It’s easy to hop on the treadmill and fiddle with the settings. And while you can get a good workout by doing that, it’s good to know exactly how to get the very most you can out of your treadmill run. Here are some things to keep in mind that may not have occurred to you to check.
Use an Incline
Walking on a slight incline is a good way to ensure you get the right resistance out of your walk and run. Think about it: with the mat moving under you and no wind resistance or unevenness like outside, no incline is easier than a normal run. Don’t overdo it though, as too high an incline for extended periods of time can cause undue strain.
Use Music or TV to Stay Focused
Sometimes the best way to run is to let yourself get lost in a show or playlist and let your body take over. The natural breaks for commercials or a new song will also give you a sense of when it’s time to ramp up or cool down. Remember, if you do watch TV, make sure you don’t need to turn your head to do so because prolonged head turning will strain your neck!
Don’t Forget Warmup and Cool-down
With a treadmill, it’s easier to get a head start and to stop immediately when you’re done because you just press the buttons, instead of needing to make yourself go faster or walk home when you’re done. But warmup and cool-down are important for your heart rate. If your machine has a heart rate sensor you can use that to ensure you’re raising and lowering safely.
