THIS MAY BE A TREND
Several of my recent postings have centered around doing fitness exercise when we are injured in some manner, not at our best or simply aging.
I wrote about habit formation, which will guide us when motivation may be less than desired. I wrote about workarounds, or how to continue with a routine when some body parts are weakened. Most recently, my topic was core training when we don’t want to do floor crunches or sit-ups because of lower back pain.
Today’s post will continue in that vein, i.e. why we may benefit from daily treadmill walks when outside walking (or running) is not so easy any more. In my case, I have arthritis in my knees and lower back. I can walk for long periods of time on my treadmill, but not far outside. My treadmill handlebars make it easy for me to get my cardio.
Today’s post will begin with the benefits of daily treadmill walking. Why do we care about walking if it is difficult to do it outside?
THE BENEFITS
First of all, the World Health Organization tells us that 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous exercise is their minimum recommendation. Treadmill walking is certainly a good way to get those minutes.
Welltech gives us the benefits as they see it:
- We can rev up our metabolism. Even non-exercise walking helps, but if we want to boost our metabolism and burn calories, walking on a treadmill can be the solution. Even better, we could add interval training to burn even more calories. This starts the process of “excess post exercise oxygen consumption”. We can burn calories for several hours after we finish our routine.
- Low impact. Treadmill belts give us ample cushioning and shock absorption. The impact is low, unlike outdoor concrete or uneven terrain. Or hills.
- Stronger muscles and bones. Weight bearing exercises, such as treadmill walking, give us “bone loading”. Our bone – building cells are stimulated, and our lower body muscles and joints are strengthened. We also lessen the risk of osteoporosis or muscle atrophy as we age.
- Cardiovascular fitness. The American Heart Association tells us that regular walking can lower blood glucose and reduce the risk of some cancers. Any cardio workout, including treadmill walking, can protect our heart and lungs from chronic diseases, such as stroke or heart disease. It can also help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Mood boosting. Walking inside or outside releases endorphins. This helps us to feel calmer and happier. Even 10 minutes is enough to give us a boost. A Stanford study shows that walking vs. sitting down improves our creativity and creative output by 60%.
AMAZON
I am a customer and associate of Amazon, so I buy their products and enjoy their good delivery and service in general. As an associate, I use their links within my articles and can benefit from activity on the links. Each link presents full details, pictures, reviews and suggestions for other items that are similar.
Nordic Track treadmill. This is the model I use every day. It has lasted well with constant use, though it isn’t one of the more expensive models. It sits in front of a window and near my computer, so I can look outside as I walk and play music.
Treadmill with desk work station and adjustable height. I have not tried this one, but it looks interesting and is less than $300.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Most treadmills, including mine, allow us to control speed and incline settings. I can even check my heart rate as I walk. The padding gives me stability as I walk, as do the handlebars. The padding also protects my knees.
Some people even walk backwards on their treadmill. I once tried this at a younger age, but no longer. This works the quadriceps.
I have used a home treadmill for about 25 years and find this to be an indispensable part of my fitness routine. Instead of going back and forth to a public gym, I am able to finish my workout before breakfast every morning.
Please leave me any comments or questions in the “Comments” section below. Or email me, richard@myworkoutathome.com.
Let’s stay active. Spring is coming soon!
