The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a weekly minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, for adults. An alternative is 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity such as jogging or running. A treadmill enables you to perform either of these activities, within the comfort of your own home or the gym.
Health Benefits
You can walk or run on a treadmill. The American Heart Association notes that your health will benefit by indulging regularly in aerobic activities such as running or walking. You can lower your blood pressure and significantly reduce your chances of developing diabetes, high blood cholesterol, colon cancer and cardiovascular disease. By exercising on a treadmill, you can achieve weight-loss goals or maintain your weight at a healthy level. You can also strengthen your bones, joints and muscles over time. Regular aerobic activity also improves your mood, reduces the risk of developing depression and induces better sleep.
Low Impact
Running or walking on a treadmill puts less strain on your joints as compared to running outdoors. This is because the running belts on treadmills are padded and softer than the roads or sidewalks outdoors. Overweight or obese people find this advantageous, because it lowers the chance of injury. Treadmill exercise is also a good option for people who have knee problems.
Independent of Outdoor Conditions
Walking or running outdoors is not always pleasant. If it is raining, snowing or dark, you may have to shelve your plans for a walk or run outdoors. You are also at a greater risk of falling and injuring yourself in such conditions. With a treadmill, you can exercise regardless of weather.
Speed Options
Brisk walking is a safe exercise for most people, the CDC notes. Those who are just starting out should walk at a slow pace initially and increase the intensity of exercise as they become fitter. Treadmills offer different speed options to enable you to pick the one best for you.
Advanced Features
Most modern treadmills have a range of features that let you select the pace and intensity of exercise. You can simulate hill climbing with an incline. You can also select interval training, where the speed and incline of the treadmill varies at intervals. You can warm up and cool down by walking at a slower pace. To maximize the calorie burn, you can run on an incline for a set interval. Options exist a range of fitness levels.
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