A treadmill is an ideal tool for walking yourself thin. Walking or running outdoors will work your legs harder than a treadmill will because you will have to push your body forward with the hamstring and calf muscles. The belt on a treadmill moves for you so there is no need to propel yourself forward. However, exercising on the treadmill is still going to elevate your heart rate and burn calories, which is the only way to exercise to lose weight off your stomach. Exercises like crunches won't make a difference.
To make the most out of the time on your treadmill exercise at a moderate to high intensity. Dr. Vicki Harber, lead researcher of a team from the University of Alberta that did a study on the effects of walking as exercise and the importance of intensity, says that, "Generally, low-intensity activity such as walking alone is not likely to give anybody marked health benefits compared to programs that occasionally elevate the intensity."
Tips and Warnings
- Although using your treadmill as part of a fitness program will help you lose weight, your results will come faster and last longer if you also modify your eating. Eat five to six small meals or snacks throughout the day to control hunger cravings and to speed up your metabolism. Cut your eating by 500 to 1000 calories a day if you can spare them. Men should not go below 1400 calories and women should stay above 1200 calories per day.
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