Health and Wellness Access

One of the best ways to get fit and healthy-and stay that way-is walking on a treadmill. Treadmills are great for people who are just entering the world of exercise because workout intensities can change as physical endurance grows.

People who are serious about walking often choose walking on a treadmill over walking outside. They know how easy it is to procrastinate exercising if they have been forced to forego it for a few days because of bad weather. They know that having their own treadmill takes away any excuse they may have to not exercise, and it enables them to walk when it’s convenient to them.

A question that is on the minds of many people who are beginning a walking workout program is how much time they should walk. How long you should walk for will be based on your health and fitness condition and what your goals are. Most health professionals and exercise experts recommend that people try to walk 30 to 60 minutes at a pace that will bring their heart rates up to 50 to 70 percent of their maximum heart rate.

You can estimate your maximum heart rate by applying a simple formula of 220 minus your age. For example, if you are 25 years old you take 220 minus 25 to get a maximum heart rate of 195. Fifty to seventy percent of that would be 98-137. Following the expert recommendations, you should strive to keep your heart rate between 98-137 beats per minute during your entire workout.

If that sounds too strenuous, you do have options. You can cut those minutes in half and walk twice a day, or cut them into three or four blocks of walking time. Whatever works for you is fine. The most important thing is you are getting up and moving more days of the week than you are not. Also be sure that regardless of how long you workout, you maintain a heart rate between 50-70 percent of your maximum heart rate for optimal results.

In a short amount of time you will find that your walking program will become easier and easier. This means you are getting in better fitness condition and your maximum heart rate has increased. When this happens, it’s a sign that you should intensify your walking program and go to the next level. Keep your heart rate at 60-70 percent of your new maximum heart rate and you will continue to get a stronger cardiovascular system, too.

Whether you haven’t exercised in weeks, months or ever-it’s never too late to start treadmill walking for fitness and weight loss success. Today’s treadmills are much like personal trainers because they can monitor your heart rate, calories burned, walking speed, distance and more. Whether you walk, jog or run, treadmills can accommodate anyone and help you reach your goals!