Useful Tips that Will Change the Way You Approach Treadmill Workouts
The treadmill sometimes seems like the more basic form of exercise machine, but there are still plenty of new users that may not appreciate all their options and functions. It is too easy to get caught up in a basic rhythm with the same old approaches.
Users can jog along for miles without feeling like they are really getting anyway. This is a shame when treadmills actually offer so much more. There are plenty of ways to make sure that you make the most of your session.
Here are some amazing tips for your treadmill workouts
Remember that these treadmill decks aren’t just for running.
This first tip may seem simple to experienced users, but it is worth mentioning for those that have never been on a treadmill before. A treadmill is more than a running machine. A treadmill is a moving belt that works at different speeds for different motions. If you want to start off by walking, then walk.
There is nothing wrong with that if it is a way of increasing your activity levels and aiding fitness. There are even those that do lunges on the belt – but that is for the more experienced. Just make sure to use the belt in a safe manner that is appropriate for your abilities.
Push yourself where possible to achieve more in your session.
If you have spent the last week walking at the same pace, for the same distance, you may not feel that you are getting very far. These running machines have speed settings and incline settings for a reason.
If you are getting too comfortable in a workout, take the speed or incline up a notch – or perhaps both. These gradual changes will lead to improvements in cardio, tone and form.
Don’t be afraid to take thing down a notch if it gets too much.
At the same time, a good, positive session on the treadmill isn’t all about pushing harder and faster. There may be times when you feel you have taken on too much, or days where a small niggling pain may hold you back. This is where you need to take a breath and adjust the settings down a little.
Always work within your capabilities. It is better to lower the pace and work for the scheduled time than stick at an uncomfortable level and risk an injury part way through.
Diversify a workout to make it more interesting and productive.
You don’t have to work through the same programs and options every day. Many of the best treadmills around are packed full of features and programs to provide a richer experience for users.
Those with wi-fi connectivity and apps provide unusual approaches and virtual running routes.
The latter is great in the winter when you can’t go running in your favorite park or through the city. Get the machine to simulate the experience for you while you stay dry and cozy. Interval training is another great way to switch things up in a workout and push for better gains. It is tough but rewarding.
Think about your arms as well as your legs.
This may sound like an odd idea with a treadmill workout. We tend to focus on the legs and stride because we think that is the whole point of walking or running on a treadmill. However, this session is about full body fitness and better cardio – so we don’t have to be so restricted in our movements and actions.
So, where are your arms while you work out? Are they swinging by your side uselessly as your walk or providing rhythm and momentum? Are they holding onto the handlebars or onto dumbbells?
There is nothing wrong with holding onto the handlebars during a run as this provides stability. Also, there are many treadmills that have pulse sensors in the handlebars. However, small weights provide that little extra level of difficulty to help with toning arms and improving fitness.
Know when to make use of the display and when to ignore it.
There is a lot of data that these machines could potentially display to help you to learn more about your workout. They give information on:
- speed
- heart rate
- calories burned
- distance traveled
- time elapsed
This is all very useful at the end of the session when tracking goals and comparing the session’s stats to the previous day. This is why a clear, easy-to-use console is important.
However, there is no fun in watching the minutes count down or the miles slowly creep along.
Enjoy the session and wait for the treadmill to tell you when you’ve achieved your goal. If you’re not looking, you may find that it happens sooner than you expect.
Whatever option you choose, make sure that you stay safe.
As you can see from these tips for your treadmill workouts, they need to be productive. But, at the same time, they also need to be safe. This is where we need to emphasize that idea of working to your capabilities.
Push hard enough to progress, but not so hard that you will risk injury or feel ill. Also, make use of the safety features included with the machine and dress appropriately.
- clip the security key to your clothing
- put a bottle of water in the water bottle holder for hydration
- make the most of cool down modes
- wear comfortable workout clothes
- wear secure running shoes
Have some fun with the workout wherever possible.
Last, but not least, have some fun. This isn’t time for you to punish yourself with a tough, monotonous session. You need to be able to look forward to each morning routine.
The ideas above about diversification and new programs can help. Switching up a virtual running route or a different type of session can spur us on.
Then there are additional forms of entertainment to pass the time. Again, don’t watch the screen on the console. Instead watch the screen of a TV or tablet. A 20 minute session is perfect for an episode of a favorite sitcom.
This is where those media shelves come in handy. You can also make use of any music system on-board and blast out a motivational playlist.
