Guess what? Exercise does not discriminate! Regardless of your age, gender, level of education, political affiliation, or income status, you could benefit from some sort of physical activity everyday! The only acceptable excuses for not exercising are physical and/or mental limitations. Today, it is becoming more and more popular to exercise your way to good health on a treadmill.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to consult your health care professional before beginning any exercise program. This is especially true if it has been awhile since you last did any ‘real’ exercise. Once you have been given the go ahead, however, it’s time to get started! No more excuses!

Benefits of a Treadmill Workout

You need not be a runner to benefit from a treadmill workout. Walking just happens to be one of the best forms of exercise there is! Fortunately, almost everyone has the ability to walk. Walking is natural, and pretty much everyone who knows how to walk engages in walking to some degree everyday. Strive to increase the amount of time you walk and the speed at which you walk, and you’ll be on the way to a healthier you.

Below are some of the benefits of working out on a treadmill: It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to operate a treadmill. Practically anybody can use one. Treadmill workouts are done in a controlled environment. Your workouts can be comfortable, and you are able to avoid exercising outdoors in extreme weather conditions. Treadmills provide safe, low-impact workouts. You can get consistent workouts on a treadmill. Just set the speed and incline levels, and you will work at a constant pace throughout each exercise session. Treadmill workouts can be done while engaging in other activities, such as watching the news on TV or catching up on some reading.

There ARE a few drawbacks to treadmill workouts. The major drawback is that you actually have to have access to a treadmill to work out on one! Fortunately, if you cannot afford to purchase your own treadmill, most gyms have one or several treadmill machines available for use for a moderate membership fee. Or, perhaps, you have a friend or relative who would let you use his/her treadmill.

Once you have access to a treadmill and begin your treadmill exercise program, you may vary your workouts to keep from getting bored. (Remember, variety is the spice of life!) If you enjoy music, crank up the volume on your stereo or CD player and walk along to your favorite tunes. You may alternate between a fast pace and a slow, easy pace. Do some hill-climbing intervals. Add hand weights to work your upper body and lower body simultaneously.

As you focus on alternating your moves, speed, and incline level, you’ll find the workouts less monotonous. And, if you aren’t constantly watching the clock to see how much time you have left in your workout, time will seem to go by more quickly.

If you’re ready to get back into shape, consider working out on a treadmill. To be truly healthy and fit, exercise is an important part of your daily routines. Treadmill exercise can be convenient, comfortable, and safe for most individuals.

Cyndi Waters is a personal trainer and fitness writer. You can learn more about weight loss at her I Hate Diets! Weight-loss Program web site.