Saturday, June 27, 2009

Home Treadmills and the Health Benefits of Walking

By Jeffrey Hobbs

Walking can be a great way to get into shape and stay healthy. Although it certainly helps, you don't need to lift weights or run 10 miles to get a good workout. Simply going for a daily walk will get your blood moving and is certainly better than watching television or sitting at the computer.

Unlike weightlifting and a lot of other sports, you don't need to invest in a lot of expensive equipment to reap the health benefits associated with walking. A nice pair of walking shoes is all you really need. You could invest in a cheap treadmill if you don't want to walk outside but this would be completely optional. Walking is good exercise for anyone wanting to get in shape, even if you need to lose 10 pounds or 100.

While managing your weight, going for daily walks can also lower your blood pressure and raise the level of good cholesterol in your blood. Physical activity makes the heart stronger so it can work more effectively. When the heart is strong it can pump more blood with less work. This puts less pressure on the arteries.

Many people don't realize that walking can be just as powerful and even more effective than taking many prescription medications. Walking in combination with a good diet can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Walking also helps increase the level of good cholesterol in your bloodstream.

Treadmills can offer a lot of convenience if you're interested in starting a walking routine. You don't have to leave the house and you don't have to spend a lot of money on expensive gym memberships. While they can take up a lot of space, treadmills make it a lot easier to commit to a schedule and stick with it.

As your fitness level increases a treadmill can also adapt to your needs and requirements for a good workout. You can use the settings on most treadmills to adjust the complexity level based on your current requirements. Walking is also much easier on the hips, knees, legs, and ankles than running. Treadmills provide a comfortable and padded platform for those that might be sensitive to the hard surface of a concrete road or sidewalk. Even if you decide to take up running eventually most treadmills can adapt from low-impact walking to running.

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