmill for your exercise program, there are variables you need to look at to see if it is as good as walking.
Weight Loss
Regardless if you walk on a treadmill or walk outdoors, you still expend calories. This, in turn, is good for weight loss. By burning 500 calories a day, you can lose about a pound a week, because 1 lb. equals 3,500 calories. Most treadmills also come with a digital screen that gives you your estimated caloric expenditure while you exercise. Even though this is only an estimation, it is a good reference to use.
Impact
Walking is a form of weight-bearing exercise. This involves gravity pushing down on your body while you move. By doing weight-bearing exercise, you will strengthen your bones and slow down bone mineral loss, according to MayoClinic.com. Training on a treadmill is just as good as walking when it comes to weight-bearing exercise. You just need to walk at a brisk pace.
Muscle Activity
When you walk, you engage a number of muscles in your lower body, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves and glutes. This can help improve your muscle tone. The treadmill is just as effective at targeting these areas. Being that treadmills come with incline features, you can adjust them to increase the emphasis on your legs.
Different Features
Wind resistance is one thing you do not feel when you are inside on a treadmill. To compensate for this, you can turn the incline up slightly. When you walk outside, you also have the chance of running into rough terrain, especially if you are on trails or in the woods. If you are not careful, you can trip or twist an ankle. When using a treadmill, these risks go way down because the belt is flat.
Benefits
Walking is a type of physical activity. If you do it outdoors or on a treadmill, you still experience similar benefits. According to Georgia State University, exercise and regular physical activity can reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol risk, as well as improve psychological well-being. The most important thing is that you walk for at least 30 minutes at a moderate pace.
Considerations
Treadmills are inside so they give you an advantage over walking outside when the weather is bad. For example, if there is a snow or ice storm going on, you can walk on the treadmill with no difficulties. Other than driving to a gym to use a treadmill, you never have to worry about the weather.
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