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Walking on a treadmill is a great way to lose weight. Treadmill walking can not only help you lose weight and get healthy, but it can help you control your weight and stay healthy long term once you have reached your weight loss goals. The great thing about walking is it’s a type of workout that beginners can start slow, yet it can be increased as fitness abilities increase.
Many people who begin a walking program prefer using treadmills than walking outdoors. It is very easy to get sidetracked, or completely derailed, on a walking program outdoors if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. Even missing a few days of walking due to bad weather can make it hard to get back on track once the weather clears. Another reason many people opt for having their own treadmill is they can use it any time of the day at their convenience.
Many people who begin walking on a treadmill often ask how long they should walk. This will be dependent upon your individual health. Fitness experts recommend that you try to walk between 30-60 minutes and come within 50% to 70% of your maximum heart rate. To calculate your maximum heart rate, read my article on heart rate training.
If you cannot walk for 30-60 minutes, no problem. You can break it up into shorter segments. Walking three or four times a day for five or ten minutes may work for you. The most important thing about walking on a treadmill is that you personalize your exercise routine to you. However, to get the most out of your routine, try to use your treadmill as often as possible. Your goal should be to walk most days.
Once your body has acclimated to walking on a treadmill and you get in better shape, you will be able to increase the intensity of your exercise program. A good workout should bring your heart rate within 60% to 70% of your maximum heart rate. As you continue to do your treadmill walking you will find that your maximum heart rate goes up. As the weeks and months go by and you become more fit, be sure you make adjustments based on your new maximum heart rate readings. This will ensure your cardiovascular system gets stronger and that you continue to lose body fat.
It is never too late to begin walking on a treadmill. Treadmills are wonderful, convenient machines that can act as personal trainers. Most come with display windows that show how long you walked, your speed, your heart rate, calories burned and more. They are great tools for people who are just beginning walkers, as well as those who use treadmills for jogging or running. Walking on treadmills is a great way to lose weight and stay healthy!