Expert: Brandon Briggs, MS - 2/23/2008

Question
Can using the treadmill burn off weight on your stomach (abs) and how effective is using the treadmill for a beginner.

Answer
Walking or running on a treadmill is aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise breaks down for fuel. So yes using a treadmill will help you burn fat. However, you can not spot train where the fat comes from. Generally speaking men will drop fat from their waist line and women will drop from their hips first. Although you may not be able to spot train your abdominal region overtime you will lose the fat there. When starting on a treadmill you want to start off slow. Don't go right into an intense workout. Walking is one of the most effective exercises to perform. Just be careful if it is your first time on a treadmill, you may not want to look at the belt as it moves and cool down properly after your work out to reduce dizziness.