Should I Buy a Treadmill?

Walking on treadmill, getting 300 minutes of exercise per week

Every winter, I get asked about the best equipment for use at home.

My first recommendation tends to be a treadmill. Walking outside can be difficult due to darkness, and when snow piles up, the sidewalks can become narrow and slippery. On days like this, the treadmill can really help get those daily steps up and allow you to achieve the recommended active minutes per week (think 300 per week).

Here are my thoughts on the perfect treadmill:

✅ Be sure to get one that is quiet enough that you can listen to your TV or podcast. Seriously. Most people plan to put the treadmill in front of some sort of screen, so if you can’t hear it, that is a problem. Usually, the more quiet ones are a bit more money.

✅ Next, the treadmill is a big piece of equipment. If you go through with the effort to get it to your house, you might as well spend a little more money on one that is going to last. We have all seen the cheap treadmill with a FREE sign on it in someone’s yard. Get one that is built to last at least 5 years (mine lasted 10 before I changed it out).

How to exercise on the treadmill.

✅Variation is key. There are very convenient buttons on every treadmill that allow you to increase and decrease both the speed and incline. Use them. Going at just one speed and one incline can lead to overuse in your feet, knees or hips. Your body likes change, so go ahead and make slight adjustments. I like to manually change the settings, but there are pre-programmed settings as well. I like a slight incline, at least 2%, when I walk flat. This takes a bit of pressure off of my knees and hips. Give it a try. There is often an angle that feels good, so play around with it and find your comfort spot. 

✅Sneakers. Barefoot is not a good idea. Get sneakers that are supportive and comfortable and designed for walking. I recommend having a pair that you use inside only. If you keep the dirt and grime off of your treadmill track, it will last longer. You can check out more about what I have to say about sneakers in this blog post.

Treadmills aren’t the best choice for everyone. But if you are an avid outdoor walker in mild weather, they are an excellent alternative when the weather turns. 

I will talk about stationary bikes next time.

👉300 minutes a week. Yup, that’s the goal. Any way you can get it.

If you are looking for a supportive group of women who exercise 4 days a week, and help keep you accountable, be sure to check out Strong Women Stand Tall and Build Muscle, the next cohort is starting soon.