Treadmill or exercise bike? Find out which one is right for you

Advantages and disadvantages of the treadmill

What are the advantages of the treadmill?

1. It is a gradual cardiovascular exercise adjustable to your physical capacity

The good thing about the treadmill is that you are not forced to run. It is not advisable to overexert yourself in your training. It is best to start gradually and gradually increase the intensity of the exercise. In addition, all professionals recommend a medical check-up before starting any physical activity, especially your cardiovascular health. Therefore, the treadmill is a machine suitable for all ages and physical states because it allows you to adjust the intensity.

2. The treadmill allows you to perform aerobic exercise

The treadmill improves aerobic capacity. An aerobic exercise is one in which the muscles move in a rhythmic manner for a long time. This causes the body to need more oxygen, and the way to get it is to increase the rate of breathing and heart rate. Therefore, it helps the heart, lungs and circulatory system to be active and strengthened.

3. You can also do anaerobic training

Additionally, the treadmill allows you to do anaerobic exercise. This type of exercise is one where the body does not use oxygen as its main source of energy. Instead, it uses reserves stored in your muscles, such as glucose, to generate the energy you need for endurance physical exercise. If you increase the incline or do short, explosive sprints on the treadmill, you will be doing anaerobic exercise.

4. The treadmill helps you control body weight

The treadmill helps control body weight, since more calories are consumed in less time and it works the entire body. When walking or running, large muscle groups are used, therefore caloric expenditure is greater. The amount of calories you burn will depend on factors such as the speed, intensity of the exercise, your body weight and your physical condition. In addition, each person’s diet is also involved in weight control.

What are the disadvantages of the treadmill?

1. It can overload the joints

For specialists, one of the main disadvantages of the treadmill is the repetitive impact. Although treadmills have cushioning, the repetitive impact of running or walking on a hard surface can be more stressful on the joints than other exercises. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to the technique, the shoes you use and the cushioning of your treadmill.

2. It takes up too much space

Another problem is the size of this machine. Treadmills take up a lot of space in a home. This can be an inconvenience for those who live in apartments or small spaces. Being a more complex machine, the initial cost is also higher if we compare it with the

stationary bicycle

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3. The treadmill can be monotonous

Another disadvantage can be the monotony of always running in the same place. However, many people solve this in different ways. Some prefer to run while watching TV or listening to a podcast. Others sign up for online running programs, the teacher and classmates each connect from home, but this serves to have guided training and classmates who motivate you.

4. When you exercise at home, you don’t have a trainer

Lastly, when training from home, you may feel a little lost on how to get started. But this can be solved in different ways. If you have the budget, you can hire a personal trainer. Also on the internet and social networks there are many content creators who share training plans for different physical conditions. You just have to find the one that suits your objectives.

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