Treadmills are a staple in the fitness world, and for good reason. They are easy to use, readily available with training programmes, and effective for weight loss. However, they can be expensive and other forms of exercise may suit you better depending on your goals and motivation. So, are they worth it?
In short, yes treadmills are absolutely worth it for weight loss, but you also need to consider factors such as training time and intensity, eating habits, and consistency. Simply running on a treadmill itself will not lead to significant weight loss. You’ll need to make sure you have both a workout and diet plan you can stick to. After all, results come from burning more calories (energy) in a day than you consume. If you want to lose weight fast, we’re about to reveal some of the best exercises for your fitness routine, but first, let’s break down the pros and cons of owning a treadmill to get lean.
Pros and cons of treadmills for weight loss
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenience | Repetitive workouts |
| Versatility | Limited upper body muscle activation |
| Measurable progress | Expensive (for home use) |
| Lower impact | Lack of natural elements (outdoor exercise) |
Convenience – One of the biggest obstacles in your weight loss journey is getting into a routine. Trying new machines and classes at the gym can be intimidating, the weather is unpredictable, and you don’t have much free time. A treadmill at home ensures you always have the option to train, increasing your chances of being consistent.
Versatility – Treadmills are great for all sizes of people because they have such a wide range of options to tailor exercises to your needs. If you’re just getting started, you can go slow and steady to work on balance and help prevent injury.
Adjusting the incline allows you to burn more calories and strengthen muscle without speeding up. As you improve on the treadmill it opens up a world of possibility to explore the outdoors with confidence, for free.
It also helps you break the pattern of sitting for extended periods, which can put pressure on your back and discs, leading to back, shoulder, and neck discomfort.
Measurable progress – Treadmills have built-in metrics such as speed, distance, and calories burned, allowing you to track your progress and adjust workouts accordingly. Having the results of your hard work in front of you can be an ongoing source of motivation.
Lower impact – Treadmills have cushioning to provide a lower impact workout than running on hard surfaces like concrete, which can be easier on the joints and reduce the risk of injury. Putting yourself at risk could jeopardize progress if you need to take time off to recover.
Repetitive – Unless you’re using treadmills with a screen, running on the spot can get boring. You may find yourself counting down the minutes until it’s over whereas you want to learn to enjoy the process. So, we recommend mixing up your weight loss workouts.
Limited upper body activation – Treadmill running is great for your legs but there isn’t much benefit above that point. A strong upper body helps you prevent fatigue and improves endurance. In turn, you’ll be able to ramp up frequency and intensity to burn more calories.
Lack of natural elements – Outdoors running is better for lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and stress. The ever-changing terrains and landscape makes for a more thrilling body transformation. And don’t forget that cooling breeze.
The negatives don’t outweigh the benefits you can get from a treadmill. Instead adopt a well-rounded approach by supplementing them with other ways to lose weight fast and improve overall health, muscle mass, and performance.
exercises for weight loss
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT): HIIT workouts involve short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by periods of rest or low-intensity exercise. HIIT has been shown to be effective for weight loss and can burn more calories in less time than steady-state cardio exercises like running on a treadmill.
- Strength training: Resistance training or weightlifting can help build muscle mass, which can increase metabolism and burn more calories throughout the day. This can be an effective way to lose weight and improve body composition. A high volume of reps with light weights may tighten loose skin.
- Outdoor running: Running outdoors can provide a more varied workout environment, which can help prevent boredom and increase motivation. It can also burn more calories due to varying terrain and wind resistance. However, outdoor running can be more challenging and may pose risks such as uneven surfaces, traffic, and weather conditions.
So now you have a good idea of what you need to do. Get yourself a treadmill. Create a workout plan using a variety of indoor, outdoor, strength, and HIIT training. Make a healthy diet plan to reduce calories as much as possible. And finally, set goals, be consistent, journal your progress, gradually increase the difficulty of your workouts, and enjoy the process. Perseverance will leave you looking amazing and feeling confident, ready to take on the world.
Eamon is a long time fitness enthusiast with extensive experience in running, weight lifting, and nutritional health. He studies the latest research to find science-backed information about treadmills and cardiovascular health to help our readers transform their body and mind the right way.