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 Treadmills are made for walking. They make it possible to take a daily walk without ever having to go outdoors. You can walk on a treadmill regardless of the weather outside. You can walk on a treadmill any time of day or night. You can exercise while watching television or listening to your favorite music. You can even read a book or study for an exam as you walk.
Not only are treadmills convenient for walking, they are also designed to minimize the risk of walking injuries. Because they are low-impact machines, treadmills are easy on the back, hips, knees, and ankles. There are no obstacles in your path to trip over when walking on a treadmill. You set the pace at which you walk, so you don’t have to walk any faster than you are comfortably able.
Treadmills are relatively easy to use. They require no special training or athletic abilities. Most anyone who can walk can use a treadmill. Even people with certain health problems, such as osteoporosis, can benefit from walking on a treadmill. As a result, treadmills have become quite popular in the fitness equipment industry.
Physical Benefits of Treadmill Walking
Treadmill walking is a great way to get in shape. Walking at a steady pace for a minimum of 20 minutes, three times per week or more, can do wonders for those of you who want to lose weight and build endurance.
Regular treadmill walking not only burns calories during the workouts, but it improves the metabolism. A faster metabolism means that the body will burn calories more efficiently…even at rest.
The faster you walk and the more time you spend walking on a treadmill, the more health benefits you will reap. In addition to burning calories and fat, treadmill walking is great for strengthening and toning muscles. As a weight-bearing exercise, treadmill walking helps build strong bones. It is also a good cardiovascular workout, which helps your heart grow stronger. A strong heart is able to pump oxygen-rich blood more effectively throughout your body.
Through treadmill walking, you can become leaner, fitter, and more energetic. Constant, routine exercise on a treadmill can help you look better and feel better, too…as if years have been taken off your age.
Which Treadmills are Made for Walking?
When you use a treadmill for walking, you can get by with a less expensive treadmill than you would need for jogging or running. Of course, you can also walk on a high-end treadmill, although an expensive unit is not necessary for walking.
A good walking treadmill costs around $700 to $1,000. You can find cheaper treadmills. However, they aren’t going to be very sturdy, and they certainly aren’t going to be very durable. For comfort and durability, it’s worth it to pay a little more.
The Smooth Fitness 5.45 model is a good example of a decent walking treadmill. With a 2.5 HP motor, it isn’t really intended for running. Nonetheless, it is more than powerful enough to use for power walking and for incline walking. Its frame is heavier and more stable than cheap treadmills that can be found in department stores. The components used in the Smooth 5.45 are higher quality and more dependable than those used in cheaper models. A walking treadmill of this class should require less maintenance and it should last longer.
Note: If you have been sedentary for a long period of time and are just beginning an exercise program, treadmill walking might be the perfect exercise for you. Before starting any exercise program, however, you should consult your physician.
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