As the cases of heart related ailments are on the rise, the importance of exercise cannot be stressed enough. Walking, in particular, is considered a heart-healthy exercise, whether it’s brisk walking in parks or on a treadmill. Both are considered to be very good cardiovascular exercises which not only keep our heart and vascular system fit but are also very useful for our strong bones. However, which is better – a walk in the park/outside or a run/jog on a treadmill? Dr. Debashish Chanda, Orthopedician, CK Birla Hospital Gurugram shared with us the pros and cons of both. Let’s see.
Working out on a Treadmill: Advantages and Disadvantages
Benefit:
Dr Devashish Chanda enumerates the advantages of working out on a treadmill:
1. Feature: The biggest advantage is that it is a convenient thing, you can do it at your home or even at your gym. You can exercise regardless of the season, time, date or day. You can use it at your own convenient time and you don’t have to think about the external environment.
2. Customization: You can customize the treadmill, you can increase or decrease the speed, set the incline and record your fitness, set goals.
3. Track Your Goals: On a treadmill, one can easily track their fitness goals, calories burned, heart rate monitoring, and more.
4. A Safe Workout Platform: With their smooth running surface, adjustable incline and controlled environment, treadmills provide a safe workout platform. Even if you have any knee problems, you can adjust the incline to make it comfortable for you; Treadmills can be joint-friendly.
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Harm:
1. Boring The biggest disadvantage of a treadmill is that it can get boring after a point. Whether it’s your home or the gym, too much of a convenience factor can prove to be monotonous.
2. No fresh air: It is an indoor exercise and hence it means there is no fresh air when you are walking or running on the treadmill.
3. Expensive: Especially as a piece of personal equipment, treadmills are expensive – it starts at no less than around Rs 25,000 while the high-end ones will cost in lakhs. There is also maintenance cost, power cost and it will take up a lot of space.
Walking: Pros and Cons
Dr. Debasish Chanda now lists the advantages and disadvantages of walking while talking about this form of exercise:
1. Nature Walk: The main advantage of walking is that you are getting exercise in nature. You feel recharged and rejuvenated. While working out can feel like a chore, for the same amount of time walking, especially in company, can feel far more enjoyable.
2. Cost Effective: You literally don’t need to spend anything to start running, except perhaps investing in a good pair of shoes. No need to buy expensive equipment or gym membership. You can simply take a walk in your apartment or the neighborhood park or on the roof of your house.
3. Social Activity: Walking can be a social activity. You can meet friends and neighbors or make new friendships and it can become a platform for social interaction. In fact, a good circle of friends can be your biggest motivator.
4. Change is Constant: You can take a different trail, leave at a different time, and the walk won’t feel new and boring.
Harm:
1. Meteorological Issues: Because you’re running outside, weather remains a concern, and inclement weather — whether it’s extreme heat, cold or rain — can affect your running schedule.
2. Security Concerns: In a country like India, not everyone has proper footpaths to walk on. Be it unsafe environment, bumpy roads or dangerous traffic, walking on the roads is always a safe option.
Walking vs Treadmill: The Final Verdict
Dr. Devashish Chanda says that in conclusion it should be accepted that both have their own advantages and disadvantages. “Thanks to pulse oximeters or pulse meters, smartphones, or fitness watches, you can now track fitness goals, even if you’re just walking. However, if you have the elderly group in mind in particular, I would say that a treadmill has a slight edge. Many older people have joint problems, back problems, and osteoporosis, and walking can be a problem because safe walking space is not available everywhere. So a basic treadmill Can be a good investment if no parts are readily available.