To walk or to run; that is the question many of us ask when trying to figure out the most effective workout to reach our fitness goals. Because cardio is so vital for our health, we want to ensure we’re getting the most effective yet safest workout.
When choosing a treadmill as a vessel for fitness, it’s really important to know what your treadmill can and cannot do. One important question is if you can run on a walking treadmill? And know if you should run or walk on different types of treadmills.
It’s not recommended to run on a walking treadmill, given that it’s not designed for effective running. Many of them can not be adjusted to appropriate speeds for running, so even if you wanted to run on a walking treadmill, it might be mechanically impossible.
On average, a walking pad or walking treadmill is limited to 4mph, a moderate walking pace. They aren’t designed for high impact running, and the belts can become damaged quickly. Walking treadmills are mainly designed for moving at low speeds as you work or for exercise in the home
There are pros and cons to running on any kind of treadmill, and fitness experts often disagree about whether or not running on any treadmill is safe or effective. However, there are different types of treadmills with different speed capabilities to cater to those who want to either walk or run.
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Most Popular Walking Treadmills On Amazon
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What Is The Difference Between A Treadmill And A Walking Pad?
One main difference between a treadmill and a walking machine is the motor speed. Each type of machine is designed specifically for either the speed of walking or the speed of running. Using a machine meant for the opposite kind of workout could potentially impact the efficacy of the motor over time.
Some walking machines are made without motors, as are some treadmills. These will have specific capabilities for how fast you can walk or run. The belt moves at speed you move, so it will move more quickly if you run.
Walking machines also tend to be less expensive than treadmills as they tend to be smaller, less complicated machines. This makes walking machines much more portable, so people end up bringing them into their workplace or other small areas of the home to give themselves more opportunities to work out.
Can You Run On A Walking Pad?
Walking pads have become a popular alternative to a treadmill for those who would like something more compact and lightweight in their homes for working out. How fast a walking pad moves will depend on how fast you walk.
That being said, it is not recommended that you run, or even jog, on a walking pad. These machines are not designed for that kind of friction, so it’s possible you could cause the machine to degrade faster by running on it. It’s also not safe to run on a walking pad, considering that it’s not meant for running.
These machines are also pretty lightweight, so they might end up shifting and moving around if you try to run on them. This is extremely unsafe, and you would run the risk of falling off the machine. Given that there aren’t any handlebars on walking pads, you don’t have anything you can use to stabilize yourself with when running.
If you want to be able to run on a treadmill at home and enjoy how portable a walking pad is, consider looking for a foldable treadmill that is much easier to store for space-saving purposes when you are not using it.
How Fast Is A Walking Treadmill?
The standard speed for walking on a treadmill is two to four miles per hour. Thus, a walking treadmill will typically operate within these speed parameters. You’ll have the ability to change your speeds for walking on a walking treadmill to go from a nice, relaxed jaunt to speed walking or brisk walking.
While this might seem like it’s too slow for an effective workout, you can change the settings as you wish in order to add incline or go back and forth at different speeds. Some walking treadmills or walking machines will be able to go a little bit faster than the typical 4 miles per hour, but you should still be careful not to overexert yourself on one of these machines.
Additionally, some walking machines do not operate on a motor. In order for the belt to move to allow you to walk, it’ll follow how fast you move rather than a speed that you can operate. That being said, there may still be limits to how fast the machine will let you move before it becomes unsafe.
Can You Lose Weight On A Walking Treadmill?
Using a walking treadmill can absolutely be beneficial to your weight loss journey. There are ways to maximize your workout on a walking treadmill if you want to avoid running. Walking is not only a good way to lose weight, but it can improve your physical health on the inside as well.
If you just walk the same way for the same amount of time every day, you’re not challenging your body enough to consistently burn calories. Your body will get used to the same basic workout, and it’s become less effective as you continue the same way. Opting for a walking treadmill that allows you to adjust the incline is ideal to help you lose weight. Walking on an incline will make your body exert more effort; thus, you’ll be burning more calories.
Alternating the speeds at which you walk can also help increase your body’s calorie burning capabilities. For example, if you walk at a normal pace for five minutes, then go at a high speed for one to two minutes, and continue this pattern, you will be boosting what your body burns in a healthful, attainable way. This is commonly referred to as interval training.
Recap
It’s important to listen to what your body can do when it comes to working out with a treadmill, regardless of what kind of treadmill you have. You have to build up your endurance over time. Whether you walk or run on a treadmill, any type of exercise will do your body good.
