11 Feb Increasing the treadmill incline ‘ups’ your fitness level

Landice L7 Pro Treadmill

Increasing the incline on your treadmill is a great way to cross train. You can get cardio, endurance and strength training benefits all at the same time.
Whether you walk or run, gradually build up the time and speed you put the treadmill on when it’s on incline.

For most people, simply raising the incline to setting 1 or 2 will elevate the heart level more than when the treadmill is in the standard flat position.
The more you challenge your cardiovascular system to work harder for a prolonged amount of time, the more efficient your heart and lungs will become in pumping blood and transporting oxygen. Most people recommend doing cardio workouts for between 30-60 minutes three times a week.
A great way to build up your cardio level is to do interval training — go hard for 2-3 minutes at a time and then back down for a minute or so and repeat. You can increase the time durations for running or walking faster as your fitness level increases.
Walking or running on a flat surface is good exercise for your legs, but adding an incline builds even more muscle strength and can even increase bone density.
The more you exercise the better you can protect your body against many chronic health problems.
Check with a doctor, though, before beginning a new workout regimen and stop if you feel short of breath to the point that you can’t carry on a conversation. Remember to gradually increase the incline.
For a great look at the different treadmills out there, check out at At Home Fitness’ superstores in Arizona or visit them online.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. Consult a doctor before making any significant changes in your exercise routine or diet. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com