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But how do you get the MOST calorie bang for your buck? How
do you superboost that calorie burn, especially if you don't
have a lot of time to work out?
I
asked this question of several personal trainers that write
for our website and here's what they came up with.
These
3 easy tips will boost your calorie burn while on your treadmill
AND possibly even after your workout!
#1)
Walk Uphill
By
using your treadmill incline, you are forcing the larger groups
of muscles to work, thus burning more calories. You can often
double or even triple the amount of calories you normally
burn by walking on an incline.
Don't
want to walk on an incline for 20 minutes straight?
Another
way to double your calorie burning power is by doing incline
intervals: walking on a steep incline for 1 - 2 minutes, then
walking on a normal incline for 5 minutes (while you catch
your breath) and then repeating.
Incline
intervals are a powerful way to challenge your body: you don't
allow your body to get used to the same workout routine and
the same repetitive muscle motion. So the number of calories
burned rises and STAYS high - even after your workout.
#2)
Don’t Grip the Handrails
If
you’ve been to many gyms, you’ve probably seen
your fair share of people grasping onto the front or side
handrails as they walk.
While
it’s fine to touch them for balance, you shouldn't have
to hold on. That actually burns less calories since your legs
aren't doing the work by themselves - they're getting help
from the treadmill frame.
Instead
of holding on to the handrails, try lowering your intensity
until you don't need to hold onto the handrails for support.
Then, to build more calorie burning power into your workout
swing your arms or carry 2 pound handweights to get an overall
body workout. Overall, you'll be burning more calories this
way than holding onto the handrails for support.
#3)
Build in Speed Intervals
Just
like incline intervals, this challenges your body to not only
work harder while on your treadmill, but the higher calorie
burn will continue after your workout.
Walk
(or run) at your normal pace for 3 minutes and then do 30
-60 seconds at a faster pace (so that you're breathing heavily
by the end of the interval). Then slow it down to your usual
pace again for another 3 minutes.
You'll
definitely feel the difference after your workout!
(Of
course never push yourself so hard that you feel pain. If
you ever do feel pain, slow your pace down right away and
talk to a medical professional)
So
there are 3 tips to help you burn more calories on your treadmill
and keep your calorie burn high post workout. It's recommended
that before starting any exercise program, you should consult
your doctor. Remember that everyone is different. Don't compare
yourself to anyone else but instead listen to your body and
do what you can.
Before
you know it, you'll have reached your fitness and weight loss
goals!
About
the Author
Kathryn
O'Neill is chief editor for Home Treadmill Reviews, a consumer
oriented website focusing on the home treadmill market.
For
the latest buying tips, brand reviews, and best buys, visit
Treadmill Review at: http://www.treadmillreview.net
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