Treadmills are often used as part of aerobic exercise or as a warmup before doing strength training exercises. They also allow runners to continue training indoors during inclement weather.
The benefits of walking and running have been shown in many studies. When done in moderation, this sort of regular exercise can help keep bones and muscles strong, and burn calories to keep weight in check or help people lose weight, and improve health. Still, many children and adults are inactive and families purchase treadmills to help provide an exercise option at home. Another problem adding to obesity and health problems is that many Americans have jobs that require them to sit at desks and computers all day, and trying to fit in exercise in their spare time. New desks fitted for treadmills help office workers, and even home computer users, walk at slow speeds on their treadmills instead of sitting.