We’ve all got our reasons to complain — we’re overworked and underpaid; we’re new parents; we’re struggling through school; we’re battling with self-confidence issues. If you go to a friend, family member, or doctor and tell them you’re tired, stressed, overweight, or unhappy, what’s the first thing they tell you? Change your diet, go to bed earlier, and, of course, exercise. But in this day and age, when everything seems to cost a fortune but we’re never making more money, who really wants to invest in a gym membership when we all know those cards are going to sit in our wallets for months, unused? It’s understandable - exercise isn’t for everyone, and who wants to make time to do something that seems like a chore? But look at it this way: by simply getting a treadmill for your home rather than a gym membership, you’ll save loads of cash in the long run, not have to leave your house, and improve your life in a few unexpected ways.
Improve your Mood.
This is a big one for most of us. Getting up, going to work, doing chores, and going to sleep on a lather-rinse-repeat cycle will wear on anyone. Instead of resenting your day-to-day life, getting in just a half hour of walking every other day will greatly lift your spirits. Exercise releases endorphins, otherwise known as the brain chemical that makes us happy. Studies show that regular walkers have much lower stress levels than couch potatoes. Your day just goes by quicker when you’re in a better mood!
Get Better Rest.
There’s nothing worse than going to work after you didn’t get a restful night’s sleep, and once you get home, you’re too tired to worry about food shopping, playing with the kids, or even reading a book. If you fit in a few walking sessions per week, you’ll sleep better at night. More restful sleep has a million health benefits in itself, but waking up feeling refreshed will help you get more done in the day.
Control your Weight.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be running or even engaging in a strenuous workout every day to shed pounds or prevent weight gain. A three-mile walk will take you somewhere around 45 minutes and burn off roughly 300 calories. That’s probably your entire breakfast! It’s a great start to start losing weight, especially when combined with an improved diet. And no one has ever complained about slimming down.
Aside from the obvious benefits — being more active can help fend off diabetes and cancer, helps you to live longer, fights heart disease and stroke, et cetera — putting a treadmill in your home can greatly improve your day-to-day life without having to invest in a gym membership. You’ll have no more excuses, like weather or not wanting to travel, to avoid your short, easy workout. And once you start feeling better, you won’t want to stop!
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Eric Regan is a writer with a keen interest in travel, cars and technology. He has written for blogs covering all of this topics and much more
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