I think most of us that are out of our teens realize that walking is one of the best exercises that a person can do when attempting to get his body in shape. Health and fitness have become a such a great craze in this society today we are always aware that we need to get our bodies in shape. But many people like myself, hate to walk.  It is just too boring for me. I’ve attempted it too many times-but soon flat out quit.

A great alternative I have found for walking is getting on a treadmill and just walking till my little heart’s desire is fulfilled.  I find that a treadmill is not so boring and I can watch TV or something that makes time fly much faster than a boring walk. Plus it does it’s job wonderfully.

I find also that a treadmill is much less tiring than doing weight lifting or aerobics or other more intensive work out exercises. With a treadmill it doesn’t matter if it’s raining outside or what the weather is like; you can just go in your room and privately work out on your treadmill and get as intensive as you like. Some people think intensity is good but that is not necessarily so. You are better off to go at a pace that suits you individually

It is no wonder that treadmills are so very very popular today.  They give you a great physical work out on par with any other exercise machine — like an elliptical machine or a bow flex, or a rowing machine; it gives a workout equal to any of them and for some reason you just feel great when you get off that machine. You are ready for your shower and really fell good about yourself.

The simple flat out answer to this question is that you don’t need exercise equipment but the main reason that exercise equipment is so popular is because of its convenience.  Most people just won’t exercise without a machine.  Think about it-you can go in to your treadmill turn it on and have an intense workout as you’re watching TV or as you are listening to music through your Ipod.

I have heard some people put a negative slant on exercise machines because they think it isolates you from social interaction.  My answer to this is that when I work out I want to concentrate on my workout and not socializing.  If I want to socialize I will go to church or join a country club-but when I am ready to have an intense workout  I don’t want any distractions.

So I think it all comes down to each individual.  Even though exercise equipment, like a treadmill, costs a good bit of money, if it does its job and keeps you fit how can you put a price tag on your personal health.  Personally I have belonged to various gyms and I found it to be too time consuming.  Now I have four different exercise machines and love them — they have kept me tone and fit.

I believe that you need to diversify your exercise routine. For example you might have an intense aerobic exercise, then switch to AB exercises mixed in with some light weight training.  So it is really up to the individual to choose what he is comfortable with. I personally love exercise machines because they do their job, they are convenient, and I can go in to the other room and do my exercise in private. Believe me it is much quicker than changing my clothes, jumping in the car and going to the gym.  But the main thing is your health and fitness