Set out on a wellness journey by pressing that treadmill start button! Beyond weight loss and heart health, the perks extend to mental well-being and stress reduction. If you're new to running, resist the outdoor temptation initially. The treadmill offers a steady speed tailored to your fitness level, sparing beginners from the risks of uneven pacing that outdoor running can bring. Say goodbye to sore muscles, fatigue, and potential injuries – a smoother start paves the way for progress.

Lace-up, press start, and let the treadmill guide your path to fitness bliss! But before moving forward, let's understand what a treadmill is.

What Is a Treadmill?

A treadmill is a stationary exercise powerhouse with a walking or running belt crafted for indoor cardio excellence. With a spectrum of speed and incline settings, it caters to individuals at various cardio fitness levels. Modern electric treadmills elevate the experience, boasting features like Bluetooth connectivity and LCD touchscreens. Now, not only can you set your pace, but you can also stream tailored training programs, amplifying your workout efficiency.

How to Run or Walk on a Treadmill: A Beginner's Guide

Whether you're walking or running on a treadmill, here's a brief guide to help you maximise your time:

• Time It Right

Find a fitness studio or a gym aligning with your schedule. Before signing up, inquire about their COVID-19 safety measures and busiest hours. If possible, steer clear of peak times for a better chance of finding a free treadmill and maintaining safe social distancing. Alternatively, consider investing in your treadmill for convenient, uninterrupted use at your convenience, without encountering others outside your quarantine circle. 

• Watch Your Step

Since the cushioned surface aids in injury prevention, some individuals may experience pains and aches after extended treadmill use. Ensure you run at a pace you can sustain comfortably. As fatigue sets in, consider adjusting your speed or incline periodically to diversify your session and minimise the risk of discomfort.

If you're thinking, “What is incline in treadmills?”, let us tell you that the incline on a treadmill refers to the elevation or slope of the running surface. By adjusting the incline, you can simulate uphill conditions, increasing the intensity of your workout. This feature helps engage different muscle groups and adds variety to your treadmill sessions, enhancing the effectiveness of your exercise routine.

• Find the Right Speed

If you need to grab the handrails on the treadmill, it indicates you're going too fast. Holding onto the handrails can disrupt your stride, creating a twisting motion that may lead to injuries. Whether walking or running, aim for a pace and incline that you can comfortably sustain without holding on, allowing your arms to contribute to the workout by pumping naturally.

• Get outside… Carefully

If all your workouts have been on a treadmill, consider gradually incorporating outdoor running into your routine to avoid injury. Outdoors, your calf muscles and smaller stabiliser muscles work harder. Begin with a 10-minute run on your first outing, then add five minutes each week. Build up gradually, increasing your weekly mileage by no more than 10% each week.

• Know Your Numbers

The calorie readouts on treadmills and other exercise machines are often imprecise, as they estimate total calories burned rather than just those burned during exercise. They usually don't consider factors like body fat percentage, gender, age, resting heart rate, or whether you're holding onto the rails. While not entirely accurate, you can still use the calorie readout as a rough indicator of progress. If it increases between sessions for the same workout, it suggests improved fitness.

• Decipher the Pacing Information

Understanding your treadmill speed is crucial, but many display pace in miles per hour (mph), while runners often prefer minutes per mile. Here's a handy conversion for common speeds:

• 4.0 mph = 15:00 min/mile
• 4.5 mph = 13:20 min/mile
• 5.0 mph = 12:00 min/mile
• 5.5 mph = 10:55 min/mile
• 6.0 mph = 10:00 min/mile
• 6.5 mph = 9:14 min/mile
• 7.0 mph = 8:34 min/mile
• 7.5 mph = 8:00 min/mile
• 8.0 mph = 7:30 min/mile
• 8.5 mph = 7:04 min/mile

This cheat sheet makes tracking runners' preferred minutes-per-mile pace on the treadmill easier.

• Mix It Up

To enhance overall fitness, incorporate faster workouts on a flat surface and slower-paced uphill workouts. The uphill sessions build strength, while faster, flat workouts contribute to stamina, endurance, and quick footwork. Adjusting both speed and incline allows you to simulate the varied terrain of a road run more effectively.

‍Remember: Before beginning any treadmill walking or jogging, especially if you have existing health issues, it's crucial to consult your healthcare provider. They may recommend a stress test to assess potential effects on the heart. To delve deeper into this topic, refer to the following section of the blog.

What Is a Treadmill Test?

Also known as a cardiac stress test or treadmill stress test, this examination assesses the impact of exercise on the heart. It enables doctors to identify abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and diagnose the presence or absence of coronary artery disease.

During the test, you walk on a treadmill while your heart's electrical activity is monitored. The treadmill's speed and incline progressively increase, revealing how effectively your heart responds to varying stress levels from exercise.

Wrapping Up

Embrace the treadmill as more than a piece of equipment – it's a tool for transformation. Your journey towards fitness is not just about the distance covered but the strides you take towards a healthier, happier life. Keep running, walking, and chasing those wellness goals – your treadmill awaits, ready to support you every step of the way.