All posts tagged: treadmill

I hate the treadmill, but when the hotel gym is the only option this 30-minute session maintains my fitness without overdoing it

I hate the treadmill, but when the hotel gym is the only option this 30-minute session maintains my fitness without overdoing it

Published by Jenni Sidey

I’ll admit, I do not like the treadmill. Not even a little bit. I prefer the fresh air in my lungs, dirt under my feet, and to feast my eyes on the great outdoors. However, I spend a lot of my time traveling, which means I often find myself in hotels where outdoor running opportunities are minimal, but treadmills are easily accessible. Sometimes I choose the hotel treadmill due to safety reasons. Other times, it’s simply logistics. Either way, I don’t skip the run. I adapt. With the right structure, even indoor miles can be somewhat enjoyable. I like to make my treadmill workouts short, sweet and to the point because if I’m in a hotel, I’m bound to have a busy day ahead. This 30-minute hotel gym treadmill routine blends tempo segments and incline changes to maintain aerobic fitness. Article continues below You may like I like to do this workout in the morning because it makes me feel productive and ready for the day without draining too much energy. The 30-Minute Hotel Treadmill …

I asked a podiatrist how people with balance issues should approach walking workouts—he suggested this 30-minute treadmill routine

I asked a podiatrist how people with balance issues should approach walking workouts—he suggested this 30-minute treadmill routine

Published by Jenni Sidey

Walking is rightly hailed as an accessible and effective type of exercise, but that doesn’t mean everyone finds walking easy to do. For instance, walking outdoors can be scary if you’re unsteady on your feet. That’s where a treadmill can come into its own, according to Dr Mikel Daniels, the president and chief medical officer at WeTreatFeet Podiatry. Daniels told me that the treadmill is clearly the better place to start walking for those with neuropathy who can’t reliably feel the ground, patients with a history of ankle sprains or poor balance, and people recovering from surgery who need a predictable footing and easy access to a handrail. You may like “In these cases, the smooth belt, climate control, and the ability to stop instantly make treadmill walking safer and more sustainable,” he says. To help people with those conditions get started, Daniels has put together a treadmill walking workout exclusively for Fit&Well readers. He’s supplied a range of speeds for each section so you can adjust the workout to suit your ability. He suggests …

The interval ladder workout I use to make treadmill miles fly by

The interval ladder workout I use to make treadmill miles fly by

Published by Jenni Sidey

If I’m being honest, I kind of dread the treadmill. I’m a runner who prefers to be outdoors, whether that’s on the trails or open roads. I like that the scenery and terrain change. The treadmill feels a bit too repetitive. But over the years, chaotic travel schedules, sketchy weather and the occasional need to get a workout in when it’s no longer daylight have forced me inside. To come to terms with the treadmill, I developed a structured workout that helps me stay mentally engaged and keeps the time from dragging on. I enjoy working towards that hard four-minute interval and then knowing that it only gets easier from then on. You may like On a physical level, my aerobic system is challenged by the effort and I get to work on foot turnover and speed. The efforts result in a rise in heart rate followed by a controlled decrease during recovery intervals. This develops both stamina and efficiency. I recommend this session if you want to fit in quality work in less than …

Try this trainer’s 20-minute treadmill walking workout if you’re looking for a low-impact way to get fit

Try this trainer’s 20-minute treadmill walking workout if you’re looking for a low-impact way to get fit

Published by Jenni Sidey

We all know we’ll benefit if we stay active, but it becomes harder to do if you have concerns about your joint health. In that case, the treadmill is your friend. “Walking on a treadmill is actually gentler on your joints because the belt provides some shock absorption, unlike the hard pavement outdoors,” says Denise Chakoian, a certified fitness trainer and owner of Core Cycle and Fitness LaGree. When combined with some of the best walking shoes, you may find your joints are more comfortable with indoor walking. Plus, you remove many of the other factors that worry people about walking outdoors. You may like “Treadmills can feel safer for people who are worried about traffic, uneven sidewalks or isolated areas. Some people also prefer the convenience of walking at home or the gym while watching TV or listening to music,” says Chakoian. If you think that the shock absorption of the treadmill makes it a less effective workout, you don’t need to worry. “Walking on a treadmill is just as effective as walking outdoors …

Want to start running? A personal trainer recommends doing these four exercises before hitting the treadmill

Want to start running? A personal trainer recommends doing these four exercises before hitting the treadmill

Published by Jenni Sidey

I’ve got 15 years under my belt as a certified personal trainer and I’ve tried every workout from Pilates to powerlifting. Even though I enjoy most kinds of exercise, running will always be my favorite way to break a sweat. But running is a demanding sport. Your hips, glutes, legs and core need to be strong and conditioned. If they’re not up for the job, there’s a serious risk of injury. If you’re the type who hits the treadmill in the gym occasionally, but wants to start running more, try the following four exercises. They’re all part of my non-negotiable running warm-up, and have kept me relatively pain-free throughout the years. You may like Before starting any new activity, check in with your medical team for clearance. If you’ve never run before, start slow and with short distances. Alternating between walking and running is also a smart strategy. A certified personal trainer or running coach can help you with a beginning-level running plan. How to do the exercises You’ll need a looped resistance band, a …

A personal trainer says this simple 20-minute treadmill workout could be one of the most effective workouts that you do

A personal trainer says this simple 20-minute treadmill workout could be one of the most effective workouts that you do

Published by Jenni Sidey

A spare 20 minutes can disappear before you know it. If I have a little free time, I always find myself dilly-dallying or starting chores but not finishing them. The time always feels wasted, even if I approach it with the intention to be productive. We Run coach Amanda Grimm thinks 20 minutes is just long enough to invest in yourself and complete a quick, easy treadmill workout. “We all have those days where work takes over or the weather outside is awful. Just remind yourself it’s only 20 minutes, and it actually could be one of the most effective workouts you do,” she says. While it might not be the most challenging workout you do, if you are able to put aside just 20 minutes, you’ll feel better for it. Your focus, mood and stress levels are likely to improve. “It does wonders for your mental health,” says Grimm. “I often remind my clients that a 20-minute workout is always better than nothing. I personally love walking outdoors for the fresh air and for …

All you need is a treadmill and these four exercises to improve your balance, coordination and mobility

All you need is a treadmill and these four exercises to improve your balance, coordination and mobility

Published by Jenni Sidey

Treadmills can be an accessible fitness tool to improve your health and fitness, found in most gyms and available to buy online if you prefer working out at home. The main selling point of the treadmill? It removes the variables and uncertainty of outdoor walking—uneven terrain, bad weather and obstacles. A treadmill creates a smooth, consistent experience, which is especially helpful when returning to exercise. You may like “Walking is a great way to improve balance, strength, bone density, health and wellbeing for life,” says physical therapist and Balanced Body educator Lindy Royer. If you’re looking to add an extra challenge to your routine, a treadmill is a great place to start. Royer says using the treadmill to measure and control your speed, distance and incline, can make it useful in setting goals, monitoring your progress and adding variety. You can enhance some of the benefits of walking—like balance, coordination and mobility—by using the treadmill for walking exercises. Start your week with achievable workout ideas, health tips and wellbeing advice in your inbox. Royer recommends …

A physical therapist says you don’t need to go outside or get on a treadmill to get your steps in—try these four at-home alternatives

A physical therapist says you don’t need to go outside or get on a treadmill to get your steps in—try these four at-home alternatives

Published by Jenni Sidey

There are plenty of reasons you might want to stay indoors, but that doesn’t mean missing out on movement. If you don’t have a treadmill, weights or even resistance bands, there’s still movement you can do from the comfort of your home. Beyond equipment-free strength workouts, you can get your heart rate up by walking with intention. Physical therapist and Balanced Body educator, Lindy Royer, recommends four ways to walk at home—all great ways to move your body and they might even lift your mood if you’re bored. You may like If you have a step counter or fitness tracker, Royer says you can measure your activity as you simulate many of the benefits of walking. She suggests doing the following four exercises as a mini circuit, taking three to five minutes. Set yourself a time goal in which to complete as many rounds as possible. 1. Walk or march in place Marching in Place Demonstrated by a Physical Therapist – YouTube Watch On From standing, start marching on the spot. Lift your knees higher …

Take your treadmill walking workout up a level with this trainer’s favorite workout method

Take your treadmill walking workout up a level with this trainer’s favorite workout method

Published by Jenni Sidey

Exercise doesn’t have to be complicated. Walking up and down a hill will challenge your fitness, and that’s what certified personal trainer Jordan Langhough does when she hops on the treadmill. She uses the pyramid workout format to mimic climbing a hill, steadily increasing the challenge before easing off. “I like treadmills for the consistency, safety and controlled environment, especially when the weather is less than ideal,” says Langhough. You may like That’s not to knock outdoor walks, with all the benefits sunlight, fresh air and time in nature bring. “The best option is the one that is going to help get you moving and support you in keeping you moving consistently,” she says. If a treadmill makes walking more accessible, give this pattern a try. The workout takes 34 minutes from warm up to cool down and follows a hill-walking pyramid—you increase to a peak, then decrease back to flat. While designed for the treadmill, she says this workout can be modified for an exercise bike or elliptical, too, just increase and decrease the …

A trainer says short sessions can have a big impact and shares a 10-minute treadmill walking workout to prove her point

A trainer says short sessions can have a big impact and shares a 10-minute treadmill walking workout to prove her point

Published by Jenni Sidey

It’s difficult to squeeze in a workout when you don’t have a lot of time, but even a 10-minute walk on a treadmill can improve your health. “Short, structured movement sessions have a massive impact on energy, blood sugar, and mood,” says Patty Brewton, an NASM-certified trainer and founder of fitness platform Allez. She explains that a 10-minute walk can boost circulation, engage lower body muscles and support cardio health. You may like And although treadmill walks don’t offer the same benefits as outdoor walks—like fresh air and natural terrain—Brewton says they have other advantages. “On a treadmill, you can control your incline, speed, and timing,” she says. This means you can pick the appropriate challenge level for your walk and stick with it. Brewton recommends exercising in heart rate zone 2 if you’ve only got 10 minutes. Start your week with achievable workout ideas, health tips and wellbeing advice in your inbox. This means that your heart is working at 60% of your maximum heart rate. To calculate this, subtract your age from 220 …