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A treadmill is versatile and easy to use fitness equipment. You can perform a wide range of workouts at your home gym, but a running machine is one of the best exercising tools because of its endless benefits.
But the question is: Are Treadmills Suitable for Overweight People?
Though it allows you to walk, jog or run that also at variable speeds. So, you can perform any of the activities at your will.
But weight does matter.
If you think you are a heavyweight person, you must consider a heavy-duty treadmill with a high weight capacity. You should easily find a suitable treadmill that allows 350 to 400 lbs in the market. Or you can directly call the manufacturer’s sales or customer care for prior discussion.
Talking about a walk down the streets sounds good, but you need to deal with external factors. For instance, there might not be a suitable track for jogging nearby your residence. But, you don’t have to worry about anything in the case of a treadmill. You can choose the route, speed and resistance as per your mood.
Running on a treadmill is best for weight management. You can lose more than 100 calories per mile. Expect to burn more if you’re too fat for treadmill because it will be hard to run if you are very heavy. But, be happy because you will cut more fat in less time.
Walking is equally healthy if practised every day. It’s even better if you are using incline or any inbuilt resistance on the treadmill. If you want to check the burnt calories, then are some helpful websites like Health Status.
Some of the treadmills come with workout programs that help you to maintain a fit and active body. You need to follow the schedule suggested in the course.
Many individuals tricked the extra weight with regular running, and you can do the same. You can achieve a great personality even by walking and jogging on the running machine.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Outdoor running tracks are not gentle on your joints, unlike a treadmill. It’s the primary reason why heavy users can workout on a running machine. A heavy duty treadmill comes with a thick cushion that makes your walking or jogging session smooth and easy.
Hence, you don’t have to worry about hilly terrains, inclines, declines or any injuries that can be caused due to uneven grounds.
Treadmill workouts for overweight beginners are helpful when you are planning to burn some extra fat. Apart from that, you will find multiple training courses and videos online. As a beginner, you should start with at least 8 minutes of walk on the treadmill.
Increase the time to 10 minutes in the next week. Add two minutes every seven days till you reach the 12th week. Please make sure you mix incline walking for 2 minutes till week 4, then increase it to 3, 4, and 5 minutes for week 5 and 6, 6 and 7, 8 and 9, respectively. This plan is suitable for beginners who has a small to moderate amount of extra fat to lose.
We talked about the good part. Now, are you ready to know the negatives? Well, a treadmill makes impacts on your joints, especially if you are overweight. The jerks are comparatively lower when you are walking. The hard pounding of running steps can be challenging for obese users, even if the tread belt is heavily cushioned. It’s the reason why you should analyze the situation if you are an overweight user.
Most of the home treadmills come with a restricted weight limit. So, there are two options left. Either you choose to invest in high weight capacity residential running machine. Or you can visit a nearby gym or health club to use a sturdy treadmill. However, be ready for embarrassments if you are overweight.
So, What are the Suggestions?
Go slow and easy; it’s what an overweight individual should do. Not only for a heavy user, but it’s true for anyone who is starting a workout plan. Do not expect significant fat loss immediately. After few weeks of daily workout, all these physical activities will become a part of your life, and you will enjoy sweating. Be regular, and you will get your dream body.
Fortunately, the treadmill is a very flexible exercising machine. If you are a beginner, then we suggest that you start with a walk and run plan. As we discussed earlier, walking for a few weeks is the first step, then you should start running.
Such a schedule is best for overweight users because walking and running is something very natural. Any of us can perform these two activities with minimal efforts. Plus, you have the option to control your walking or running speed.
If you own a treadmill, then no one is going to watch while you are sweating. So, wear what makes you feel comfortable and run until you lose all your strength. Start with walking and incorporate some jogging and then running once you lose some weight.
You can also train your legs on incline walking or running. An incline tread belt exerts more pressure on your body. More resistance leads to added calories loss. Make sure you step on a treadmill after putting on a pair of sports shoes, even if you are only interested in walking.
You can purchase high-quality running shoes within £40. Browse Amazon to find some of the best sport’s shoes available in the UK market.
Why Walking is Better?
Most of the users assume that the treadmill is only for running, losing breath and sweating. Well, these three things don’t sound fun if you are overweight.
Here is the good news.
You don’t have to bring running into the picture in the beginning. As we discussed earlier, walking is an excellent exercise for obese users because of its low impact nature. As there is no foot pounding involved, you don’t have to worry about hurting your knees as well.
Walking is a natural activity. A human child starts walking any time after 12 months. It means you are walking for a long time now. Plus, think about the automatic movement, wherein you don’t have to be intensely focused. These are the reasons why walking is one of the best exercises you can include in your lifestyle.
Treadmills for Overweight Users – What Should You Check?
The treadmills at gyms and health clubs are commercial machines made to withstand daily usage irrelevant of the users’ weight and size. So, you don’t have to worry about damaging this equipment, even if you are overweight. However, there are few factors that you need to check while purchasing a running tool for your residential purpose.
Wide running belt: Treadmills at commercial establishments are generally manufactured with wide tread belts. They can accommodate all the users without any problem; however, we cannot state the same for running tools designed for home gyms. So, check the tread belts width before investing in a budget treadmill.
Weight capacity: Like all the fitness equipment, the treadmill has a maximum weight capacity. So, we suggest that you choose a running machine that has an ability to withstand more weight than yours. For instance, if you weigh 85 kg, you should choose something that can deal with more than 100 kg.
Solid frame: One of the most important factors to check because only a solid frame can bear your weight if you are obese. So, try a model that comes with a high-quality steel built.
Warranty: If you are serious about your health, then make a habit of working out every day. Whether you choose to walk or run on a treadmill, spend at least 30 minutes every day on your fitness. To get the best out of your workout schedule, we suggest that you choose a treadmill available with an excellent warranty.
Consult Your Doctor
If you are obese or overweight, then contact your health consultant before trying any of the treadmills. Your doctor will check your reports and let you know the best physical activities that you can perform. Some fitness trainers might advise you to indulge in exercises that make no impacts on your lower body parts. So, be ready for swimming or elliptical trainers. Such activities train your body so that you can be ready to walk or run on a treadmill.
Your medical professional or team will love that you decided to live a healthy and fit life. Start working out regularly, and you will never experience health troubles like diabetes or any cardiovascular problems.
So, if you are overweight, then it’s time to take the first step. It’s now or never. Treadmill workouts for overweight beginners will be rewarding because they will lead to fat loss. After spending few weeks on a treadmill, you will feel strong physically as well as mentally.
The Bottom Line
So, yes, the heavy-duty treadmills are suitable for overweight people. But, it would help if you started with a walk. As we were discussing earlier, you should walk up to 8 to 10 minutes. Increase the walking time until you reach 30 minutes.
Step on the treadmill at least three days per week. As per WHO, you should perform 150 minutes of exercise every week to live a healthy life. It equals 30 minutes five days a week. After working out regularly on the treadmill, you will notice considerable changes in your body.
Keep a check on your diet if you are aiming to lose some extra fat. The combination of a regular workout and nutritious diet can make you a winner in terms of fitness. So, include a treadmill in your exercise schedule and start the journey towards a healthy and active life.