Guest Author - Hellie T.

Walking on a Treadmill can burn just as many calories as walking outside.
It will help you get fit and lose weight and exercise those muscle groups in your thighs, legs and arms.

Treadmills have various readings and programmes that show your heart rate, your walking speed, and the calories you have lost.
Most of them are very simple to use - but check this before you buy one.

Walking on a treadmill feels quite different from walking on the road as the surface is soft and bouncy. This puts less strain on your joints.
To use as much energy as road walking you should set the treadmill to an incline of 1%.

You can adjust the speed to suit yourself.

Make sure it is not too fast as that will make you hold on to the bar and therefore use less energy – remember - look straight ahead, keep your shoulders relaxed but back and swing your arms as you would if walking on a path.

Remember your breathing - take deep but smooth breaths. This keeps your heart beating at a good steady pace and strengthens it.

Benefits of walking on a Treadmill.

When walking on a treadmill you burn about the same number of calories as walking outside.

It can be done at any time; day or night.

You can adjust the speed so when you are feeling a bit tired you can walk slower

It is safe - you can do it in the safety or your own home or gym away from city noise, people and pollution.

Whatever the weather is outside - you can walk, so no excuses such as it’s raining, snowing or too hot!

If you are affected by hay fever or allergies then walking on a treadmill inside protects you.

It is convenient and you can do two things at once for instance:
Listen to music
Watch the television
Watch a video
Read a book, yes you can get book racks to fit on treadmills
Listen to language tapes.

If you are embarrassed about your weight or just prefer to do your own thing in the privacy of your own home then a treadmill will suit you.

You can wear what you like as long as you have comfortable shoes on.

It is safe for pregnant women.

Adjusting a treadmill so you walk uphill burns alot more calories than walking on the level - so good if you are trying to lose weight.

Points to note.

Place your treadmill by an opening window so you can benefit from the sunlight and/or cooling breezes.

Treadmills cost money!
Joining a gym costs money!

It is good to get outside in the fresh air. Walking outside improves your balance as you constantly adjust your stride to take account of stones/rocks/kerbs etc.

You may get bored, going nowhere!

But that said treadmills are an excellent way doing your walking.
They are great for walking on and getting you fit - so use them at home or in the gym but remember the paths outside are free and just as good for you!


Enjoy your walking