The treadmill might be the first option in fitness equipment for many first-timers. They are more accessible than some of the more complicated machines such as ellipticals cross trainers.
They also have a clear beginner level. Users can start small with 10 minute walk on a flat belt, work up to 30 minutes with an incline and eventually start running.
Whatever your user level and preferences, there are plenty of health benefits to enjoy. The following 7 advantages highlight the different areas of fitness and wellbeing that can be improved with a regular, simple regime.
7 health benefits of treadmill workouts
1) Fat burning
This is the number one reason why many people buy a treadmill for the home. The ultimate aim is not just to get fit but to be able to physically show it through weight loss. As with many types of exercise, the amount of calories burned depends on the intensity of the program and the runner.
Running a 6 mph for 20 minutes could burn around 230 calories. Walking will be less, but still effective long-term. The great thing about most modern machines now is that they also have calories counters in the consoles to help you check your progress.
2) Better overall fitness
That idea of getting fitter is also key to these purchases. Many of us see the treadmill as the first step from sedentary behaviour to better fitness. Regular walks, jogs or runs on a treadmill will improve blood flow and lung capacity. This will help with breathing, stamina and general health in day-to-day life.
3) Heart health
The knock-on benefit here is that treadmill users will soon see a stronger heart and better heart health more generally. These sort of aerobic training makes the heart pump a little faster and can also help to reduce cholesterol.
This means that treadmills are a great starting point for people with early signs of heart problems or high cholesterol levels.
4) Muscle toning
All this walking and jogging will have a great impact on the tone and strength of the key muscles that are involved. This means the quadriceps, calves and the buttocks.
This can be increased further by simply increasing the incline and pushing the muscles harder. There is also the chance to work the arms at the same time if users aren’t reliant on the handrails. Some machines even come with free weights.
5) Joint flexibility
This leg work does more than just tone up the muscles and shape the legs. It can also do wonder for improving the health and flexibility of joints.
Treadmills are ideal for anyone with mobility issues in their legs or arthritis as it is a low impact option with customisable settings. The cushioned belt allows for a steady movement that gradually opens up the joints and increases your range of motion.
6) Bone health
In addition to this, treadmill training can also help to improve the strength and density of bones. This is because treadmill work is a weight bearing option.
Again, the harder you work and the stronger the incline, the better the results. One the long term benefits here is the chance to prevent the onset of osteoporosis.
7) Emotional health
There are plenty of physical benefits of treadmill use and the results can lead to a greater sense of well-being and emotional health. For some, the simple act of walking on the treadmill is enough to aid feelings of depression and anxiety.
The art of meditative walking can translate over to the treadmill for a serene session within your own home. Alternatively, many treadmills have media shelves and MP3 system to enhance the experience.
Treadmill exercise regimes offer more than some first-time users might expect.
These 7 health benefits of treadmill workouts show that there is definitely so much more to treadmill use than potentially burning a few calories. Even the most simple and gentle of actions can offer the chance for improved physical and mental health.
Users can start small and gradually build their cardiovascular health, muscles and bones until they see better tone, weight loss and greater flexibility.
The harder you push, the better the results will be. However, the joy of the treadmill is that you really can start at square one with slow, low-impact movement and build from there.
