All posts tagged: treadmill

Elliptical vs. Treadmill: Which Is Better?

Published by Jenni Sidey

If you’re just looking for a straight-up cardio workout, or maybe some zone 2 training, you can’t go wrong with either the treadmill or elliptical. Seriously, just use whichever one is available. But that’s about where the similarities between these two machines end. And depending on your goals—say, if you’re looking for the biggest calorie burn, you’re working out for longevity, or you’re a runner—there are some situations when one is objectively a better choice than the other. “They’re both great machines, and they can both be beneficial depending on your goals,” says Megha Abraham, MD, assistant professor and sports medicine physician at UTHealth Houston. So which one is right for you? We asked the experts to break down the key strengths and weaknesses of each to help you decide. If you’re a runner, you’re Team Treadmill Whether you’re training for a half marathon, trying to get faster on the track, or just looking to improve your running form, the treadmill is almost always going to be a better choice. “The elliptical isn’t going to …

Elliptical vs. Treadmill: Which Is Better?

Published by Jenni Sidey

Improve your balance and walking posture with this 30-minute walking Pilates treadmill workout

Published by Jenni Sidey

One of the things I love most about Pilates is that it directs your attention to how your body moves, but I had never thought of bringing that degree of awareness to other types of exercise. That’s what Pilates instructor and Balanced Body educator Portia Page suggested doing when I was looking for treadmill routines for Fit&Well readers to try. “Treadmills also give you a level of control that walking outdoors doesn’t,” says Page, so you can maintain a consistent speed, adjust the incline and worry less about external distractions. Article continues below You may like “That means you can dial in form, breath and muscle engagement in a way most people never do outside,” she says. Page encourages you to think of the treadmill as a “movement lab” to refine your walking technique, then to apply those skills the next time you hit the road to walk outdoors. “If you train with intention, it becomes completely different,” she says. “Good form and posture help to prevent injury and will help you improve your endurance, …

If you plan to hike this summer and want to avoid knee pain, a walking coach recommends following this four-week treadmill walking plan

Published by Jenni Sidey

If you’ve ever experienced pain in your knee when walking up or downhill, you’re not alone. In fact, there’s even a name for it: hiker’s knee. “Hiker’s knee is a term commonly used for knee pain caused by repetitive stress during steep descents, excessive hiking, or weak supporting muscles,” explains Ludgina Dieujuste, who’s a walking coach at WalkFit. It’s a specific type of pain, different to the discomfort associated with something like runner’s knee. “The pain is often localised at the front of the knee or around the kneecap and can cause aching, swelling, or a grinding sensation,” Diejuste explains. Article continues below You may like Although hiking is a great way to improve your fitness and build lower-body strength, it can put pressure on the joints, which is why it might lead to this type of knee pain. “Fortunately, hiker’s knee can often be avoided by strengthening the glutes, quads and hips, while also progressively preparing your body for steeper hills,” Diejuste says. She explains that the best way to strengthen these muscles while …

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

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

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

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

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

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 …

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All posts tagged: treadmill

Elliptical vs. Treadmill: Which Is Better?

Elliptical vs. Treadmill: Which Is Better?

Improve your balance and walking posture with this 30-minute walking Pilates treadmill workout

If you plan to hike this summer and want to avoid knee pain, a walking coach recommends following this four-week treadmill walking plan

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

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

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

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

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

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