Care to share your treadmill routines?

Mamacurl3 · 01-07-2008, 12:56 PM

I just recently picked up a treadmill and am still trying to figure out what pace, incline etc works best for me. I usually go about 35-45min anywhere from 4.3-6.4 depending on if I'm walking or jogging. I can incline, but it doesn't have anywhere to show what it's at so I never know where it is unless I try to increase it and it doesn't go up anymore. I'm just trying to find a good workout, something that I can switch up. I also ride a stationary bike, do some tae bo and belly dance videos, and light upper body free weights. I'd like to get into my treadmill more though since I"ve got the itch to run and haven't done so regularly since October. Anyone care to share any treadmill tips?

Pippa8668 · 02-06-2008, 08:52 AM

I don't know if this is helpful, but if you go on self.com to the 1 month body challenge or whatever it is called, there is one for becoming a good runner and it has a series of workouts for four weeks that ease you into running and are actually, IMO, pretty good, if you are already in moderately good shape. I also took longer than they said to for each consecutive workout. I did not actually DO the challenge, I don't track meals I am too lazy and don't do well with those programs, but the weekly emails are tolerable for free workout plans and they only last 4 weeks.

Mamacurl3 · 02-06-2008, 07:27 PM

thanks Pip,
I'll check it out. I"ve been playing around with the treadmill since I posted this. I've been working on some interval training and have increased my speed quite a bit. I just leave the incline alone for now, since it's just too hard to gauge, but I increase and decrease the speed throughout my workouts to switch it up a bit.
Thanks again

jade22 · 02-06-2008, 07:43 PM

when i first started to use the treadmill at my gym my trainer told me that i should switch between speeds, between running and speed walking or jogging, every 5 min or so. To be honest, i prefer to speed walk on a high speed and inclinefor 25 - 30 min bc i just suck at running for some reason..

Mamacurl3 · 02-06-2008, 07:55 PM

I just poked around on self.com and couldn't figure out where the running tips were?
Jade, I like to walk too but sometimes I just feel like I have so much energy that I just want to run LOL I prefer to run outside, but it's too cold yet. I think I need to work on my stride/technique too.

2poodles · 02-07-2008, 04:46 AM

I'm a beginner so my routines won't be helpful, but have you looked at www.coolrunning.com ? They seem to have lots of training tips as well as forums. Might be a resource to check out. I'm following their C25K program for newbies. Good luck!

xcptnl · 02-07-2008, 04:51 AM

I use the treadmill sometimes at the gym (I usually use the elipitical) but when I do use the treadmill I speed it up for a couple of minutes - then slow it down....raise the incline for a couple of minutes - then lower it. The ones at the gym also have different settings so I try to take advantage of those as well to keep it different.

The biggest tip I read was not to hold on to the handles. I just started using equipment this past fall and didnt know that. I get a much better workout by not holding on so I was very glad to read that. Of course, if you are running on yours you are not holding on.

Mamacurl3 · 02-07-2008, 08:23 AM

Thanks for the tips ladies,
I've heard of coolrunnings.com
I'm up to about 3-4miles on average, but would like to increase that..is there a step up from the couch to 5K?
I agree, no holding the handles, accept for when I went all out sprint for at 10.6mph and only managed to make it for about 15 seconds needed help keeping on!

hopetocurl · 03-01-2008, 04:11 PM

I recently learned from a trainer that you can do side squats on your treadmill. Place the incline at 12% and the speed anywhere from .5 mph to 1 mph. Then use your bar to hold onto and do side squats 1 minute on each side. FEEL THE BURN!!!

Mamacurl3 · 03-01-2008, 04:18 PM

that's a great tip HOpe, thanks!