Does Holding Treadmill Burn Less Calories?

Introduction:

Treadmill workouts are one of the most popular forms of exercise. They are convenient, accessible, and provide a great way to burn calories. But have you ever wondered if holding onto the treadmill while you run or walk makes a difference in the number of calories you burn? In this article, we will explore the question: does holding onto the treadmill burn fewer calories?

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Many people hold onto the treadmill’s handles for balance or support during their workout. While this may seem like a good idea, it can actually reduce the number of calories you burn. When you hold onto the handles, you are using your arms to support your body weight, which means that your legs have to work less, resulting in fewer calories burned.

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However, there are some situations in which holding onto the treadmill may be necessary, such as for individuals with mobility issues or injuries. In these cases, it is still possible to get a good workout while holding onto the handles by increasing the incline or speed. Ultimately, the key to burning more calories on the treadmill is to engage your entire body and focus on proper form, regardless of whether or not you hold onto the handles.

Does Holding Treadmill Burn Less Calories?

Treadmills are one of the most popular exercise machines in the world. They are perfect for a cardiovascular workout, which helps burn calories and lose weight. But some people wonder if holding onto the treadmill while exercising affects the amount of calories burned. In this article, we will explore this question and provide you with the facts.

What Happens When You Hold Onto the Treadmill?

When you hold onto the treadmill while exercising, you are reducing the amount of work your body has to do to maintain balance. This means that you are not engaging your core muscles, which are responsible for stabilizing your body. When your core muscles are not engaged, your body burns fewer calories.

Additionally, holding onto the treadmill can also lead to poor posture and lower back pain. This is because you are leaning forward, which puts pressure on your lower back. Poor posture can also affect your breathing and reduce the amount of oxygen your body gets, which can further reduce the number of calories burned.

The Science Behind It

Studies have shown that holding onto the treadmill while exercising can reduce the number of calories burned by up to 20%. This is because your body is not working as hard to maintain balance, and your muscles are not being engaged as much.

When you hold onto the treadmill, you are also reducing the amount of impact on your joints, which can be beneficial for people with joint pain. However, this benefit comes at a cost, as you are not getting the full benefits of a cardiovascular workout.

The Benefits of Not Holding Onto the Treadmill

When you do not hold onto the treadmill while exercising, your body has to work harder to maintain balance. This means that your core muscles are being engaged, and you are burning more calories. Additionally, not holding onto the treadmill can improve your posture and reduce the risk of lower back pain.

Exercising without holding onto the treadmill also increases the impact on your joints, which can be beneficial for improving bone density. This type of exercise is also more challenging, which can help improve your overall fitness level.

Treadmill vs. Outdoor Running

When it comes to burning calories, outdoor running burns slightly more calories than treadmill running. This is because outdoor running requires your body to work harder to navigate uneven terrain and deal with wind resistance.

However, treadmills offer several benefits that outdoor running does not. Treadmills provide a consistent surface, which can be beneficial for people with joint pain. They also allow you to control the speed and incline of your workout, which can help you achieve your fitness goals more efficiently.

The Verdict

In conclusion, holding onto the treadmill while exercising can reduce the number of calories burned by up to 20%. If you want to get the most out of your workout, it is best to avoid holding onto the treadmill and engage your core muscles. Additionally, exercising without holding onto the treadmill can improve your posture and reduce the risk of lower back pain.

While outdoor running may burn slightly more calories than treadmill running, treadmills offer several benefits that make them an excellent choice for cardiovascular exercise. Ultimately, the choice between treadmill and outdoor running comes down to personal preference and fitness goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does holding onto the treadmill burn fewer calories?

When you hold onto the treadmill while walking or running, you are essentially reducing the intensity of your workout. This means that holding onto the treadmill can burn fewer calories than walking or running without holding on.

Additionally, when you hold onto the treadmill, you are shifting the work from your legs to your upper body. This means that your lower body is doing less work, resulting in fewer calories burned. Therefore, it is recommended to let go of the treadmill handles and maintain proper posture for an effective workout.

How much of a difference does holding onto the treadmill make?

Holding onto the treadmill can make a significant difference in the number of calories burned during a workout. Studies have shown that holding onto the treadmill can reduce calorie burn by up to 25%.

Furthermore, holding onto the treadmill can also lead to poor posture and muscle imbalances. Over time, this can increase the risk of injury and decrease the effectiveness of your workout. Therefore, it is essential to let go of the treadmill handles and maintain proper form for optimal calorie burn and overall health benefits.

Can holding onto the treadmill be beneficial for those with balance issues?

For individuals with balance issues or those who are new to exercising, holding onto the treadmill can provide a sense of security and help improve balance. However, it is important to gradually decrease the amount of time spent holding onto the treadmill as balance and stability improve.

It is also recommended to incorporate exercises that specifically target balance and stability, such as single-leg exercises and balance boards, to further improve overall balance and reduce the risk of falls or injuries during exercise.

Is it better to increase the treadmill incline or speed for calorie burn?

Both increasing the treadmill incline and speed can significantly increase calorie burn during a workout. However, increasing the incline will engage more muscles and require more energy, resulting in a higher calorie burn.

Furthermore, increasing the incline can also provide additional health benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health, strengthening the lower body, and reducing the risk of injury. Therefore, it is recommended to incorporate both speed and incline variations into your treadmill workouts for optimal calorie burn and overall health benefits.

What are some other ways to increase calorie burn on the treadmill?

In addition to increasing the incline and speed, there are several other ways to increase calorie burn on the treadmill. One of the most effective ways is to incorporate interval training, alternating between periods of high intensity and low intensity.

Other ways to increase calorie burn include incorporating resistance training, such as using weights or resistance bands, and adding variety to your workout, such as incorporating lateral movements or incorporating exercises that engage multiple muscle groups. Overall, incorporating a variety of exercises and intensity levels into your treadmill workouts can help maximize calorie burn and overall health benefits.

Treadmill Settings To Get Shredded

In conclusion, the idea that holding onto the treadmill burns fewer calories may appear logical, but it is not entirely accurate. While holding onto the machine may reduce the amount of energy required to balance and stabilize oneself, it does not significantly affect the number of calories burned during a workout.

Moreover, letting go of the handrails and allowing the body to work harder to maintain balance can help engage more muscles, leading to a more effective workout and ultimately burning more calories. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid holding onto the treadmill and instead focus on maintaining proper form and balance while exercising.

Overall, the amount of calories burned during a treadmill workout depends on several factors, including the intensity and duration of the exercise, the user’s weight and fitness level, and the incline and speed of the machine. Thus, it is essential to focus on maintaining a consistent and challenging workout routine to achieve optimal results.