The treadmill is cardio training equipment that promotes weight loss. It is a practical solution for beginners or people who do not want to run outdoors. In fact, millions of athletes around the world train on a treadmill to prepare for a high-level competition or simply to stay in shape.
It is also equipment that is less harmful to the body than outdoor training, because the mat absorbs a good part of the shocks which can cause injuries to muscles and tendons.
Modern treadmills offer many possibilities: jogging, running, sprinting, endurance work, climbing hills, etc. It is usually enough to adjust parameters such as speed, distance and incline of the running plan to vary the training conditions.
Regardless of the type or model of your treadmill, here are some tips that will help you train effectively:
5 Tips for Running on a Treadmill
- Always start your workout with a warm up
Warming up is an important step in physical training. Indeed, you should know that the most optimal performance of muscles and tendons can only be achieved from a temperature of 38 ° C. Likewise, the nervous system functions most efficiently at a temperature of 38 or 39°C.
Generally, a five to ten minute warm-up improves the elasticity of muscles and tendons, as well as coordination of movements, blood oxygen flow, heart rate and resistance to shocks.
- Adopt good posture on the treadmill
To ensure a smooth stroke and get the most benefit from the exercise, be sure to stay in the center of the mat rather than continuously holding the control console. Make sure you can reach the control buttons without any difficulty.
To avoid neck and back pain, keep your body upright and avoid looking at your feet or the control console.
- Choose the right exercise intensity
To avoid the risk of injury, your training program must be adapted according to your level and your physical abilities.
So check that the speed and distance selected correspond to your capacities for the duration of the training. You can also choose training conditions similar to those of an outdoor race.
- Stay focused
Although the use of a treadmill does not present any particular danger, it is always necessary to remain concentrated to avoid accidents. So be careful not to get distracted or inattentive or you could slip or fall on the mat. - Remember to drink enough water!
When you train on a treadmill, you can lose more water than when you run outdoors. So be sure to drink enough water to keep you properly hydrated during exercise.