Treadmill walking is a great way to lose weight and get in shape, while staying inside and safe from traffic and the weather. In addition, it is not necessary to purchase an expensive treadmill if it will only be used for walking; budget or mid-priced treadmills are just as effective as expensive treadmills for walking. The best tip for treadmill walking to remember is that it is necessary to push oneself, as well as to vary the incline and speed as much as possible to make the action most similar to walking outside on uneven terrain.
Treadmill walking, like any aerobic exercise, requires the purchase of supportive sneakers. Walking sneakers especially should have a sturdy heel and relatively flexible midsole, as well as enough room in the toebox so that the toes are not compressed; however, the feet should not slide around in the shoes, and the toes should not strike the front of the shoes while walking. Supportive sneakers with good traction will ensure safety on the treadmill.
Another one of the best tips for treadmill walking is to be sure to warm up first. Start slowly on the treadmill, with a slow pace to get the blood moving and loosen the muscles. Gradually increase the pace until a brisk walk is attained. Some treadmills allow users to set pre-determined programs that will automatically vary the pace throughout the walk; in addition, it is important to adjust the incline if possible.
An increased incline makes the treadmill walking more challenging, and encourages the use of different muscles. In addition, it allows the body to respond in a similar way as if one was walking outside, which helps to engage different muscle groups and increase the heart rate. Increasing the heart rate helps one to increase cardiovascular endurance as well as to burn more calories.
It is important to stay safe during treadmill walking; the treadmill should feature an emergency stop button or pull cord, or should shut off automatically if it senses that the user has fallen. Do not increase the pace too quickly, making it impossible to keep up; in addition, be sure to check heart rate if that is a concern. Some treadmills have heart-rate monitors built right in, and it is only necessary to grab the hand rails to get an accurate measure of the heart rate. After one is finished walking on the treadmill, complete the workout with some gentle stretches to prevent muscle tightness.