|
Why Do We Need Treadmills? |
|
Your goal when engaging in physical activity is to burn
down calories and keep yourself physically fit and healthy. Compared to
just 500 calories per hour on the exercise bike, the average
medium-intensity treadmill workout burned 700 calories per hour. Dr.
Hoffman said that one reason for this difference is the amount of muscle
mass that is used in both exercises. Apparently, when you walk or run on
a treadmill, you use more muscles than you do on a bike, stationary or
otherwise.
The greatest benefit of treadmill
exercise is burning calories. However, it is not the only reason why you
should consider this type of workout. For people with certain health
conditions, engaging in vigorous physical activity can be detrimental to
their lives and their health. People such as those with osteoporosis,
hypertension, and back pains are recommended to do no more than walking
when they exercise so as not to cause any overexert themselves. The
treadmill, therefore, provides them with an exciting alternative to just
plain walking outside.
A treadmill can add consistency to you
walking workout. Most models have programming in them that allow you to
maintain speed and intensity throughout your entire workout. They also
have incline device that would let you control the inclination of your
walk, exactly as though you are walking up or down hill.
Walking
for 45 minutes, five times a week can cut your chances of getting a flue
or cold in half, according to a research conducted by the Harvard
Medical School. But you can’t really walk, can you, if it’s raining
outside? That is why the treadmill - where climate changes don’t matter
- is great to have around.
Furthermore, the treadmill can be used
by anyone – young, old, male, female, pregnant, not pregnant…. Let’s
take pregnant women, for example. While some aerobic activities can be
risky during pregnancy, walking is actually beneficial to both the child
and the mother. Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy can loosen
ligaments. In order to tone muscles down and strengthen the joints that
support the growing baby, walking is recommended for pregnant women.
The
treadmill also helps prevent injuries that could happen when you run
outside on uneven or even wet ground. Gravity can have very nasty
effects, however beneficial running and sunlight might be. A treadmill
with good cushioning on the belt will help support each foot-strike you
make, making your running or walking easier.
Finally, if you are
just looking to get in shape, walking or jogging on a treadmill improves
muscle tone and not just in your legs, but all over your body.
Strengthened muscles means the heart can pump more oxygen-rich blood
with each step you take.
|
