Friday, June 12, 2009

Home Treadmills and the Health Benefits of Walking

By Jeffrey Hobbs

Many people don't realize the many health benefits of walking. They believe in order to get a good workout you have to run, go jogging, lift weights, or spend all day at the gym. However, studies have shown that walking provides many health benefits to any person wanting to get into better shape.

Anyone can benefit from walking even if you're young, old, thin, or overweight. Walking is beneficial to numerous body systems including the heart, lungs, and circulatory system. Going for walks daily also increases muscle tone, burns calories and reduces the risk of many diseases including heart attacks, stroke, hip fractures, and even glaucoma. The great thing about walking is that you don't need a prescription to take advantage of the full range of benefits available. The only requirement is a comfortable pair of sneakers!

If you'd like to make your heart stronger and lose weight going for daily walks will really help a lot. Walking at a brisk pace will also decrease your level of bad cholesterol and raise the amount of good cholesterol in your blood. Many people are able to stop taking their blood pressure and cholesterol medications after starting their walking routine. This not only saves money but may also save your life.

Walking is a good form of physical activity which helps to lower the amount of low-density lipoproteins in the bloodstream. This in turn increases the levels of good cholesterol. Good cholesterol helps to keep plaque buildup at bay which is a major cause of heart attacks in people of all ages. Walking could be the most powerful form of medication available and you don't even need a prescription to take it.

If you don't like the idea of leaving home or don't have a lot of time to exercise a home treadmill would be a good options. Many people are able to multitask by using a treadmill at home. You also don't have to spend money on a gym membership that requires you to leave the house or drive long distances. With the price of gas these days you don't want to drive anywhere if you don't have to.

The great thing about treadmills is that as your fitness levels increases it will adjust to your needs and requirements. Settings can be changed quite easily to adjust the level and intensity of the workout. You also don't have to worry about as many injuries with walking. Running is a lot harder on your muscles and joints. If you don't like the hard surface of a blacktop road or sidewalk, treadmills also offer an additional level of comfort. - 16887

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