Here’s something very important to keep in mind when it comes to treadmill workouts and weight loss: If you’re trying to lose weight but you run at the same speed and the same incline every time you hit the treadmill, you could end up running yourself right into a terrible rut because a) your workouts will soon become quite boring and b) your body will start to become more and more acclimated to your “vanilla” workout which will then lead to less calorie and fat burn.
That stated, if you’re a fan of treadmills, today I’ve got some great news because I’ll be sharing few simple strategies that can help keep your treadmill workouts more fun and engaging, while also helping to boost the calorie-torching potential so you can get more bang for your buck!
So without further ado, here are 5 treadmill hacks that you should use during your next workout to help you burn more calories and fat so you can shave off more pounds in less time!
1. Add a Higher Incline
Set the treadmill inclination to 2% or higher, depending on your comfort level. The higher the incline you set, the more intense your workout will be. And the more intense the workout, the more calories you’ll burn even if you’re walking at a slower pace.
2. Don’t Hold the Handrails
Holding onto the handrails when walking or running on a treadmill can massively reduce the number of calories you burn because you are now using your arms (rather than your legs) to support your full body weight. Remember, the handrails are there to help you safely get on and off of the treadmill. So don’t hold onto them during your workout – especially if you are running!
3. Pump Your Arms
When using the treadmill, you should always use proper form by keeping your body upright and looking straight ahead (not at your feet) while you walk or run. Also, by pumping your arms and using brisk arms movements (just as you would if you were walking or running outside), you’ll be able to engage more muscles and burn more calories.
4. Hydrate Before and After Your Workout
If you want to lose weight and maintain overall health, you will need to drink ample water every day. In fact, proper hydration is also very important for the health and beauty of your skin! So make you drink enough water every single day. Lastly, to prevent issues like fatigue or muscle cramps, always make sure that you are properly hydrated before your workouts as well.
5. Listen to Music and/or Audiobooks
Take a moment to make a playlist of your favorite songs and audiobooks to listen to during your next treadmill workout. I love listening to audiobooks when I workout and studies show that listening to music and audiobooks during workouts can help you feel more energized, improve concentration, boost brain power and mental focus, and also increase endurance so you’ll be able to workout more intensely for longer periods – which means you’ll be able to burn even more calories during your workout!
Alright ladies, that’s all I’ve got for today! So be sure to use the tips above during your next treadmill workout – and think of me when you’re enjoying that extra calorie burn! *wink
As always, thanks for stopping by and I’ll check in with you again very soon.
Stay Beautiful!
XOXO,
Dr. Phoenyx