Exercising on a treadmill is one of the most effective ways to lose weight, get in shape and improve your overall state of wellbeing. Whether you should use a treadmill depends on your personal preference and long-term fitness goals. As with any type of gym equipment, treadmills have their benefits and drawbacks. If you are considering buying a treadmill or using one at the gym, there are several advantages and disadvantages of using the treadmill you need to know about to decide if it's the right machine for you.
Pros
Treadmills are perfect for working out indoors. You can't always exercise outdoors. Cold temperatures and bad weather can prevent you from getting the exercise you need to stay healthy and happy. Running or walking on a treadmill is a great alternative to exercising outdoors.
It's safer to run on a treadmill than outdoors. Running on the pavement can cause damage to your knees and joints. You can also accidentally trip over debris that is often found on the road. You can still hurt yourself if you don't use the treadmill correctly, but the risk of accidental injuries is significantly lower than when you run outside.
You can fully customize your workouts. One of the biggest pros of using a treadmill is the ability to create a unique workout based on your abilities and goals. When you walk or run outdoors, you can't change the terrain or the intensity of your workout. When you exercise on a treadmill, you can use a number of features to change the effect of your workout including decreasing or increasing the incline or selecting a built-in workout.
Cons
Some people find treadmills boring compared to running or walking outside. There is no scenery or nature to motivate you when you are using a treadmill. However, many modern treadmills now come with special features that help you imitate working out outdoors. Some even include terrain maps that mimic real-life locations such as national parks and landmarks.
Since the treadmill belt moves underneath your feet, working out on the treadmill is easier than exercising outdoors. Many fitness professionals recommend increasing the incline to burn the same amount of calories on a treadmill that you would outside.
High-quality treadmills are expensive. If you are building a home gym, be prepared to spend a good amount of money on your treadmill. However, it's important to think of your treadmill as a long-term investment. A well-made treadmill will last for years and comes with a manufacturer's warranty that covers some unexpected breakdowns. If you can't afford to buy a treadmill, you can always use one at a local gym.
Pros
Treadmills are perfect for working out indoors. You can't always exercise outdoors. Cold temperatures and bad weather can prevent you from getting the exercise you need to stay healthy and happy. Running or walking on a treadmill is a great alternative to exercising outdoors.
It's safer to run on a treadmill than outdoors. Running on the pavement can cause damage to your knees and joints. You can also accidentally trip over debris that is often found on the road. You can still hurt yourself if you don't use the treadmill correctly, but the risk of accidental injuries is significantly lower than when you run outside.
You can fully customize your workouts. One of the biggest pros of using a treadmill is the ability to create a unique workout based on your abilities and goals. When you walk or run outdoors, you can't change the terrain or the intensity of your workout. When you exercise on a treadmill, you can use a number of features to change the effect of your workout including decreasing or increasing the incline or selecting a built-in workout.
Cons
Some people find treadmills boring compared to running or walking outside. There is no scenery or nature to motivate you when you are using a treadmill. However, many modern treadmills now come with special features that help you imitate working out outdoors. Some even include terrain maps that mimic real-life locations such as national parks and landmarks.
Since the treadmill belt moves underneath your feet, working out on the treadmill is easier than exercising outdoors. Many fitness professionals recommend increasing the incline to burn the same amount of calories on a treadmill that you would outside.
High-quality treadmills are expensive. If you are building a home gym, be prepared to spend a good amount of money on your treadmill. However, it's important to think of your treadmill as a long-term investment. A well-made treadmill will last for years and comes with a manufacturer's warranty that covers some unexpected breakdowns. If you can't afford to buy a treadmill, you can always use one at a local gym.
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Next, read this in-depth Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill review at Treadmill Reviews HQ.
