I plan to become more active this year. I've decided to buy a tread mill so I can walk any time I want to in the comfort in my own home. I had someone tell me it's not the same as walking out doors.
2007-01-06 01:24:49 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
In my opinion it is, and probably better. You can monitor your distance, performance and progress much more effectively.
I think that the person who told you otherwise is full of crap, unless you take into account the fresh air factor.
ALSO KEEP IN MIND: How many people, especially women have been attacked while jogging? There are dogs that could come after you, careless motorists, ect.
There are cool programs that come on CD, that simulate outdoor running paths (you can put it on your TV) and some treamills have a feature where you can change the grade.
2007-01-06 01:27:10 · answer #1 · answered by Joe C 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Walking on a treadmill can actually be *more* effective than walking outdoors, but it definitely isn't the same thing.
When you walk outdoors the terrain can change (unless you live in a very flat area), you get a change in scenery, fresh air, and sunshine that helps your body produce vitamin D. All people should get at least 15 minutes per day of sunlight. You can also be tempted to just stroll along slowly rather than keeping up a good pace.
When you walk on a treadmill the scenery is always the same, but you can watch TV (you might have to turn the volume way up, depending on how loud your treadmill is). If you get an advanced treadmill you can program it or use a pre-programmed option to create "hills" in your walks. A benefit is that it keeps you walking at a pace you specify, you can't slow down unless you purposely turn the speed down.
All that being said, if you feel more comfortable walking on a treadmill in your home and it makes you more likely to walk, then that fact alone outweighs any and all benefits to outdoors walking... Walking outdoors is useless if you don't do it!
Good luck!
2007-01-06 01:31:46 · answer #2 · answered by Erika S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course it's not the same :P
Some people enjoy getting the fresh air as well as the exercise, but treadmills do virtually the same job.
Some treadmills track how much walking you have done which you can't do while you're walking out and about, so that's one plus for treadmills.
You can use your treadmill no matter the weather; another positive point!
You can set the treadmill to a number of speeds so you can walk as fast or slow as you like.
You can listen to music or watch the tele or just generally enjoy your home while walking on your treadmill.
I'd go for the treadmill! It's not necessary but it can be helpful.
2007-01-06 01:28:45 · answer #3 · answered by Deconstitutionalization 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are both pros and cons
Cons: you are not getting fresh air, your work out is not as intense because you do not have to adjust to natural incline changes
Pros: you can work out in the middle of the night w/o having to carry mace, it's less harsh on your knees, you can monitor the distance and stop if you don't feel well, and adjust the incline to mimic a natural trail.
If you were not very active, and intend to just start walking or intend to be very active and run for hours, a treadmill is a better choice. If you are somewhere in between, I think a combination is the best choice.
Personally, I like them both. I use treadmill for intense running, because it doesn't damage my knees, but it's also very nice to get out, get some sun and walk with the dog and the hubby.
2007-01-06 02:12:42 · answer #4 · answered by jimbell 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the greater beneficial selection is whichever one motivates you greater. some human beings like the digital remarks that a treadmill grants. Others desire the changing atmosphere of the super outdoors. as far as joint rigidity is worried, it relies upon on your walking floor. The deck of a treadmill is greater forgiving than concrete, yet in all probability greater jarring than a cinder path. walking hills will strengthen the intensity of your walk. A treadmill provides an equivalent experience if it has an incline characteristic. you will possibly desire to be walking a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes from 3 to 5 cases each week. The intensity is as much as you.
2016-10-30 03:57:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Now I'm not an expert, but I heard somewhere that using a treadmill is not as good for you because the force of running on a treadmill can damage your knees. Unlike running on solid pavement, throwing all your body weight while running on a treadmill causes the force to return back up through your legs, thus putting ALOT of stress on them. However, take into account that even running outside is not entirely good for your legs after a while.
2007-01-06 01:45:53 · answer #6 · answered by saltednutter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I usually alternate. I walk on my treadmill 2 days and walk outside 2 days...that way I get the best if both worlds. If the weather is bad then I do all of it on my treadmill that week.
2007-01-06 01:37:59 · answer #7 · answered by moobiemuffin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. My personal physician recommends it. He said that a 30-minute exercise a day is good for my vascular system. You will burn calories equally (walking outdoor versus 'tread milling' indoor).
2007-01-06 01:45:59 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Walking is walking. If you'd rather do it on a treadmill, or if you can walk more often on a treadmill due to convenience, weather, or whatever, then a treadmill is a great alternative and is just as effective as walking outside.
2007-01-06 01:34:34 · answer #9 · answered by dallas_darling 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on you, if u would be comfortable outside? then go for it! if not, use the treadmill instead.
For me, sweating is all that matters so sweat a lot!
2007-01-06 01:38:35 · answer #10 · answered by sammy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋