Adults who perform 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week are less likely to suffer from a wide range of health problems. Walking on a treadmill, as part of your well-rounded exercise program, can help you avoid disease and improve overall health.
Prevent and Manage Health Problems
Using the treadmill to fulfill your aerobic exercise needs can reduce your risk for health problems, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, obesity, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer. If you are already suffering from health problems, it is not too late. Aerobic exercise can help you manage chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and blood sugar. If you have suffered a heart attack, the treadmill can help you avoid having another one.
Get Stronger
Walking on a treadmill is a weight-bearing exercise, which can strengthen various muscles in your body, including hamstrings, hip flexors and quadriceps. Your heart is also a muscle, and it benefits from aerobic exercise. A stronger heart will pump blood more efficiently, resulting in improved blood flow throughout your body. Aerobic exercise raises HDL or "good" cholesterol and lowers LDL or "bad" cholesterol. As a result, you are less likely to experience a build-up of plaque in your arteries if you exercise regularly.
Stay Active and Live Longer
By keeping your muscles strong through regular physical activity -- which includes walking on a treadmill -- you are more likely to maintain your mobility when you get older. Aerobic exercise also reduces cognitive decline associated with aging. Even 30 minutes a day, three days a week can help keep your mind sharp as you age. Performing regular aerobic exercise can even increase the length of your life.
Additional Treadmill Advantages
Walking on a treadmill is appropriate for all fitness levels. It is a low-impact, gentle and safe exercise that does not require special skills. You can adjust the intensity of your workout by using the incline settings and varying your speed. Treadmills are available at most gyms, or if you prefer more privacy, you can purchase a treadmill for home use. A treadmill workout can be done year-round in a controlled environment, leading to fewer excuses and greater results.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: How Much Physical Activity do Adults Need?; 2011
- Mayo Clinic; Aerobic exercise: Top 10 Reasons to Get Physical; February 2011
- Mayo Clinic; Walking: Trim Your Waistline, Improve Your Health; December 2010
- Consumer Health Digest; Burn More Calories With Your Treadmill: 3 Easy Tips; Kathryn O'Neill; 2011
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