Using a treadmill is an excellent form of aerobic exercise that can help you burn calories and improve your overall health. While it may seem like all you need to do is start running, there are some important tips and safety measures to keep in mind. Running on a treadmill differs slightly from running outdoors, and knowing how to use the treadmill correctly will help you avoid injuries. Here's a guide to get you started!

Before You Run

Warm Up: Start with a walk to get your joints and muscles ready. Warm up for about 5 minutes with a slight incline, such as 2%, to get the blood flowing throughout your body. This will help prevent muscle strains and joint injuries.

Gradually Increase Your Speed: After warming up, increase your speed to a slow jog. Continue to gradually increase your speed every 5 minutes until you reach a sprint, then gradually slow down at 5-minute intervals. Always consult your treadmill manual or talk to your gym instructor to understand the interval training programs available on your machine. Never set the speed beyond your capacity to avoid injuries.

Vary Your Speed and Distance Daily

Changing your workout routine daily helps keep things interesting and prevents overworking specific muscle groups. If you focus on speed training one day with all-out sprints lasting 5 to 20 minutes, shift your focus to distance the next day with 20 to 60 minutes of jogging. Always begin and end with a walking session to warm up and cool down your body. Check your treadmill's control panel, consult the manual, or ask a gym instructor about the incline settings to simulate hill training. This is especially useful if you live far from mountainous areas but plan to participate in races or marathons in hilly terrain.

Avoid Gripping the Handrails

Holding onto the handrails reduces the intensity of your leg and core workout, thereby burning fewer calories and decreasing the effectiveness of your exercise. If you need a break, slow the treadmill down to a walking pace rather than holding onto the handrails while running or sprinting. However, if you have balance issues, you might need to consider this exception. Always consult your doctor about the precautions you should take if you have balance problems but still want to use the treadmill.