treadmill question

Jessicaruby

i like to walk at a brisk pace on my treadmill at a pretty steep incline on some days instead of running. my question though is that i enjoy reading when i am walking but find that i usually need to hold on to the treadmill as i am walking in order to hold the book. is this defeating the purpose? am i buring alot less calories by holding on or does it matter?

JeanWalker109

I think the idea is, holding on to the rails you use less of the stabilizer muscles (core/ab) and your arms don't move as much, so that's less calories used, too. Still, walking at a brisk pace on incline - I'd think you're still burning a nice amount.

I think the fact that you're moving period, and as fast & uphill as you do...you're fine regardless. Just my opinion.

*smiles*

Jean

melizerd

You will burn less calories and use less core muscles if you're stabilizing yourself by holding on.


Think about audio books to listen to while you walk/run on the treadmill, best of both worlds.

delmeg10

You will burn less calories and use less core muscles if you're stabilizing yourself by holding on.


Think about audio books to listen to while you walk/run on the treadmill, best of both worlds.

That is a great idea! I used to listen to audio books when I'd go on 6-8 hour car rides. It was the only thing that passed the time for me. :-)

Azdak

i like to walk at a brisk pace on my treadmill at a pretty steep incline on some days instead of running. my question though is that i enjoy reading when i am walking but find that i usually need to hold on to the treadmill as i am walking in order to hold the book. is this defeating the purpose? am i buring alot less calories by holding on or does it matter?

Absolutely. Depending on the incline and speed, you can reduce the number of calories burned by 40%-50% by holding on to the handrails. No handrails.