Optimal Treadmill Speed

[al77]

I am thinking about including some cardio in my workout. I am skinny but at the same time some decent amount of fat (around 16%).

I noticed that most people in the gym do not run, they walk on treadmills. Some walk faster, some slower but 99% of the walk and not run.

What do you think is an optimal treadmill speed for a fat loss?
Is running beneficial to fat loss at all or walking works much better?

 

[Warboss Alex]

Anything that burns calories is beneficial to fat loss - brisk walking I find is the best because it doesn't impair your recovery or affect your leg workouts (or even lose you leg mass). You can do your cardio and make progress with weights which a more intense form of cardio possibly wouldn't have let you do - though some people can hack sprinting and lifting, it's very individual.

However, I wouldn't run on a treadmill simply because I've yet to find a treadmill which supports your feet properly (I rarely walk on a treadmill too) .. plus try being 250lbs and running on it, you'd be afraid it'd fall apart.

A fast walk is the way to go for most people.

 

[al77]

Originally posted by Warboss Alex
Anything that burns calories is beneficial to fat loss - brisk walking I find is the best because it doesn't impair your recovery or affect your leg workouts (or even lose you leg mass). You can do your cardio and make progress with weights which a more intense form of cardio possibly wouldn't have let you do - though some people can hack sprinting and lifting, it's very individual.

However, I wouldn't run on a treadmill simply because I've yet to find a treadmill which supports your feet properly (I rarely walk on a treadmill too) .. plus try being 250lbs and running on it, you'd be afraid it'd fall apart.

A fast walk is the way to go for most people.

So, essentially it does not matter much: brisk walk or running?
Thats good news.

On some treadmills they have a gauge, a line indicator that shows your heart rate. So heart rate is for fat loss they said.
High - for cardiovascular health.
Still it doesn't matter what I do on a treadmill, right?

I used to hike a lot, and just a walk on a treadmill seem like I am not doing anything. I'll have to walk for quite a long time.
But if I run, it is more efficient thing in terms of time.
I am about 100lb less than 250lb, so for me it is not a problem.

 

[brucevangeorge]

Your best option is to put on some mass and then trim the fat. Otherwise you'll be as flat as a board.

 

[Kaptain]

To loss weight it has been recommended that you do any excersie that keeps your heart rate around 60-65% of your maximum heart rate.

Maximum heart is 220 minus your age.

Personally on the treadmill I need to do a easy jog to maintain my heart rate at this level. A brisk walk is no longer enough.