Whilst most people will say they are going to go for a run – walking is able to provide numerous amounts of health benefits such as:
-Lowering your bad cholesterol (LDL)
-Raising your good cholesterol (HDL)
-Lowering your blood pressure to normal levels
-Helping maintain a positive mood
-Improving muscle density to help with arthritis
Source: http://www.aliveberry.com
These health benefits can be replicated if you have a treadmill allowing you toexercise within the ease of your own home. It is recommended that you increase the elevation on your treadmill so it mimics walking up a hill. This allows your body to use different muscles in your body that keep it fit and strong.
The main factor you have to take into consideration when you are starting out with walking on your treadmill is to not overdo it straight away. This can lead to injuries and set you back, with this setback usually comes the form of not wanting to do it again so you end up wasting your time. It is essential to have the motivation and to keep that you will need to start slow.
If you walk for fitness often then you should know how much you could do but if you don’t try starting with 5 minutes or till you feel fatigued and your muscles are sore. The best idea would be to measure your heart rate whilst walking, as that will give you the most accurate idea of how much stress your body is under and if you can keep going.
Now that you are walking often you should start to set goals for yourself. This will allow you to push yourself to levels and increase your workout. Goals are entirely up to you and at your own discretion but make them realistic otherwise you will just be demotivated when you don’t achieve them.
Keep in mind walking is meant to be fun and using that treadmill is a great way to increase your overall health, allowing you to live longer and a more fruitful life.
Click here for a visual guide to the benefits of walking.