If you're looking for a beginner- to intermediate-level treadmill that is fairly inexpensive and fit for running or walking, a Proform treadmill might be a good choice. They are one of the most popular and best-selling brands, and they offer a comprehensive range of models for buyers to choose from.

Most Proform treadmills come with QuickSpeed and QuickIncline control, which allows the walker or runner to adjust the speed and incline with the touch of one button. They also offer different levels of cushioning beneath the running surface to help absorb some of the shock to protect your knees and other joints.

Many of the treadmills feature built-in pulse monitors, fans and an interactive workout disc that controls the speed and incline while a person's voice encourages you.

Because Proform treadmills are low-priced, they don't offer all of the benefits found in more expensive models. Some drawbacks include a smaller running surface than in other machines and a louder motor. Additionally, Proform treadmills come with a 90-day warranty whereas other exercise equipment might have a lifetime warranty.

Prices for Proform treadmills range from $599 to $1,699, and they are available through the Internet or most major sporting goods stores.

Once you have your machine, try some of these fat-burning treadmill workouts.

Traditionally, pedometers are small recording devices that you attach to your waist -- or even your shoes -- to track the number of steps you've taken, the calories you've burned walking and the distance (in kilometers or miles) you've traveled. Now, thanks to Google, you can monitor your workout online, without wearing -- or buying -- a physical pedometer. Similar to the virtual pedometer Map My Run, with Gmap pedometers, you map out your exercise routine on a Google map.

That's right, using Gmap pedometers means you don't actually need to wear a pedometer to know how long you've walked or how many steps you've taken.

A marathon runner created the Gmap pedometer to assist with training, which might be why the tool is so easy to use. Runners, walkers or cyclists can enter their zip code and zoom into street level. Next, they can plot their workout route -- whether they want to travel in a big, looping circle or a simple out-and-back course.

Unlike other online tools, Gmap pedometer can report your distance traveled, calories burned and elevation differences.

If you find a route that you love, you can save it to use again or you can print your map and take it with you. Those who might be on long runs can leave printouts for their family members so that they know where to find them if they're not back by an appointed time.

If you're not feeling the high-tech Gmap pedometers, you can stick to the basic waist or shoe pedometer that are slipped on your waist (or shoe) and track each step. Shoe pedometers are a little more accurate than traditional pedometers and can track basketball jumps or jumping rope.

Of course Gmap pedometers are not the first online health calculators; but, if you choose to use one, the key is finding the right one you'll use regularly.

Do you want to amp up your exercise routine and monitor your progress? Studies have shown that pedometers are effective in increasing your workout productivity.

Whether you want to slim down, shape up or simply stay healthy, walking will do the trick.

Photo: mikebaird/Flickr

Walking is such a great activity; it's easy to do, convenient, costs nothing (except for a good pair of shoes), and it can do wonders for your overall health. What's more, a walk around your neighborhood or on a trail gives you time to sort through your thoughts and release stress. But sometimes, a walk just seems a little too slow.

If you walk for exercise, why not try picking up the pace a bit? You don't have to do away with your walking routine altogether, but you can slowly create a running habit as well. After all, variety is the spice of life, and you could also say it's the spice in your workout.

Fitness Magazine has some great tips for turning your walk into a run. To start out, time your walking pace. See if you can walk a 15-minute mile. Yes? Now try for two 15-minute miles. Once you're walking fitness is at that level, you can start adding intervals of running into your two-mile route. Start out with a five-minute walk for a warm up and then:

Source

Scared of marathons? I don't blame you -- the thought of running for 26.2 miles straight is pretty freakin' daunting. Heck, even the thought of running 10 miles non-stop seems like some sort of cruel masochistic punishment to many of us. Sure, maybe you're not a natural-born runner, but have no fear -- according to The New York Times, the Walk-Run Method is a way for regular Joes to get into long-distance running.

Most of us probably already do a version of this whenever we attempt to go for a jog -- as in, we run until we feel like we're going to die and then stop and stagger down the sidewalk, red-faced and gasping for air. But the Walk-Run Method is different -- you stop to walk at regular intervals, whether you're tired or not. If you're just starting, this might mean running for a minute, then walking for a minute -- as you get more experienced and increase your fitness level, though, the walk-to-run ratio will increase.

Intrigued? Click here for more information, and consider working this method into your fitness routine.

Feeling blue? Try lacing up your shoes and heading outside for a walk. CafeMom tells us that a consistent walking routine can have the same effect on your brain as an antidepressant.

I know that when I get out for a walk, I feel better. Maybe it doesn't release a rush of endorphins like running can, but it gives you time to move your muscles and clear your head. Try to work a brisk walk in every day -- you'll feel a boost in your mood in no time.

Source

Today is National Start! Walking Day, and if you ask me, that's as good an excuse as you're ever going to find for starting a walking program. Whether you're doing it to lose weight, become a little more fit, or just because it feels good to get moving, you can't deny that walking has tons of benefits. And now, there are some great ways to get started.

The American Heart Association's Start! Walking Program and ExerciseTV have teamed up to offer everyone the instruction they need to get started with the Start! Walking at Home With Leslie Sansone videos, which are available for purchase on DVD and for download on the ExerciseTV website. The videos start from the beginning, with a short intro, and build up to a three-mile walk.

By walking less than a half hour each day, you can improve the health of your heart, which I think we can all agree is fairly important. Not sure walking is for you? Consider these statistics:

Source

The summer season is just around the corner, which means that the calendar of events in your community is quickly filling up with fundraising runs, walks and sporting events. Last summer, Reese Witherspoon walked for breast cancer -- maybe you should consider putting your name down for something too.

Thing is, it's a win-win situation. You're doing something good for your community, and you're doing something good for yourself. You'll need to start training soonish, which means you'll be getting a regular workout from now until the event.

Make sure to challenge yourself, but within reason -- if you regularly run 5Ks, sign up for a 10K run, for instance. If you're used to walking a few miles at a time, maybe you want to pick up the pace and start training for a 5K run? Or maybe an easy fundraising walk is more your pace -- whatever the case, just give it your best.

When it comes to exercise, walking is the go-to choice for a simple, accessible, inexpensive yet effective workout. Simply lace up a sturdy pair of shoes and go. But I've discovered that if I forget my music player, walking can get a little ... well ... boring. At least when I'm stuck on a neighborhood route that I've walked 1,000 times.

If you find yourself getting in a walking rut, trying playing games to entertain your brain. You never know -- they just might make you walk a little longer and a little stronger:

• I Spy: Find an object that starts with A -- automobile, maybe? -- and work your way to the letter Z. Don't turn for home until you're at least half way through the alphabet.
• Interval Challenge: Pick a nearby landmark and run or race-walk to it, walk until you catch your breath, then pick a new landmark and do it again.
• Let Chance Plan Your Route: Bring a coin on your walk. At each corner, give it a flip. Heads means go straight, tails means turn.

How do you keep your mind occupied while on a long walk?

We at "That's Fit" and "AOL Health" know that you've got a lot going on in your lives besides staying in great shape, and we know that a lot more than diet and exercise goes into feeling your best every day. That's why we thought we'd share some of the exciting reporting going on at "AOL Health."

Considering trying a detox diet? "AOL Health" heads to the experts to review Hollywood's hottest cleanses -- judging for safety, effectiveness and cost.

Tired of dieting alone? These Weight Watchers winners reveal why losing weight together leads to double the weight loss success.

Are you a fast walker, a slow walker or a slouch when you stride? Discover what your walk reveals about your personality.

Daylight Savings Time is upon us (well, most of us -- if you live in Arizona or Indianapolis, or any other place that just doesn't acknowledge DST, I guess you aren't included). And while that means we have an extra hour of light at night, it also means that summer is approaching.

As the temperatures get warmer and warmer, many of us move our runs and walks later and later in the day to avoid the heat. However, if you're moving it too late, you could find yourself exercising in the dark.

And that's not entirely a bad thing -- if you have a clear, safe path, a nighttime outing could be a wonderful change of pace. However, it's important that you make sure you're being as safe as possible -- check out the gallery below for tips, or read up on all the advice that Active.com has to offer.

Some people think fitness needs to be complicated. (Just ask Liz why she thinks fitness is stupid.) But sometimes, the simplest activities are best. Walking -- perhaps the simplest activity of all -- has long been touted as a good activity for helping you maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress and reduce the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Research now suggests that a walking program can help reduce pain associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Even if you don't have a condition such as PAD, walking can make a big improvement in your health. You can use it as an occasional break from your more intense workouts or walking can be your exercise of choice.

Are you a walker? What changes has walking made in your fitness and in your life?

Source

So you went a little overboard with dinner. How long will it take to walk it off?

Source