Imagine there are 1,000 obese people in a country. Every one of them is keen to lose weight. Let us say that 600 of them enroll in a weight loss and exercise program. After a span of a month you are most likely to find 100 of them sticking to their exercise plans and losing weight. If you check, you are sure to find out that 75 per cent of these people are working out regularly on the treadmill. No wonder this machine is considered the most important equipment as far as any weight loss program is concerned.

What makes this equipment such a hit?

The kind of exercise activity that you perform on treadmill is what makes it popular. Walking is an activity that is inherent to human nature. It does not require any special training.

While exercising on treadmill, there are no rigorous jumps, twists or turns involved. You can just stretch your legs and pump your hands. That's it! It is the best option for elderly people who find it comforting to do an exercise that they already know instead of having to learn new tricks.

Kinds of treadmill:

Treadmills are of two kinds:

• Manual: These are cheaper but more difficult. This equipment consists of a conveyor belt that has to be pushed by the feet to keep it rolling. That helps one to keep on walking.

• Automated: Here, electricity keeps the belt rolling. The exerciser can adjust the speed according to his/her comfort level. These treadmills also come with preset programs that vary the speed according to one's needs. These machines however are very expensive.

The advantages of walking:

Walking is one of the topmost aerobic exercises recommended by doctors. The advantages include:

• Boosts energy levels
• Burns a higher percentage of body fat
• Decrease health risks associated with exercise
• Increase fitness and overall health

Why should you buy a treadmill?

Often people who walk in gardens or parks do not lose weight. This is because a walk around the park is usually random and thus not helpful. Though you might not be aware of it, you are operating much below your optimum level. There is a much less physical expenditure of energy which is not enough to cause any significant loss in weight. If you are planning to lose weight by walking, a personal treadmill is just the right machine. Walk while you watch your favorite TV show. Exercise whenever you have free time. Research shows that exercise need not be continuous to be effective. Exercising for a 10-minute stretch 3-5 times a day can be a great way to lose weight.

There is another major benefit of this gadget. It is an excellent long-term investment. If you use it with proper care, you do not need to spend much on maintenance and repairs. This machine is almost as good as a lifelong membership in a gym or a club.

Summary:

You spend a lot of energy and lose a tremendous amount of weight when you exercise on a treadmill. The best part is that even elderly people can exercise on their own schedule and at their own pace in their homes. For people who do not have an active lifestyle, walking is one of the best exercises to begin weight loss. A treadmill is therefore one of the must-haves if you want to lose weight.