Question about treadmills

[clovishound]

I've gained way too much weight in the last 8 to 10 months. Yesterday I picked up a used treadmill from someone in the neighbor in the hopes that it will help me get some additional, much needed exercise. I've been walking at a brisk pace about 20-25 minutes several times a week, and expected a treadmill to be easier than actual walking. After 5 minutes on the treadmill at one of the lower settings, I was huffing and puffing, and my heart rate was much higher than I experience walking outside. I started out this morning on a lower setting, and worked up, doing about 15 minutes without getting to breathing heavy, and a heart rate around what I am used to. My legs felt tight, and muscles overworked after just a few minutes.

I thought treadmills were lower impact than walking outside. What gives? I'm pretty sure I can quickly get used to the treadmill, but am somewhat confused.

For info, this is a simple treadmill without the ability to change the incline. It has a slight incline.

[BigAl52]

You would need to know your pace outside? How long does it take you to walk 1 mile outside. When I walk Im at about 17 minute miles. Thats close to 4 MPH. I walk at least 3 miles a day when I cant ride the bike down here. At home 33 mile rides 4 times a week. Three mile walks for me burns about 430 calories. Hope that helps

[Mags]

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I thought treadmills were lower impact than walking outside. What gives? I'm pretty sure I can quickly get used to the treadmill, but am somewhat confused.
...

low impact refers to less hammering of joints (knees, ankles and hip sockets).

[markiver54]

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I thought treadmills were lower impact than walking outside. What gives? I'm pretty sure I can quickly get used to the treadmill, but am somewhat confused.
...

low impact refers to less hammering of joints (knees, ankles and hip sockets).

VERY important. My doctor told me years ago that jogging, (not walking) was bad for my back and that cycling or swimming is the best thing for me.
Good luck with your treadmill clovis. I hope you accomplish your goal. Let us know in the future.

[clovishound]

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I thought treadmills were lower impact than walking outside. What gives? I'm pretty sure I can quickly get used to the treadmill, but am somewhat confused.
...

low impact refers to less hammering of joints (knees, ankles and hip sockets).

Poor choice of words on my part. I meant impact in the context of cardiovascular impact. IE treadmills were less strenuous than normal walking.

[daytime dave]

As weight comes off, the knees, ankles and hips will feel better. Walking can be a great way to lose weight and keep it off. It sounds like the slight incline may be taking some getting used to. After a week, you'll probably feel much better and after that, you may be increasing your distance.

Whatever you do, resist the temptation to hang a sweatshirt or pant on the treadmill. Once that starts, you usually stop, lol.

[clovishound]

My suspicion is that the treadmill changes the angles and gate, and who knows what else, and uses muscles differently than what I am accustomed to. It's not extreme, or I would have woken up with sore muscles this morning. It will probably take me a little time to adjust. I was just surprised at the difference.

I'm with you on hanging clothing on it.

[Mags]

I think out walking about, the pace is subconsciously self regulated. Where-as on the treadmill, one is forced to keep up for the duration with the pace set by the treadmill.

[cooperhawk]

I bought an exercise machine one time. I use it now to put my beer and chips on while watching Nascar.

[PatientWolf]

Even a slight incline can add to the difficulty. I’ve also found that cheap treadmills are harder on me than a good one because of the lack of cushioning.

If the slope seems too much, could you fit Arx or 2x board or a couple of hockey pucks under the rear feet to reduce the slope? Just make sure they aren’t likely to slip out.

[dave77]

I bought an exercise machine one time. I use it now to put my beer and chips on while watching Nascar.

My old doctor once told me "Dave, you can't exercise yourself thin, you eat too much." I liked him, the nurse would always use the automated BP machine, when he came in he would always put on his stethoscope and use the old style BP cuff.

[BrokenolMarine]

A good friend of mine asked his doc what he thought the VERY best exercise would be that would help HIM lose weight. The doc never hesitated. "Push Backs." My buddy said he had never heard of those. His doc just grinned. "Push back from the dang table every once in a while brother... "

[Sir Henry]

Exercise is work and you should expect some discomfort at first. As you get in better shape you will feel much younger and have more energy to exercise even more.

[clovishound]

Even a slight incline can add to the difficulty. I’ve also found that cheap treadmills are harder on me than a good one because of the lack of cushioning.

If the slope seems too much, could you fit Arx or 2x board or a couple of hockey pucks under the rear feet to reduce the slope? Just make sure they aren’t likely to slip out.

Slope isn't too much, and I found yesterday that I could pretty much dial in a heart rate by varying the speed.

Exercise is work and you should expect some discomfort at first. As you get in better shape you will feel much younger and have more energy to exercise even more.

I understand that. I'm actually not in that bad a shape, I can walk 2 miles at a brisk pace without breathing hard. I was just surprised it was so hard right off the bat compared to walking. I didn't expect that, based on what I had read.

[Oldbrass]

Good on you for taking care of yourself before it gets out of hand, walking is excellent exercise. You have a dog ? They're always up for a walk to

[BigAl52]

Resting heart rate is a good indicator of body shape

[clovishound]

My resting heart rate has always run a tad high, even when I was in great shape. My blood pressure, likewise, has always been a bit high.

[RanchRoper]

I’ll rent out Badger. A few laps on him at a long trot and you’ll drop 10 lbs.