Treadmills provide opportunities to perform that “old standby” method of exercise-walking. For those who don’t know, a treadmill is a mechanical device that has a moving walkway that allows a person to keep walking while staying in one place.
Why Use a Treadmill
-Most of us are well-aware of the importance of keeping our hearts healthy. Treadmills are fantastic for doing cardio exercise. Regular use of your treadmill 3-5 times weekly is incredibly effective. Walking on the treadmill assures your heart is getting what it needs to stay healthy. While on the treadmill, it’s important to get your heart rate up to the accelerated pace required (based on your age and weight) to keep your heart in great shape.
-Treadmilling not only keeps your heart at its best, it also burns calories. Losing or maintaining weight largely depends on intake and burning of calories. Working out on your treadmill is an effective method to burn up some calories. Hopefully, by the end of the week, you will drop a pound or two, thanks to the treadmill.
-Treadmill workouts also help tone up your muscles. Greater muscle tone means you are building strength and stamina. The more strength and stamina you have, the healthier and stronger you feel.
Avoiding Treadmill Injuries
-One of the main ways people get injuries during exercise is overdoing it initially. It’s important to gradually work up to goals in terms of time, speed, and intensity of treadmill sessions.
-Avoid striding or running at a speed that you aren’t sure you can keep up with. Remember, the treadmill is a machine and you are not.
-Nothing substitutes for an adequate warm-up and cool-down to get muscles stretched out and ready to work or rest. Without taking a few minutes for simple pre- and post-exercises, you could pull/strain a muscle.
-Pace yourself and listen to your body while on the treadmill. The signals your body sends while you exercise are relevant. Heed them.
Treadmill Brands and Pricing
-Many treadmill brands are available. Proform treadmill, NordicTrac Treadmill, or Reebok treadmill—which do you prefer? Various brands are found at your local big-box store. Of course, online you will find a huge assortment of treadmill brands.
-Ranging in price from $200 to $2,000, almost every budget can afford a treadmill. Check out some of the product-related websites offering reviews and comparisons of exercise equipment. Treadmill ratings are found at many of those websites.
-If you cannot afford to buy a new one, check out your local sports equipment consignment store for a used treadmill.
If you seek an easy form of exercise that you can do in your own home, consider walking on a treadmill. You can get a great cardio workout while burning calories and toning muscles to lose/maintain weight. By practicing safety techniques, you can avoid treadmill injuries. With a wide range of brands and pricing, treadmills are one of the safest, most practical forms of exercise.