How to use a treadmill correctly
Anyone who has been to a gym recently knows that treadmills are great pieces of exercise equipment. They allow you to get a great aerobic workout without the serious damage that can be done to the joints by running. Along with this benefit, the treadmill also allows you to program or change various fitness conditions. You can speed it up or change the incline that you are running on with only the touch of a button. The machine has various fitness programs in it that allow you to try new types of workouts and to be surprised and challenged. A treadmill at home also allows you to listen to whatever music you like without strapping some sort of piece of equipment to your body. You can also watch whatever television program or movie you might like. All of these different benefits make working out more fun, and hence make you more likely to do it on a regular basis. We all know that regular exercise leads to better health, appearance, and self esteem, so a treadmill is a pretty great fitness tool all the way around. Research has also shown that treadmills help to burn more calories than many other exercise machines. So if you have a home treadmill or you are just getting started on one at the gym, you will need to know how to use the machine properly so that you can get the most out of your workout.
|
|
The first thing to do when starting a treadmill workout is to know the machine you are using. Read all the instructions and directions that come with the treadmill. Because the machine moves along constantly, and because you will be on it, make sure that the treadmill is not close to walls are any other major obstructions. There should be nothing behind the treadmill for several feet, and no wall, window, or ledge should be any closer than six feet from the back of the machine. Make sure that the power cord is not is a place where it could be steeped on or tripped on.
Before you actually start working out on your treadmill, look at all the controls and try all of them. Change the incline level and the speed. Do not start the treadmill while your feet are resting on the sides. Start at a slow pace and then increase the speed. Do not try a very fast workout to begin with, and be sure to use the hand rails for stability when you are starting. All treadmills should have an emergency shut off somewhere on the control panel. Figure out where this is before you start and test it a few times. Know where this is and be able to use it.
Running on a treadmill takes a little bit of getting used to. Do not look down. Look ahead of you and take normal sized strides. Try to keep your strides in the middle of the belt so that you do not hit the sides. Make sure that you are aware of where you are on the machine. If the speed is to fast for you to stay in the center and you find yourself falling towards the back of the machine, slow it down or get off.
Remember that you should always consult a doctor before you start any new form of exercise or before you increase either the amount or intensity of exercise that you are doing. A treadmill is a great tool that you should carefully experiment with before you do a serious workout on it.
