A treadmill looks simple, right? It can be, if you avoid a few rookie mistakes.
Do you know where you’re going to?
Have you got a plan for how to use the treadmill on a given day? There is a little more to it than hopping on and hitting the start button. Boring! You need to add a little spice to your treadmill fitness program. There are many ways to use it, including the incline and different speeds.
Ask a pro at your workout facility if you need help or inspiration.
Warming Up
It’s foolish to not warm up at the very beginning of your workout on the treadmill. It’s no different than warming up for any other exercise. Going from a standstill to a fast pace puts stress on your muscles. Warm up first by walking for about 5 or 10 minutes, then increase the speed or incline as you feel you need to. Don’t forget the cool-down at the end.
Rise against
A few more words about the incline feature: this is a great thing to take advantage of its resistance feature. It’s as if you were climbing a hill or running in the wind. The best percentage is to run at 1 or 2 percent incline and vary your speeds. You’ll get a better workout that way.
Learning to let go
Are you a grasper? If you tend to grasp the rails of the treadmill, you might be a newbie – or basically uncomfortable with the machine. Learn to let your arms go where they may – naturally. Your posture suffers when you grasp, as well as your speed. You need to work your arms during this workout as well, and hanging onto the railings will negate your workout.
Swing your arms as if you were walking on the sidewalk. But don’t overdo it – keep your arms parallel to your legs to get the best workout.
To learn the right techniques, contact Warwick Women’s Workout in Perth: (08) 9342 9028.
