Walking is a great cardiovascular workout, but treadmills offer convenience, customization, and a safe workout platform.
Know what experts say about their pros and cons.
Exercise has become crucial than over as instances of heart disease rise. Walking, especially in parks, is healthy for the heart. It’s a terrific cardiovascular workout that strengthen bones and maintain the heart and vascular system.
But the big question is: Which is better—a stroll in the park or a treadmill run/walk? Dr. Debashish Chanda, Orthopedics, CK Birla Hospital Gurugram, discussed the advantages and downsides.
Treadmill Exercise: Pros and Cons
Dr. Debashish Chanda outlines treadmill workout benefits:
1. Convenience: You can do it at home or at the gym, which is the largest benefit. You may workout anytime, anywhere. It’s convenient and unaffected by the outer world.
2. Customization: You may change the pace, inclination, and fitness objectives on the treadmill.
3. measure Your Goals: A treadmill can measure exercise goals, calories burned, heart rate, and more.
4. A Safe Workout Platform: Treadmills offer a smooth walking surface, adjustable inclination, and regulated atmosphere. Treadmills are knee-friendly since you can change the slope.
Treadmill Exercise Disadvantages
1. Boring: Treadmills may get boring. Home or gym, convenience might get boring.
2. No Fresh Air: Treadmills are indoor exercises, thus there’s no fresh air.
3. costly: Treadmills are costly, especially as personal equipment, costing between Rs 25,000 and lakhs. It requires room, energy, and upkeep.
Dr. Debashish Chanda also listed the pros and downsides of walking:
The Pros
1. Walking in nature is the biggest benefit. You’re refreshed. Walking, especially with others, might be more fun than working out.
2. Cost-effective: Walking costs nothing, except for excellent shoes. No gym membership or pricey equipment needed. Walk around your apartment, neighborhood park, or roof.
3. Walking is sociable. You may socialize with friends, neighbors, and new acquaintances. Friends might be your biggest incentive.
4. Change Is Constant: Take a different track, start at a different time, and the walk will be fresh.
The Cons:
1. Weather Issues: Since you’re walking outside, bad weather—extreme heat, cold, or rain—can interrupt your timetable.
2. Safety: In India, not everyone has access to walking routes. Walking on the streets is safe here, regardless of the surroundings, roads, or traffic.
Walking or Treadmill?
Dr. Debashish Chanda concludes that both have merits and downsides. Pulse oximeters, cellphones, and fitness watches allow you to track fitness objectives while walking. The treadmill is slightly better for the elderly. Walking is difficult for elderly adults with joint, back, and osteoporosis because safe walking areas are scarce. If a part is not nearby, a simple treadmill might be a smart purchase.”
