3 Fun Treadmill Workouts
Treadmill running has a bad rep. Treadmills can be boring, sure, but running outside can be just as boring if you never vary your pace or your terrain.
Plus, when running indoors, you can control the thermostat, enjoy cushioning that protects your joints, and stop worrying about bad weather, stopping for cars, or other uniquely outdoor-running problems.
Try one of these three workouts next time you're on the 'mill to build fitness and help the time fly by.
The Key to Workout Success
RANDOM INTERVALS Unpredictable incline and speed changes provide a more complete workout than a steady pace on a flat surface, because they force you to work different muscles.
The Workout: Just a little variation in your run helps the time go by much faster. Try a 10-minute warmup, 20 minutes of your treadmill's random intervals setting, and a 10-minute cooldown.
Fuel Up for a Better Workout
SITCOM RACE-PACE RUN Treadmills are a great tool to help you lock in a goal race pace, since you can set it and forget it.
The Workout: Start with a 10-minute warmup, and move up to your tempo pace when a Seinfeld rerun (or any other half-hour sitcom) begins. Jog during the commercials, and resume the faster pace when the show comes back on. Cool down for five minutes.
Get Stronger than Ever
HILL WORKOUT It's great to run hills on the treadmill because you can control the grade, and you don't have the stress on your quads of running down it.
The Workout: Try one-minute runs up a 4% incline with two minutes of slow, flat jogging in between. Build up to 10 repeats at a 6% incline.
Free, Printable Guide to Fueling Your Workout
TELL US: How do you beat boredom on the run?
More from Runner's World:
More Fun Treadmill Workouts
The Best Ways to Stay Injury-Free
Find the Right Running Shoe for You
Get customized plans to start running faster, longer, and smarter!
