A Treadmill For Slow, Steady Real Weight Loss

Experts agree that walking is a great form of exercise. Even the most out of shape Treadmills people can usually walk a little. Most people prefer to walk outside, but if the weather is bad, then a treadmill may be the answer.

Before using treadmills to lose weight, you should see your doctor, start slowly, get your heart rate up and watch your eating habits.

See Your Doctor First

Before beginning any exercise program, be sure to see your doctor. For the very overweight and those not used to exercising more than walking to and from the refrigerator, your doctor will probably recommend that you start with walking.

Treadmill At Home vs. Gym

A treadmill at home can be helpful if you have no place to walk outside or the weather is bad. If you find that the treadmill at home is only collecting dust, it may be wise to join a gym. Sometimes the added motivation of having to pay a monthly fee is enough to make people "get their money's worth" and work out more often.

Forget No Pain, No Gain

If you have never exercised before or are really out of shape, start slowly and work increase the time and intensity of your workouts gradually.

Listen to your body and don't overdo it. "No pain, no gain" is old thinking.

You don't want to injure yourself in the beginning so that you have to sit out for weeks with a pulled muscle or shin splints. Start with 10 minutes of walking a day and increase your time a few minutes a day until you are walking at least 30 minutes a day.

Get Your Heart Rate Up

Once you have worked up to at least 30 minutes of walking on the treadmill in your home gym or elsewhere, you will have to walk at a brisk enough pace so that your heart rate is in the fat burning zone. You can also try using an elliptical trainer or a stationary bicycle.

Your heart rate should be at 60 to 80 percent of your maximal heart rate (220 minus your age). Many treadmills will calculate your heart rate for you and let you know if you are in the fat-burning zone. You may want to look for a piece of exercise equipment with this feature if you want to reduce fat.

Watch What You Eat

In addition to using fitness equipment, be sure to watch your caloric intake. Don't eat more just because you are exercising.

To lose weight, you have to burn more calories than you take in. By adding a walking program, you should reduce your weight even if your eating habits remain the same because you are burning more calories through exercise.

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