Treadmills are tools used to sell gym memberships. That is all.
Look how easy.
Watch TV.
Lean on the rails.
Lose weight.
Sold.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way for a few reasons:
1. It’s low in intensity.
The only way to maximize calorie expenditure and raise your
metabolism to get that slim and lean look is to train intensely. The aforementioned amenities make that
impossible on a treadmill. Then there’s
the fact that the ground is moving for you negating the necessity of you having
to drive yourself forward, essentially reducing the intensity by 50%. And even if you were a brave enough soul to
try to sprint on a treadmill, it’s pretty dangerous. Go to YouTube and search “treadmill fail” if
you don’t believe me.
2. It creates muscle and joint imbalances.
I know this is boring to most people, but it’s a reality
that will catch up to you eventually if you use a treadmill more than once in
awhile. Because of the moving ground, your body is forced to lift your leg at a normal force and pace,
but it never has to drive the leg back as it would on the ground or anywhere in
real life. This excessive repeated
flexion of the ankle, knee and hip in the absence of equal parts extension results
in muscle imbalances around the joint.
You don’t need a degree in bio-mechanics to see this will lead to an
orthopedic issue at some point at one of those joints.
If you enjoy running or walking, stick to doing it outdoors.
If you’re goal is a strong, sexy physique stick to fast paced total body strength training.
