A treadmill is a great exercise and workout equipment. Using a treadmill offers many advantages. Below are eight very good reasons for using a treadmill.

Reason #1: With a treadmill, you can workout regardless of the weather. Wind, rain, snow, sleet, hale...you name it. A treadmill enables you to keep working out no matter what condition it is outside.

Reason #2: A treadmill can actually save you a trip to the emergency room. This is because you are three times more likely to be injured outdoors while you are walking or running. Your footing is much steadier on a treadmill. In addition, your knees won't suffer hard impacts while you're walking on a treadmill.

Reason #3: A treadmill enables you to multi-task. You can be on your treadmill while you read a book, watch your favorite shows or talk on the phone.

Reason #4: A treadmill is your very own 24/7 workout gym. There's no need to wait when the gym opens. With a treadmill at home, you can exercise whenever you want.

Reason #5: Your sweat is just that...your sweat! In a gym, you end up sweating the sweat from other exercisers. With a treadmill at home, you aren't exposed anymore to other people's germs. You also lessen the risk of picking up a virus from other people and getting ill.

Reason #6: With a treadmill at home, you won't have to feel self-conscious about the way you look. You don't have to look perfect when it's only you and your treadmill. Unlike the gym, a treadmill at home gives you privacy to concentrate on what you are supposed to do -- exercise and trim those excess pounds.

Reason #7: You actually burn the same amount of calories walking on a treadmill as running or walking outside.

Reason #8: A treadmill helps you be a role model to household members, particularly your children. If they see you diligently working out on your treadmill regularly, they will realize the importance of health and keeping fit. So let your children see you sweat!

According to Consumer Search, a best-value treadmill is around $1,000 if bought new. Compare the cost to a gym membership, which is about $35 a month and an initial cost of $80. Factor in how much you will spend on gas if you go to the gym three times a week. That's more than $500 a year for one person. If you get a new treadmill, you will get your money back in two years. And if someone in your family uses it often too, the cost of the treadmill would have paid for itself in about a year.