Home Use of Treadmills Is Up and Running
By Sandy Schroeder
Treadmill running is riding a whole new wave of popularity with boutique classes and new high-tech treadmills hitting the workout scene. At the same time, home treadmill running is about to join the party.
Running has always been a prime choice to transform the mind and the body, and books like David Silk’s The Ultimate Treadmill Workout reflects this new enthusiasm. Silk advises runners to “run right, hurt less and burn more with treadmill interval training.â€
If running and training at home appeals to you, a home treadmill may be the most efficient way to join the trend. You can skip the crowded gym or packed boutique classes and run whenever you want, whatever the weather, in the comfort of your own home.
Silk provides key tactics to use while running.
Avoid running too close to the front - Hovering near the front of the treadmill can mess up your stride.
Keep arms parallel to legs - Avoid swinging arms side to side across the center line.
Watch heel landings - Faster speeds need a forefoot strike to reduce impact. Heel first striking is alright for walking or jogging.
Find the right stride - Adjust your stride to the speed and incline. Shorten the stride on steep hills and avoid over striding when sprinting.
Watch your posture - When you run in one place posture may lag. Keep the runner’s tilt. Avoid sitting back on the hips when you are tired.
WellAndGood.com adds more tips.
Rethink the home treadmill - Stop and think why you are there and what this can do for you. To maximize results from a home treadmill, don’t think of it as treadmill running. Just see it as running and training whenever you choose.
Do a dynamic warm-up - Do some glute bridges on your mat to activate hamstrings and glutes. Do arm circles and high knee steps to get the heart rate up and warm up calves, shins, hip and glutes. Warm up in the same way that you do for a run.
Gas up before you run - Put protein and carbohydrates in the tank at least 30 minutes before your workout.
Wear workout clothes - Choose the same moisture-wicking clothes that you use for a run so your clothes won’t weigh you down. Or use layers to peel off.
Wear proper running sneakers - A running store can help you get fitted with the shoes that have the right support.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Irvine, Calif.