Try Some Fun Treadmill Exercises!

If you think that you can only do limited things on a treadmill, think again. After all, with a little imagination and innovation, you can make your treadmill workout just as challenging as you would like. Here are a few suggestions for creating an intense treadmill workout. Of course, it's always a good idea to check with a doctor before you start a new exercise program or up the intensity of your current workouts.

Dumbbells/Hand Weights

Tired of your legs doing all the work while your arms just hang there – or worse, grip the safety bars? Try raising and lowering five to ten pound hand weights as you walk along. Also, if you're used to hanging onto the bars on your treadmill, you should start slow so that you don't fall, and then simply increase speed as you gain confidence. By the end of a vigorous walk, you will have given your upper and lower body a good treadmill workout.

Walking Backwards

Walking backwards sounds silly right? However, when you walk backward, you are challenging the muscles in your legs to move in a way that they normally do not. Of course it goes without saying that you need to start slowly and be very careful because your balance is also challenged. It is also important to remember not to hold on to the rails when you are walking backward. It can result in serious injury. Be forewarned that when you add this type of exercise to your routine, you will be very sore; however you will discover and develop new muscles.

Speed Intervals

Be sure to warm up with some stretches before you try this technique, as with any other type of physical exercise. The best way to do a speed interval exercise is to walk or run as fast as you can for one minute. Then slow the pace down for a two-minute breather. After the two minutes are up, do another minute at full speed, and so on. Repeat this cycle five to eight times, as this is an excellent example of a good aerobic treadmill workout.

Incline Intervals

Incline interval exercises are also a great way to get an aerobic workout on your treadmill. As previously mentioned, you will need to do warm up exercises before you start. Incline interval simply means that you set the incline on your treadmill to a level you are comfortable with, and walk for five minutes. Reduce the machine back to normal and walk for five more minutes. When you repeat this two more times, you will receive the maximum benefit of the workout.

Walking On Toes And Heels

Walk as you normally would for five minutes. Then slow down your speed and walk on your tiptoes for thirty seconds. Resume your normal walk for another five minutes, then slow down again and walk on your heels for thirty seconds. Repeat this cycle twice to exercise different muscles in your legs and feet.

A good treadmill workout doesn't have to be boring, and there are many challenging and fun exercise routines that you can do in order to keep your mind and your body in tip top shape.

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