Do you have some extra weight that you'd like to get rid of? There are all sorts of fad diets and exercise routines that are intended for that purpose. However, one of the best, proven methods of burning lots of calories and seeing the desired result of weight loss is working out on a treadmill.

How to Shed Those Pounds

Working out on a treadmill to lose weight requires consistent exercise within a fat-burning target range for a minimum amount of time (at least, 20 minutes, but preferably, 45 minutes to one hour per workout). Of course, if you're just starting out, you'll want to begin at a nice, easy pace. You may choose to do shorter workouts for a few weeks and gradually increase the length and intensity of each session, as your fitness level improves. The main objective is to keep your body moving...as fast and as long as you can comfortably do so.

Doing a fat-burning workout on a treadmill means that your body will be exerting itself harder and using more muscles than if you were merely doing a normal-paced walk. This faster pace and extra effort means that you'll be covering more distance in less time. You'll also be burning more calories. The more calories you burn, the more weight you can lose. (Avoid pigging out on junk food during the day, however, so all the extra energy expenditure won't be wasted. Eat a balanced, healthy diet even after you've lost the fat, to avoid gaining it all back. On days that you work out really hard, eat more carbs and less fat. And, don't skip breakfast!)

Regular exercise on a treadmill will increase the body's metabolism, so that fat will continue to be burned, even when you're at rest. When you're more physically active, your metabolism works more efficiently. Continuing your treadmill workouts (or, other physical activity) should be a lifestyle commitment. This type of lifestyle change will not only help you to lose the weight, but it will also help you keep it off! Remember that quick weight loss through fad diets and such is only temporary. The fat eventually returns...unless you make the effort each day to move your body...to be physically active...for the rest of your life!

Smooth® treadmills have a preset fat-burning target range based on your weight, which you can enter into the treadmill's computer. This takes the guesswork out of your workouts.

Note: Also see Use a Treadmill To Lose Weight