Treadmills: Where do I begin?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-2003
Treadmills: Where do I begin?
7
Wed, 04-20-2005 - 11:18am

Went to the rec. for the first time last night and tried out the treadmill. Think I liked it, however, I'd like some suggestion about how to get started.


For example how much do I want to increase my speed and grade through out a 30 minute walk. What should be my speed range be. I'm new so take it easy on me. I don't think I'm ready to run for long periods of time yet.


I tried one of the programmed courses, oops way too hard for me jumped up in speeds at way to big of increments for me.


iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Wed, 04-20-2005 - 12:31pm

Hi Gretchen!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 04-20-2005 - 12:47pm

I think if you're new to it starting off at about 3.5-4mph would be quite doable. As for inclines- I've no idea....I just walk, no treadmill here ;-)


Hopefully there are a few others out there with more treadmill experience-

~IslandGirl


*** Moderation Is Key ***


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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-2003
Wed, 04-20-2005 - 1:29pm

Okay, thanks I'll probably use some form of that to get started. I realized after I got there I should of had some sort of idea planned out.


And, NO, the freaking treadmill I was on would go back up to whatever speed it was suppose to be or it was just making huge jumps on me regardless if I poked it back down to a more manageable speed. Thank god I didn't fall off the back of the thing.


Also, was prepared for getting off, took me a few seconds to get my land legs back. Still felt like the floor was going 3 miles an hour. Doh!



iVillage Member
Registered: 01-21-2005
Wed, 04-20-2005 - 6:58pm

Here is my routine...I guess I am super weak, lol, it's much lower than everyone else's. But I have really short legs (only 5 feet tall) and I take short steps...somehow I feel I work harder than I taller person. ;) Anyway, I walk 30 minutes, no incline, at 3.0 speed. I do a minute or two before and after of warmup at 2.0 speed. It sounds pitiful, but I *do* sweat, beleive it or not....not dripping off my face type sweat...but sticky body type sweat, lol.

Kim

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-19-2004
Thu, 04-21-2005 - 10:42am

I have read that for every 5 minutes do one minute of running. So if you walk at say 3.5 mph, after 5 mins up your speed to say 6 mph and run for one minute, put it back down to the walking for another 5 mins and again for 1 minute burst running.

Then as you get stronger, slowly increase the running to 2 mins, until you are doing 5 mins of walking and then 5 of sprinting.

And as far as inclines are concerned if you are pear shape you shouldn't put much of an incline on the treadmill because it will build up your muscles in your gluteous maximus and thighs giving the illusion you are "bigger" So keep it lower if you don't want to do that, if you DO then incline away, start out slow and slowing work your way up. My treadmill at home goes to a 12% incline. I can do like 4. LOL




Edited 4/21/2005 10:46 am ET ET by sniffle_sally
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-2003
Thu, 04-21-2005 - 11:07am
Well my first time on the treadmill I didn't feel comfortable going faster than 3.0 mph. at 4 I was starting to jog. So don't feel weak, I'm so out of shape cardio wise it's pathetic. lol


iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-2003
Thu, 04-21-2005 - 11:09am
Thanks everyone, all good ideas to work with. I'm hoping to go try again tonight but might conflict with a hair appointment. So I'm going to try to work something out this morning and give it a try.