Best exercises to do on a treadmill
There are a number of different exercises that you can do a treadmill-you don't just have to walk or run in place. In fact, varying your exercises on your treadmill will improve your workout by adding variety and also by working different muscle groups. Make sure that you talk to your doctor before beginning any type of exercise regimen; your doctor will help you determine what the best exercise program will be for you, and how much exercise your body can actually take. Try out these exercises-they're some of the best exercises that you can do on a treadmill.
Best exercises to do on a treadmill
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- Upper body workout It's important that your entire body gets a workout-from your lower body to your upper body. However, most treadmill workouts don't work out anything except for your lower body. Add an upper body workout by adding hand weights of five to ten pounds. Raise and lower the hand weights as you walk. Don't hold on to the hand bars while you are walking. Don't use the hand weights while you're running, though-you risk serious injury!
- Walk backwards Walking backwards will work your leg muscles in a way that they're not used to. Walking backwards is a great challenge that will help you develop all of the different muscles in your legs. You need to start very slowly and try to keep your balance. Do not hold on to the hand rails when you are walking backwards, because you can end up seriously hurting yourself. You will be very sore when you start this particular exercise on your treadmill, because you are developing muscles that aren't normally worked out very hard.
- Use speed intervals Make sure that you stretch before you do any speed intervals. For one minute, walk or run as fast as you possibly can-get yourself really and truly out of breath. Then slow down for two minutes so that you can catch your breath. Then go full speed for another minute. Then a two minute breather. Repeat these intervals five to eight times in order to get a really good aerobic workout on your treadmill.
Incline Intervals
Incline interval exercises are also a great way to get an aerobic workout on your treadmill. As previously mentioned, you will need to do warm up exercises before you start. Incline interval simply means that you set the incline on your treadmill to a level you are comfortable with, and walk for five minutes. Reduce the machine back to normal and walk for five more minutes. When you repeat this two more times, you will receive the maximum benefit of the workout.
Walking On Toes And Heels
Walk as you normally would for five minutes. Then slow down your speed and walk on your tiptoes for thirty seconds. Resume your normal walk for another five minutes, then slow down again and walk on your heels for thirty seconds. Repeat this cycle twice to exercise different muscles in your legs and feet.
A good treadmill workout doesn't have to be boring, and there are many challenging and fun exercise routines that you can do in order to keep your mind and your body in tip top shape.
