Why do some people choose to walk on treadmills at the gym?

Breaking in new shoes? I do 95% of my walking in the nearby forest but can’t face the thought of having to walk home miles with a blister. I try to use new shoes a bunch of times somewhere I can stop the minute it hurts

Air con.
Constant incline.
Straight onto weights.
To use the showers there.

It is so weird. She is around 50+ I'd say, grey hair. Overweight but not like, by a shocking amount. She seems otherwise confident in what she does, respect to her. I just don't get the coat.

Take off the coat.

Thats really weird. Is she very overweight or maybe have loose skin or something? I have weight loss lose skin so I just wear long sleeves and long leggings.

Social anxiety of walking outside. Walking outside can be dangerous. You have to stop when walking outside to cross roads, etc. Being in the gym is very motivating for some people who otherwise wouldn't bother if it wasn't for social pressure. May just be warming up. May have no idea what they're doing but they're still trying.

Why does it bother you?

What bothers me is this one woman that I see in the gym every single time I'm there, and every single time she is wearing a coat. A full on, weatherproof coat. It annoys me so much and I wish it didn't. Probably social anxiety but how does it not just make it worse? Because now everyone is just staring at her. Was 28 degrees last time I went and she was wearing it. You know, I've never been distracted by men or women in tight teenie weenie clothing in the gym, but this woman in her coat distracts me every time.

I walk to warm up and cool down. I also run on it.

I run in the gym rather than outside because it's part of an overall workout and if I try to do different things in different places, my natural laziness will re-assert itself and I'll do less of at least some of them!

I walk or run on the treadmill because I like listening to very loud music with my headphones on. I can’t do this outside in case I get run over or attacked. I like the security of the gym. I do also walk outside, but usually to get somewhere!!

Student flat? We're over 60!

I prefer getting my walking steps or my runs on the treadmill as I have balance and coordination problems and tend to fall or risk an injury at every pothole / pavement step.

I only do weights at the gym. I walk outside and do hills.

I incline walk after lifting weights. 30 minutes, good for fat burning, amazing for cardio health. I can get my heart rate in the best zone for my end goals

Also i LOVE walking outdoors and do often. For different reasons, different goals

Maybe very unfit and making a start on getting fitter and they will progress to running? Why does none do anything at the gym and why does it matter?

Why do people use exercise bikes instead of cycling outside?
Or use a rowing machine instead of actually going out rowing?
Or a climbing machine instead of going climbing?

Sure, just going walking is a lot easier than finding an appropriate place to row or climb, but it’s a way of replicating an activity but being able to be more in control of variables.
Your walk isn’t going to be affected by the rain coming on.
You can walk in cool, comfortable clothing without worrying that the jacket you put on in case it rains will make you too warm if the sun comes out.
You dont have to wait for traffic lights to change, or get out of the way of dogs or children or bloody electric scooters.
The treadmill also keeps you walking at a certain pace or incline that you can control.
And yes, you can watch videos or listen to music/podcasts/ audiobooks without having to worry about what’s around you.

www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/beginners/a70415095/incline-walking-fat-loss/

I copied your OP because I want you to read my reply.

I USED to run on treadmills, until age determined I should not, because my joints couldn't take the high impact. I'm 68 now and walk briskly- treadmill means I can see exactly how fast I'm going and I can control the incline, giving me an excellent cardio workout.

But here's a question: what business is it of yours? People can easily run outdoors. Guess why I stopped running outdoors and moved on to treadmills (hint: it was about safety, which apply as easily to women walking as it does running)?

I do it because I have a visual impairment that makes navigating pavements tricky at times. Walking on a treadmill is safer, and I'm too fat and unfit to run - but at least it's some form of gentle exercise for me.

I’m not the only one with that reason here. It’s not dog bashing at all. That’s just your take on it.

I cannot walk outside. I have lethal allergies. Also, it could be a neighbourhood safety issue. Please give people grace and go about your business.

I do it for cool down. Like 5/10 min.

I warm up and cool down with a stint on the treadmill but sometimes I will just amble along if I need to get my step count in for the day. It’s easy, I can walk fairly briskly without having to watch the floor in front of me for cracks/dodgy paving slabs/ tree roots/holes or ridges!

I do it because you can have a steady walk, without watching for dog shit, without navigating other people, jay-walkers, cyclists, dogs on stupid long leads, crossing roads/avoiding traffic, etc.

I usually do it as a warm up or cool down

Why do some people run? They could easily do that outside 🤷‍♀️

I always do a 5 to 10 minute warm up walking on the treadmill. Use that time to plan my playlist and see what machines/weights are free. But I have a friend who struggles with mobility and feels safer walking on a treadmill, although you wouldn't know that to look at her.

Because they pay to be a member and choose to walk.

Cerebral palsy and partial sight. Walking outside I need to be slower to be safe. CP limits my ability and balance for running. Falls are dangerous - so far in my life - all on the affected side - broken arm, leg, ankle, finger and worst hip (hip when I was just 21, youngest in the hospital ward by about 40 years).

It’s really frustrating 10 minutes because that’s what I can manage and 10 minutes on bike. Have to factor in physical energy for walking after and the rest of the day.

It means at least I’m doing something.
Luckily I can’t see if people are looking judgy as I concentrate on not falling over my feet.