Three Ways a Treadmill Can Be Used to Vary Your Workout Routines

Three Ways a Treadmill Can Be Used to Vary Your Workout Routines

The treadmill is one of the best selling pieces of workout equipment around; it is also one of the oldest workout machines in existence. It is simplicity of use makes it a very popular workout for the average person. Other equipment have found their own niche and there are people who prefer them. The elliptical trainers, exercise bikes, and even rowing machines are all standard home equipment pieces that are popular, but none come close to the treadmill. Why?

The main reason treadmill routines are so popular is they are incredibly simple to operate and use. To use a treadmill all you need to do is either walk or run on it, there is no special training or actions needed to perform the routine. An added reason is there is no other workout that can provide the same kind of benefit to the body as a treadmill can. Because of the advances these machines have gone through over the years, it is now possible for a user to adjust their workout to get the maximum benefit while being very creative.

Here are a few ways to be creative with a treadmill:

Incline and Decline

Newer machines now offer declines as well as inclines on their programs. This means you can simulate running downhill at a 2-5% decline. As with running or walking on an incline, a decline works a completely different set of muscles in the legs thereby strengthening them. The option to change either the incline or decline on a treadmill can make for a longer more productive workout too. This decline option allows you to slow down your running a bit and catch your breath when needed.

Perform Interval Training

It has been proven that interval training burns more calories than regular workouts and newer treadmills allows you to use preset programs to allow for this type of treadmill workout. Interval training is defined as rotating between 2 distinct exercises for a period of 2 minutes or more. 

For example running for 2 minutes, then walking or running on an incline for another 2 minutes. This rotation continues for at least 30 minutes at a time.

 Using interval training can raise your heart rate higher than it normally would get and also shocks the body into burning more calories and body fat. Using the treadmill's settings to raise and lower the incline and speed settings makes interval training easy and possible!

Design Custom Workouts

With the newer treadmill machines they often come with pre-programmed settings. This allows you to change your routine as often as you like. 

These workouts are designed to give you the best weight loss workout possible. Changing up workouts routine will keep you motivated entertained and more likely keep you working out.