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.

Walk 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.

Changing Speed Intervals

As any professional athlete will tell you before starting any workout, warm up exercises are crucial. Stretching is an excellent way to loosen your muscles. Once you're muscles have been stretched, consider speed interval exercises. Some experts advise that if you walk fast or run for one minute, then do it slowly for two minutes, and repeat this up to eight times, you will be giving yourself an excellent aerobic workout, which is very good for your heart as well as your muscles.

Changing Incline Intervals

Again, be sure to warm up before you try this exercise. Walk as you normally would for five minutes. Then set the incline on your machine to four or five. Continue walking for another five minutes, then return the incline to zero. Repeat this cycle two times for maximum benefit.

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.

Visit us for more information on best treadmill ratings, treadmill parts and best treadmill ratings review sites.