While the treadmill is a versatile machine that allows for a range of exercises from hefty, intense workouts to light strolling, there are ways that you can make mistakes even while using this simple piece of equipment. That’s not to say you’re doing everything wrong, but by following these tips you can maximize the benefits of your time on the treadmill.
For instance, using the hand-bars on the side can really reduce the number of calories that you’re burning. The reason for this is that the calories that you burn is dependent on how much weight you put on your feet – if you’re reducing that weight by leaning on the handlebars, then you’re simply not burning as much.
Feet errors, like slapping down your feet too hard, or not using the right footwear, can also create problems. Just because you’re doing your running on a machine versus the outdoors doesn’t mean you can wear what you like. Wearing the correct footwear is important because it prevents injury. Slapping your feet down is also a way to get injured – the correct method has the ball of your foot or your midfoot striking the treadmill first.
Other problems include looking down at your feet – while this seems like a simple thing, it can actually pretty badly affect your posture. When on the treadmill as well as when running in general, look straight ahead so your neck and back are aligned correctly.
And finally, the biggest mistake people make is to keep to a simple routine. If you do the same thing over and over, at the same speed and same incline for the duration of the workout, day in and day out, your body is going to adapt. So make sure to vary it up a bit.
