Treadmills are one of the most popular pieces of cardiovascular exercise equipment, offering a simple way to stay fit indoors.
Regular use not only supports physical health but also mental well-being. If you're new to fitness, starting with a treadmill can provide numerous health benefits.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Treadmills are great for improving your heart's health. When you are walking or running on your treadmill, your heart is also receiving a workout which will make it stronger over time.
As you might expect, a stronger heart can pump blood more easily throughout your body. As your heart is working better, it can help prevent heart-related problems in the future.
Plus, regularly using a treadmill can also help reduce high blood pressure, which is good news for improving your heart health.
Lose Weight
Treadmills are one of the highest calorie-burning cardiovascular machines on the market. So, the faster or longer you go, the more calories you will burn. And burning calories is the key to weight loss. If we look at the basic equation of energy in Vs energy out. If you burn more calories than you take in, then you will lose weight.
Plus, if you would like to burn even more calories, you can add some incline or do intervals.
But the most important part is to be consistent and the World Health Organisation suggests that everyone partakes in 150 minutes of moderate activity a week.
That’s only 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week! Or if you really struggle for time, you can partake in 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week.
That’s only 15 minutes a day, 5 times a week! As you can see, it’s very possible to fit these guidelines into your daily life if you can quickly hop on a treadmill.
Improves Mental Health
Your mental health is as important, if not more important, than your physical health and treadmills aren't just for your body; they're great for your mind too.
Exercising releases 'feel-good' chemicals in our brain called endorphins which is why you will often feel happier after exercising.
These endorphins can help reduce stress, anxiety, and even feelings of sadness plus many more benefits.
When you focus on your workout, you take a break from daily worries and give your mind a rest. Plus, feeling fitter and healthier can boost your confidence.
So, the next time you're feeling down or stressed, hop on that treadmill, even for just a short 5 - 10-minute walk and it might just be the mood lift you need!
Strengthen Your Body
Treadmills do more than just help you lose weight; they're a great tool for making your body stronger, especially your lower body.
Running or walking on a treadmill targets your legs, making muscles like your calves, thighs, glutes and core stronger over time. You can also look to engage an incline to add further resistance to increase the challenge of your workout.
Your arms, shoulders, back and chest get a small amount of activation when running, but you can always look to add some wrist weights for added engagement.
Over time, this helps improve your stamina and endurance, making everyday tasks feel easier.
As a result, you will also notice improved posture from stepping away from your desk and working on your running form.
Safety
For anyone who is concerned with their safety of running outside, especially during the dark winter months.
Using a treadmill enables you to run safely from the comfort of your own home or gym. It also provides a smooth, even running surface reducing the chance of you tripping and falling.
Also, if you happen to fall off the treadmill, they come with a safety clip which will stop the running belt.
Looking for a treadmill with good safety features? Check out our Best Treadmill Guide.
Increased bone density
While treadmills will increase your muscular strength. They can also help improve your bone density.
Regular exercise enhances the mineral content in bone tissue, making it tougher over time, helping to reduce the risk of breaks or conditions like osteoporosis. It's especially helpful for the spine.
Great variety of workouts
Treadmills offer a lot more than just running in a straight line. They can be used for a wide variety of different workout styles for different results.
If you want to improve your leg strength, try adding some extra incline to your workout. Or if you would like to work on your speed, try some intervals or Fartek Training.
Some treadmills even have preset programs that mimic different terrains or challenges.
If your treadmill is compatbile with interactive apps like iFit, you will have access to thousands of workouts for even more variety.
Related: The Benefits of Walking Backwards on a Treadmill
Faster Running Cadence
Running cadence means the number of steps you take per minute. While not everyone will be too concerned with their number of steps per minute. Having a faster cadence will help make your runs smoother and reduce the strain on your body. Think of it as your running rhythm and treadmills are great training tool for practicing and improving.
With a steady pace, you can practice taking quicker, more efficient steps.
Some treadmills even have features to track your cadence, helping you find and maintain that sweet spot.
Over time, you will notice running becomes easier, both indoors and out.
Digestive Health
You might have heard of athletes that will go for a walk after eating a meal. This is because regular walking or running helps kickstart your digestive system.
When you move, it encourages your stomach and intestines to process food more efficiently.
So, if you ever feel bloated, a gentle walk on a treadmill can help your bodies digestive system process a meal and reduce that bloated feeling.
Time Efficient and Convenient
With the fast pace lives we live these days, it can sometimes be hard to find the time to workout. But if you are lucky enough to have a treadmill at home, you can easily hop on be up and running in no time. You don't even need a huge amount of space, some of the best folding treadmills can be very compact.
Plus, if plans change and you have to cut your workout short, you won't be stuck half way through your run and possibly a few miles from home.
So, even if you are short on time, you should be able to find a few minutes to squeeze in a quick workout.
Rounding Up
Treadmills are often seen as a means to lose weight. But they offer so much more and such as improving your heart's health, boosting your mood, and strengthening your body to mention just a few.
Plus, with so many workout options, you can keep your workouts interesting helping you to stay consistent and motivated as you work towards your fitness goals.
Whether you're a fitness newbie or a seasoned pro, treadmills are a great tool to use.
Always remember to check in with your healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen.
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