Training for Long Runs on a Treadmill

By Chet Sandeksi


If you are training for a long race, you should understand the importance of consistency. Understanding consistency and pushing yourself to be as consistent as possible can get difficult when you find that the weather is not conducive to running outside.

Whether you are running on a treadmill because of inclement weather or you are working on a treadmill for rehabilitation, it can be difficult to make it through runs. Watching your distance slowly tick away on the digital screen or watching a tiny television screen can be difficult.

When you are used to scenery and the feeling of travelling and moving, it can be hard to be in the same place when you start your run and when you end your run. Although running on a treadmill can be a pain, sometimes it is necessary.

The elliptical trainer machine, or simply the elliptical, is the ideal cardio training machine for those persons who are otherwise unable to perform cardio workouts due to failing or hurt joints and knees as the elliptical is a low impact machine that will not further damage the knees.

If you do not want to make a visit to a knee replacement surgeon, an elliptical can be a great exercise option. Running consistently may warrant that visit to a knee replacement surgeon, but by starting yourself off on the elliptical, you can avoid a lot of joint problems.

For whatever reasons this rumor of gluteus shaping elliptical misuse has grown in popularity and subsequent practice but is nonetheless erroneous. In fact, pedaling the elliptical backwards can be harder on the knees of a person than pedaling forward and for this reason pedaling backwards should be limited if not avoided completely.

When you purchase a treadmill online, you should understand what is going to come with the treadmill. Look through all of the fine print to ensure that you know what you are signing up for and you know what you are paying for.

Some people like to plug away at a long distance while others prefer to do a circuit workout. A circuit workout can be a great way to get your heart rate up and ensure that you are getting all of your cardio in for the day.

Although running on a treadmill can be difficult, if it becomes necessary you can make the best out of it. Figuring out what diversion methods or workout plans will help you get a good workout on the treadmill can be hard, but will be well worth it in the long run.

This practice will also enable the exerciser to keep up an effective fluid motion while working out on the machine. In addition to keeping the knees slightly bent at all times to enable the machine to work best for its user, it is also important to remember that while an elliptical is designed to maintain the proper posture of the user during an exercise, slouching or slumping while exercising on this machine is still detrimental.

Two common mistakes that persons make in posture while using an elliptical is by leaning too far forward or hanging on to and hugging the console of the machine. Both missuses of the machine will result in a less effective workout and will develop poor training habits in the exerciser.

With this basic knowledge of how to start using an elliptical, a New Year's resolution may finally be accomplished.




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