To shed those extra pounds, you need to get moving and start running. With the running craze sweeping the nation, many people opt for treadmills at the gym or home due to concerns like busy schedules, sun exposure, nighttime safety, smog, sandstorms, and hard pavement damaging their knees. But did you know that a treadmill can offer you the benefits of an entire gym?

Today, let's explore how to use a treadmill in various creative ways.

1. Squat Jump Running

Set the treadmill speed to no more than your average walking pace. Stand with your feet facing the treadmill, quickly squat down, keeping your knees and toes safe. Let the belt carry you to the back of the treadmill, then lift your feet and jump forward to return to your original position. Repeat 10-15 times. If you feel unstable, lower the treadmill speed.

2. High Knee Running

Adjust the treadmill speed to slightly faster than your usual walking pace. Transition from walking to jogging. Raise your right knee towards your chest while lowering your left foot, then jump up with your body straight. Quickly switch legs, lifting your left knee towards your chest. Repeat for 30 seconds. If you're not ready for high knees on the treadmill, start with jumping exercises.

3. Plank Walk

This exercise uses your hands instead of your feet. Set the treadmill speed to 0.5-1 mph. Stand at the back of the treadmill in a plank position with your feet on the floor and hands on the treadmill sides. Once ready, place your hands on the belt. As the belt moves, alternate your hands, keeping your hips up to avoid twisting. Repeat 10-15 times on each side.

4. Weighted Lunge Walking

Place a set of 5-10 lb dumbbells beside the treadmill display. Set a comfortable speed, no more than half your usual walking pace, and start walking slowly. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, step forward with your right foot into a lunge, keeping your knee aligned with your toes. Return to the starting position and repeat with your left foot. Complete 10-15 reps on each side. If lifting dumbbells is challenging, try resting your hands on your hips.

5. Bicep Curl Backward Walking

Set the treadmill to its maximum incline and maintain the speed used for lunge walking. Face the back of the treadmill and start walking comfortably. Once ready, perform bicep curls with the right hand to the shoulder, then switch to the left hand. Continue alternating while walking backward for 10-15 reps on each side. If needed, use the handrails for support instead of dumbbells.

6. Side Shuffle Walking

Maintain a slow pace and face the side of the treadmill. As you shuffle sideways, gradually increase the speed slightly above your usual walking pace. Step to the left with your left foot, followed by your right foot. Adjust your speed until you can maintain a steady pace, then switch directions. Repeat for 30 seconds, slow down, and repeat on the other side.

7. Butt Kicks

Face the treadmill and set the speed slightly faster than your average walking pace. Once comfortable, kick your right foot back towards your butt, focusing on working your glutes and hamstrings. Repeat with the left foot, alternating for 30 seconds.

8. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

In addition to normal jogging, you can perform high-intensity interval training on the treadmill. Intervals can be structured as "work-rest-work-rest" or "high-low-high-low" to make workouts more dynamic and effective for fat burning.

Example HIIT Workout (Three sets with a 5-minute rest between sets, adjust speed based on ability):

• Speed 12.0 for 20 seconds → Speed 6.0 for 40 seconds
• Speed 11.7 for 20 seconds → Speed 5.8 for 40 seconds
• Speed 11.4 for 20 seconds → Speed 5.6 for 40 seconds
• Speed 11.0 for 20 seconds → Speed 5.4 for 40 seconds
• Speed 10.7 for 20 seconds → Speed 5.2 for 40 seconds
• Speed 10.4 for 20 seconds → Speed 5.0 for 40 seconds
• Speed 10.0 for 20 seconds → Rest for 5 minutes

Note: HIIT is intense! Beginners should start slowly and increase intensity gradually. Always exercise within your limits.

In summary, moving in any way is an effective form of exercise. By using these creative treadmill exercises, you can make your workouts more varied, enjoyable, and effective for fat loss.