Treadmill to exercise without going outside

[Katybarstool]

Hi

I would like to hear your experience of using one of these. I'm in desperate need of more exercise and I think a treadmill might be manageable, as then it won't matter what the weather is like.

I have Sjogrens, arthritis in my feet, Raynaud's and peripheral neuropathy, and I'm also deseprate to lose 10 lbs or so.

Thanks
Kathy

[katie1111]

I have been exercising on a treadmill for years and find it an excellent way to exercise.  It has the advantage that you can modify your progress.  Start slow.  It is important that you work with your balance and not hold on.  Start at whatever speed and incline you need to be able to walk without holding on and then you can gradually increase.  My doctor says that an incline of 3 or 4 best mimics actual walking outside.  He also suggests I increase the incline from 3 to 5 for 1 minute every 5 minutes.  I do vary my speed and distance according to how I feel each day, but I have definitely gotten stronger.

Katie

[Katybarstool]

Thanks Katie -your reply is very useful

Kathyx

[Carebear]

I have been walking on a treadmill for several years myself.  I watch television while I exercise to pass the time more quickly.  It has become my daily routine when the weather makes it hard to get outdoors which is roughly six months of the year.

For full benefit,  you should try to ultimately build up to about thirty minutes daily.  But you don't have to walk this all at once.  Small ten minute intervals three times daily is perfect.

For safety's sake, attach that special stop button thing to your clothes.  If you happen to lose your balance, the treadmill will stop and prevent injury.

If you are still at the shopping stage,  I recommend you go for quality.  Something good and solid that you can count on for many years.  I hope it works well for you, Kathy.

[irish]

I am going to tell you something that will probably surprise you. My neurologist won't let me use a treadmill. I have some balance issues that wane and ebb but never leave. She says that treadmills are notoriously dangerous for people with balance issues. No way am I to use one. Sort of sucks cause I can't ride a bike outside due to balance and I can't ride an exercise bike cause it triggers my 2 old knee injuries. Therabands work well!!!!! You can buy them at Walmart. They come in a set and have different strengths.

Therefore, I am going to advise you to at least hang on cause I have have heard of some bad accidents with treadmills and even one death. Happy exercising. Irish

[Katybarstool]

Thanks everyone.

I boought a pre-used electric one and have had my first walk on it today. I only did a very short time, but am aiming to build up to about 20 minutes each day. I also started a Pilates class on Monday, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Here's to the new, fit Kathy

[LisaMarie]

I am a runner.  I also do the Beach Body 21 day fix exercises (I have the dvds).  I love working out at home.  The Pilates routine is my very favorite!  Low impact but hits the muscles.  I also follow the meal plan so I know I'm getting a balance diet and it is about eating clean.  No packaged foods.  I follow it 80/20...meaning I allow myself to cheat 20% of the time.  Since May, I've lost over 30 pounds and went from a tight size 10 to a loose size 6.

If you have any issues with the treadmill, see if you have a planet fitness nearby.  It's only $10 a month.  Try the elliptical machine.  I like to try machines before buying.

The proper balance of nutrition/diet and exercise will help you build muscles and loose weight.  Muscles will help you protect your bones and joints more too.  I still have pain.  But it is more tolerable.  It takes a while to get there.  It won't happen overnight.  If you stay with it, you will feel better.  You will just have to give it time. 

[Katybarstool]

Thanks LisaMarie

I'm still doing little and often on the treadmill and weekly Pilates sessions. I know it isn't a lot but I'm 58 and still working almost full time, and my energy levels are not very high. But I feel confident I will get better.

I lost 18 lbs on a modified Atkins diet a couple of years ago. Then I got bored, and so have gained about 10 lbs again. Tomorrow I am going back on it. I want to lose that 10 lbs in time for our 40 wedding anniversary cruise to Hawaii in December.

Wish me luck:) BTW I'm in the UK, so don't have access to the 10 dollar gym.

Kathyx