Getting your exercise using a treadmill
Treadmills have quickly become the most popular home exercise machine in the United States. Treadmills are convenient, provide a fantastic workout, and can be adapted to suit your own workout needs and preferences. Treadmills are relatively inexpensive, and are a good investment for anyone who is serious about improving their health and overall level of fitness. There are a number of different things that you can do to get your exercise from using a treadmill-and you can do a lot more than just walking or running in place!
Spicing up your workout routine and adding some variety to it is the best way to keep yourself motivated to work out. Here are some good exercises to do on a treadmill that will help you remain committed to your fitness goals.
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- Walking backwards
Try walking backwards on the treadmill. You should only do this at a slow pace. Walking backwards actually works out muscles that you do not usually work out, so you will really be making an improvement to your overall muscles health. Expect to feel a little bit sore after doing this workout, because you will be using muscles that you probably did not even know you had.
- Speed intervals
One great technique to try when you are getting your exercise using a treadmill is a speed interval. This technique is a very difficult form of exercise, so only try it if you know you are in good health and your body will be able to put up with the strain. Warm up before hand and do some stretching. A speed interval works by running very fast for a short period of time and then resting for a short period of time. Try running very fast for a minute and then walking for two minutes. Then go back to the fast pace for one minute. Repeat this process several times.
- New heights: the tips of your toes
When we exercise the same way all the time, only particular muscles are getting developed and really worked. Changing positions or postures can help emphasize different muscles. So next time you are on your treadmill, try walking on the tips of your toes for a certain amount of time. Also try walking on your heels. Make sure to do some regular walking before you do this, and to walk in between the times when you are walking on either your heels or toes. This will work out muscles you are not used to using, so you might be a little sore after the workout.
- The whole body treadmill workout
One potential problem with getting your exercise using a treadmill is that you aren't really working your upper body very much. However, this problem can be remedied quite easily by adding upper body components to your treadmill exercise routine. Do this by lifting a couple of light weight dumbbells while walking. This upper body component provides a more complete workout, although you should not try this while the treadmill is moving at a quick speed, or while you are running.
As always, it is very important to remember to talk to your doctor before beginning any type of exercise program or fitness regimen. Your doctor can help you know where you need to focus your efforts and what types and intensity of exercise will be best for you. It might also be a good idea to talk to a personal trainer or fitness expert who can help teach you exercises that will target the specific fitness goals that you have, whether it's strength training, endurance training, or if you're just looking to lose a few pounds.
