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I won’t bore you with the 7 million reasons why I loathe the treadmill. (I can hear your sighs of relief ;0) ). BUT, on those occasions when an outdoor workout isn’t in the cards, a treadmill sometimes must be fired up. So that I won’t stab my eyes out, I create workouts that aren’t already part of the treadmill’s set of pre-programmed workouts.
1) Time goes more quickly when I manually adjust the speed and incline for pre-determined intervals.
2) I can adjust the workout to be more or less challenging, depending on the kind of day I’m having. This way, no two workouts are ever the same.
I have designed treadmill workouts for clients and they are beloved workouts (or so I’m told) – again, probably because you are actively involved in manipulating the workout, versus hopping on the machine and mindlessly jogging like a hamster in a wheel.
Any hoots, I thought I’d share a popular walking routine (for those non-runners), but this workout could easily be adjusted for runners – simply increase the speed. This workout is called a pyramid…you increase either speed, incline, or both, for a given number of intervals until you “peak,” then you put it all in reverse. Be sure to stretch well after this routine, especially if you aren’t used to walking with an incline, and most of all, have fun!
DIRECTIONS:
30
Still feeling a little full from last Thursday’s feast? Sneak in an extra workout this week, and make it a good one! This 60 minute walk routine can be modified to a variety of fitness levels. Runners – you can do this one too!
Enjoy!
Walking Intervals – Intermediate
Total time: 50-60 mins
Begin with a 5 minute warm-up, walking at a low intensity (a 3-5 on a RPE scale of 1- 10).
Interval 1
1: (5 mins) Increase your speed by 50% (a 6-7 on a RPE scale of 1-10)
2 (2 mins) Decrease speed to warm up level.
Interval 2
1: (5 mins) Increase speed by 75% (7-8 on a scale of 1-10). Pump arms for added calorie burning.
2 (2 mins) Decrease speed by 25% (6-7 on scale of 1-10).
Interval 3
1: (5 mins) Increase speed by 80% (8-9 on a scale of 1-10).
2 (2 mins) Decrease speed by 5-10% (7-8 on a scale of 1-10).
Interval 4
1: (5 mins) Maintain speed at 75% of max effort (7-8 on scale of 1-10).
2 (10 mins) Decrease speed by 25%
3 (2 mins) Increase speed back up to 90% of max effort (at this point, you couldn’t walk much faster).
Cool down (5 mins): 50% off max speed (6-7 on scale of 1-10).
Stretch 5-10 mins, concentrating on hamstrings and calves. Hold each stretch 15-30 seconds. Ideally, perform two sets of each stretch.
* Note: Blue Sky Gym and the author disclaim any liability for any injury, physical or emotional, suffered during or as a result of exercise or activities recommended. As always, you should use common sense and consult your health professional before beginning any exercise routine or program.