As you know by now,
treadmills are the most popular home fitness machine
available today. Why? That is the question a
lot of people ask. So we've put together a list of
the many benefits that treadmills provide. After
you've read through this, you'll know exactly why
treadmills have become so popular.
•Treadmills burn more calories than other
machines
It's true, treadmill use tends to burn more calories
than just about any other fitness machine including
stationary bike, home gym, rowing machines, and ab
contraptions. This is probably the number one
reason to use a treadmill.
Regardless of which diet you follow, if any, burning
calories is necessary for permanent weight loss.
It doesn't matter if you're on Atkins, South Beach,
Weight Watchers-- you'll lose more weight if you burn
calories and exercise. So you might as well use
the most efficient machine.
•Results are easy to track
With a treadmill, it is very easy to track calories
burned, distance walked or run, time elapsed, etc.
This makes it very easy to develop a program of constant
improvement. If you've been walking 3 miles a week
on a treadmill, it will be simple to say, "this week
I'll walk 4 miles". With a treadmill, it's very
easy to track and follow.
•Natural to use
Treadmills work by having you walk, run, or jog in your
usual way. They do not force you into an unnatural
motion, which is good. Because they are natural to
use, treadmills provide additional benefits discussed
below.
•Treadmills are safe
Treadmills tend to be less harsh on tendons and joints
than other exercise machines and even other sports.
Because of the fact that you use your natural motion,
treadmills are considered very safe (especially if they
have an automatic shut-off).
•Treadmills can be used anytime
Obviously, because treadmills are kept indoors, they can
be used anytime. Day or night, rain or shine, gym
open or not, a treadmill is always available. This
benefit may make it easier to stick to an exercise
program, especially for those who work long hours or
raise children.
•Nearly anyone can use a treadmill
Anyone who is capable of walking can benefit from using
a treadmill. It doesn't matter if you're a child
or of advanced age, treadmills are truly for everyone.
Variable speeds ensure that the treadmill can be
adjusted to anyone's fitness level, even those in
rehabilitation.
•Treadmills can "pass the time"
effectively
Let's face it, some people hate to exercise even though
they know it's beneficial. Treadmills are great
for these people because they can read, watch TV, or
listen to music while they walk or run. People can
even talk on a phone while using a treadmill. That
kind of convenience helps make treadmills very popular.
•Relatively inexpensive
Treadmills range in price from several hundred dollars
up to many thousands. We would argue that these
great machines are relatively inexpensive compared with
gym member ships and other equipment. What ends up
costing you more in the long run, a $1,000 treadmill
that you use or 4 piece-of-junk home exercise machines
that you never use that cost $300 each?
Summary
So, after examining all of the benefits of treadmills
you can see why they have taken off in popularity.
Many of the aforementioned benefits "blend" into each
other. If we had more time, we could probably name
another hundred or so benefits.
If you're looking for a great way to get or stay
in shape, not many things offer the tremendous benefits
and effectiveness that treadmills do.
