Even if you research the best treadmill and buy it for your home, there are still some things you need to do to maximize your treadmill workout results. To help you reach your fitness goals faster, we have six tips to help you optimize every treadmill workout
1. Use The Treadmill Incline Range
If you have been disappointed by your calorie burn after your treadmill workout, you can easily boost your burn by using the incline function of your treadmill. With a greater incline level, your body is required to work harder and will consequently give you better calorie burn without increasing your speed, distance, or time spent.
Also, if you want a home treadmill with a massive incline range to work with, check out the NordicTrack X11i Incline Trainer. It has an incline range of -6% to 40%, giving you so much more verticality to use as you workout on your treadmill.
2. Build Up Your Speed Slowly
Instead of running or walking at the same pace for the entire workout, you can build up your speed slowly to increase your calorie burn and overall speed. Most treadmills can go up by 0.1 MPH speed increments, that way; you can be sure to increase at a comfortable rate for your needs.
3. Engage In Multiple Movements On- And Off-Treadmill
You don’t have to stay on the treadmill for the entire workout to make the most of your exercise time. There are exercises you can do on your treadmill as well as off. Some on-treadmill exercises are:
- Walking lunges
- Side shuffles
- Treadmill pushups
- Reverse (backward) lunges
Some of the workouts you can do when you hop off your treadmill are:
- Planks
- Jumping jacks
- Squats
- Standing crunches
- Mountain climbers
- Pushups
Be sure to stay clear of your moving treadmill belt as you break up the treadmill workouts with these off-treadmill exercises.
4. Mix In Easy And Tempo Runs
Not every workout needs to be hardcore, as pushing too hard constantly will lead to burnout and lead you to avoid your treadmill. Instead, be sure to mix in at least 1-2 easy runs and a tempo run in a week of treadmill workouts. That way, you can keep pushing the rest of the week and maximize those more intense exercise sessions.
5. Avoid Using The Treadmill Rails
The treadmill rails are there to help those who struggle with balance or trip while working out. But if you tend to lean on them while working out, it is important to stop doing this as you run or walk.
By leaning on the rails, you are lowering your exertion and overall calorie burn. If you feel the need to prop up against the rail, decrease your speed instead of bracing yourself.
6. Do Intervals At Least Once A Week
Many runners do not enjoy intervals, but they are important to build up your strength. By pushing your speed for 30 seconds to 1-minute then walking for about 90 seconds, you can maximize your calorie burn and increase your overall speed and endurance. Whether you are a walker or a runner, you can follow this interval pattern for greater treadmill workout success.
By incorporating these tips into your treadmill training, you will maximize your treadmill workouts and be able to reach your goals sooner than you expected.