My mother is age 49 and considering getting a treadmill to help with her health. Is running outside better?

Question

I think that just getting up and running outside would be much better for her health, and would also save a good amount of money. However, she says that since i am not a female "i wouldn't understand." So, could people please tell me: is getting a treadmill at age 49 really better than just getting up and running/walking outside?

Answer 1

walking is better for women....keeps a lot of ligaments from lossening up....a treadmill is just as good...even better if it is in an air-conditioned area....

Answer 2

I get more of a workout when I am walking outside than I do on a treadmill. I walk with a friend on a trail. Since you are going up and on slopes, it give my thighs a workout. The next day I sore from all the walking I did. I don't know how well your mother is in shape, but if she has like bad knees are something like that, a treadmill would be better.

Answer 3

It doesn't matter what kind of exercise equipment she buys. she will only use it about two weeks, and then she will start hanging clothes on the handles, etc.

she can join a gym, have different types of machines to tone different parts of her body, meet new friends, and maybe even have access to an indoor track (ymca has one here). Brisk walking is better than running.

Does she have someone to walk outside with her? It is not safe for a person to be in some areas alone. She could get attacked.

I think your Mom would really enjoy a gym. some are even open 24/7. she could go when it works into her schedule.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Yes, a treadmill is a wonderful investment for her as long as she uses it. I have had mine for 5 years and love it. I hate being out in the sun and heat. I can go at least twice as long on the treadmill as opposed to walking outside. My treadmill also can incline which really works your legs and butt. She can watch TV and listen to music while she walks. If she has any joint problems or arthritis (I have Lupus and RA) so the treadmill can soften the impact on the joints which makes for faster recovery.

Answer 5

Running on hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete is very hard on the spine, legs feet and toes. A treadmill is kinder to the body. Especially for older people. Many avid runners end up having to undergo hip replacement as the "knob" wears out and they require the insert of a Charnley hip replacement prosthesis.
Dan the Answers-Man.

Answer 6

I always enjoy the change of scenery outside. However, if I have a TV and/or music to keep me focused while I'm running, then I enjoy that much better because it helps me ignore the pain so I can keep going a little bit further. It all depends on which she enjoys more.

Answer 7

Any type of exercise is healthy, so let her get the treadmill and encourage her to use it daily. It's safer for her to walk inside and if she enjoys watching television or reading, she can do all that while walking on the treadmill! Go MOM!

Answer 8

I wouldn't get a treadmill for your mother, they are bad for older people especially on their knees......I know this because my mother was interested in one and since she is older and not getting younger anytime soon, the man told us that an "Elliptical" machine is MUCH better AND burns more calories.....it doesn't put a lot of pressure on the knees.........so if I were you I would opt for the "Elliptical" machine, plus I love it myself!!!! ~~~~ Oh yeah, it would be better for your mom to have a machine inside, it gives her the freedom to work out late at night early in the morning or whenever.....it's safer for her!!! ;)

Answer 9

I think treadmill is better for her.She would be at ease to use at her pace.Also,if running outside causes her injury to bones,joints,(falling down etc) it would be an added problem.

Answer 10

Depends on what shae she is currently in. A recumbant bike is best for the knees. Then, once the knees are strengthened, she should be strong enough to run healthily.