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Fittingly Mad: Stomping on the Treadmill, Come on Now.

FitSugar — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 02:30:00 -0700

Look, I know everyone has their own technique for running. From barefoot running to chi running to eco-running, I'm supportive of trying out different styles. What am I not supportive of? Stomping running.

It seems as if every day when I am at the gym there is a stomper present. Stompers seem to have the same technique as if Bigfoot were on the treadmill next to you. I'm sure you've seen and heard this person before. They run with a lead foot, and every step makes you turn around to make sure the roof isn't caving in somewhere. In fact the stomping is so loud that you can't even pay attention to The Hills rerun that you were psyched to see on at the gym.

Yup, I'm talking to you Mr. Stomper. Yes, maybe that is just, "how you run," but man, you should really work on your form. Not only are you disturbing everyone else around you, but I can't even begin to imagine the damage you're doing to your lower back, knees and ankles. Ever heard of being light on your feet? Maybe you should think about applying this to your runs. Seriously, if you drag your feet anymore, you're probably going to trip and fall. Or here's an idea, how about slowing the pace down so you can actually keep up? No one is measuring your manhood by how fast your treadmill belt is going, I promise.

Oh, and the burping while running, that has got to stop too. That's just nasty.

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6 Ways to Beat Treadmill Boredom

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 06:40:01 -0800

Most of us covered in cold and snow are forced to move our runs inside. If you don't have access to an indoor track, then a treadmill is the next best thing. While I'm grateful that this machine allows me to keep up with my runs, the repetition of staying in one spot can be beyond boring. Here are some things to help make your treadmill time more enjoyable.

Entertain yourself with a book on tape. You can download one to your iPod or MP3 player and it will make 30 minutes just fly by.
Watch a movie. If you have a treadmill at home, watch rented movies from Netflix on your own TV. If not, you can buy a sturdy plastic rack that fits over the front of the machine. Then place your portable DVD player or laptop on it. Movies are a great way to pass the time if you're working on longer distances, because there are no boring commercials.

To see the other four ideas, read more.

Do interval training. Watching the clock so you can alternative between a few minutes of jogging and a few minutes of sprinting will definitely keep your mind and muscles busy. Here's a treadmill interval workout for you to try.
Have at least 10 playlists on your iPod so every time you hop on the treadmill, new tunes will inspire you to move. Or you can swap iPods with a fitness buddy.
Run next to a friend so you can chat and push each other to keep going.
Use the treadmill differently. If you're used to jogging, put the incline all the way up and walk instead. Or try walking backward, sideways, or walking lunges. Not only will it be more exciting, but you'll use different muscles, too.

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5 Treadmill Gripes - and 5 Solutions

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 05:30:22 -0800

I'll admit that I'm kind of annoyed that the colder weather has forced me to move my runs inside. I prefer jogging in the fresh air, and there are many reasons I hate the treadmill. I'm sure you can relate, so here are five easy ways to make your treadmill time more fun and enjoyable.

Gripe	Solution
It's way too boring.	Staying in one place can have its downfalls, so make it fun by listening to a book on tape, learning a language, watching a movie or TV show, perusing a magazine, or listening to a great running mix.
It's too loud.	You can't stop the noise, but you can prevent yourself from hearing it by getting a set of good noise-isolating headphones like these Ultimate Ears Metro F1.2 ($70). They'll block out all outside noise, including the annoying guy next to you trying to pick you up.

To see the rest read more.

Gripe	Solution
It's too repetitive on my body.	The great thing about treadmills is that you're in control of the speed and the incline. So mix it up to feel different effects on your body. If you don't want to futz with the buttons, many newer treadmills offer built-in interval workouts. Select a workout from the list and it'll make you feel more like you're running outside than just running on a hamster wheel.
I don't believe the readout.	When using your own treadmill or one at the gym, you get accurate readings of the time, distance, and how fast you're moving, since these are simple functions the machine can figure out by using the clock and the speed of the belt. When it comes to calories burned, if there's a place you can enter in your weight, then the calorie readout should also be fairly accurate. To be sure, you may want to get a heart rate monitor or the Nike+ Sports Kit.
There's no place for my water bottle or magazine.	If your treadmill doesn't have a rack or water bottle holder, you can buy these separately. A Cardio Caddy With Bottle Holder ($25) can keep track of your water, iPod, or remote control. You can also purchase the Up'n Over Rack ($25). It's made of clear plastic and fits over the treadmill display so you can read your book and also peek at how long you've been walking.

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Winterize Your Running: Treadmill Tips

FitSugar — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 10:00:00 -0800

It is a common trend during late Autumn to start moving workouts indoors. Treadmills and spin classes are staples of Winter fitness. If layering up to brave the cold keeps you from running, then move your workout inside, but keep these tips in mind:

Ease into your treadmill runs. Don't expect to run as fast or as long on a treadmill as you did outside. Allow your body to get used to the treadmill's movement and surface. Start with shorter, slower runs and gradually increase time and speed until you're up to the level you were doing outside. Running on a treadmill is truly a repetitive action, since the surface never changes, and this is another reason to ramp up slowly.
Reconsider your sneaks. Trail runners were made for running outside on dirt paths and aren't exactly the best shoes for a treadmill or an indoor track surface. You may need to purchase another pair that's strictly for indoor use.

For other tips, read more.

If running on a treadmill aggravates your knees, opt for using an elliptical instead.
Remember that running on a treadmill with zero percent incline can give you shin splints, so set your treadmill to at least one percent incline.
Take advantage of the incline on the treadmill to simulate running up hills.
Some folks think running on a treadmill is easier, so make it more difficult by varying your speed. This kind of interval training will not only work your heart and lungs and strengthen your muscles, but those sprinting bursts help to burn more calories.

Taking short breaks from training can be beneficial, but the longer you wait, the harder it will be to get back into the swing of things. If you own a treadmill or elliptical, dust it off, get it out of your basement, or remove the laundry you have hanging from it and start running. If you don't own one, join a gym immediately so you can use their equipment or indoor track.

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What to Look For When Buying a Treadmill

FitSugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Even though it's warm, you may not like exercising outside. Maybe your neighborhood isn't safe, you're worried about unhealthy sun exposure, or you have allergies. It's great to belong to a gym and use their equipment, but nothing beats the convenience and comfort of working out at home. If you're in the market for a new treadmill, Simpfit has some suggestions. Here are some things to consider:

Think about the motor. Ones with more power use less electricity, produce less heat, provide smoother movement, and also mean less wear and tear so the treadmill will last longer.
Think about the belt. Cheaper models have narrower belts, so if you're larger or have a hard time running in a straight line, you may want to think about splurging for one that has a wider belt. Also if you're taller, you may need a longer belt. Don't fall for ones that have "orthopedic belts." Your shoes offer enough cushion, and these treadmills may not last as long.
Look for a sturdy frame made out of durable material. Heavier ones that are welded (not bolted) will last the longest. It's even better if the manufacturer supplies a warranty against failure or corrosion.

Want to see what else you should keep in mind? Then read more.

What are the treadmill's special features? Most standard treadmills will tell you how many calories you've burned, your distance, and your speed. If you're looking for more bells and whistles, such as a program that will store your workout data, map out courses for you, or have a motorized incline, then you may have to spend a little more.
Think about noise factor. Turn up the treadmill to the fastest speed and have a listen. A smooth humming sound is normal. Loud humming may show that the treadmill's motor is inefficient, and will also make it difficult for you to hear the TV (if you like to watch while working out).
Ask about maintenance. Some treadmills may require you to wax or lubricate the belt or the deck (the part under the belt). If you're into low or free maintenance, you may need to pay a little more.
Ask about the treadmill's warranty. If you're dropping over a grand on a treadmill, you want to know that it can be fixed if something goes wrong. The frame should have a lifetime warranty, and the motor and other moving and electrical parts should have at least a limited warranty of five years or more. The better the warranty, the better the treadmill.

Fit's Tip: Think about buying your treadmill at a small or specialty fitness equipment store. That way, you can get help or repairs done quicker.

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Fit Tip: Pump Up the Incline

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 15:30:00 -0800

Have you noticed that you can run like a gazelle on the treadmill, but running half the distance outside gets you completely winded?

Well, do you use any incline while running on the treadmill? If you don't, you should. Here's why: Since the treadmill belt propels you along a bit, you're not using as much energy as you would if you were running (or walking) outside - not to mention the fact that there is no environmental resistance indoors, such as wind, making your workout a little tougher.

To make your treadmill workout closer to outdoor exercise, simply raise the treadmill incline to at least 1 percent; you should use as many calories as if you were walking or running outdoors. If you currently run at a 0 percent incline, try pushing it to a 0.5 percent for the first week or so. Eventually work your way to having at least an 1–2 percent incline while you are running or walking.

Fit's Tip: Slowly putting a little more stress on the body with an incline will burn more calories, and develop more lean muscle tissue, even if you have no intentions of ever running outside.

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At Least Your Dog Can Be Fit

FitSugar — Thu, 17 May 2007 17:15:00 -0700

I recently went to the Humane Society to donate some old blankets and I saw one very overweight pooch that was rescued from an elderly woman's home. She just kept feeding the doggy a ton of food, but wasn't able to take him out for long walks.

Tons of food + No exercise = Fat dog, not a positive equation.

I just came across something to "cure" this problem. It's called the Happy Runner introduced by EasyStep. It's a neat little contraption that fits over your existing treadmill (you know, the one you bought last New Year's), so your dog can go for a walk or jog. This is NOT a joke - this is real.

It's great for preventing obesity, so pet dogs can get exercise even if their owners don't, can't or won't take them out. Also, how many times does Rover want to go for a walk, but it's raining, or too cold to go? Now you have no excuse to give woman's best friend the exercise he or she needs.

The Happy Runner fits over most treadmills because the width is adjustable (there are screws on the top), and the 4 red straps support your dog, and keep him or her centered and secure. I must stress how important it is that the dog be watched, in case little Max or Muffy trips or gets too tired, you can stop the treadmill immediately.

When your doggy is done with its daily jog, the Happy Runner folds for easy storage. I'm actually surprised that something like this wasn't invented sooner. The next thing you know, they'll make longer treadmills so you can walk with your dog. Now there's a brilliant idea!

Want to see more pics? Then read more

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Mini Elliptical Me: Kid-Sized Gym Equipment?

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:10:00 -0700

The childhood obesity epidemic might be tapering, but it is still an important public-health issue. People are trying to figure out how to conquer the problem by downsizing adult exercise equipment. Sized for kids, gym equipment, such as treadmills and ellipticals created in child-friendly colors, have made their way onto the market. Parents can buy these expensive gadgets for home use or send their children to a gym that offers kids fitness programs.

While I'm all for kids being healthy and learning to love exercise early on in life, I'm not sure this is the way to approach this issue. My girls like playing school, ballet performance and soccer, but they never play "let's go to the gym." What happened to kids biking or playing a lively game of tag? And are team sports just not cool anymore? I'm worried that this focus on fitness will take the fun out of exercise, so kids will eventually shy away from it. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Are You Feeling It? The Treadmill Walkstation

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Hey all you 9 to 5-ers. You'll have to come up with another excuse for not working out besides "I don't have time." This new Walkstation allows you to walk while you work. The Mayo Clinic experimented with the vertical workstation and now it looks like it might be coming to the masses.

A treadmill attached to a desk? This could be a genius idea, aside from the fact that a lot of times I use exercise as a mental break from life and work. I suppose though if you can't fit a good workout in because your job takes up so much of your time and energy, that this could kill two birds with one stone.

Steelcase, the makers of this machine, feel that the Walkstation will encourage more daily movement, and burn more calories, even walking at only 1 mph. Not only could it help people lose weight, but exercising can reduce stress, increase productivity and improve focus. Maybe the $6,500 price tag would inspire you to walk more briskly.

What do you think? Would you be into walking using this treadmill desk?

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Have You Ever Walked Out of a Group Fitness Class?

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:47:38 -0800

Even if kickboxing or step aerobics aren't your ideal fitness experience, working out in a group can buoy your spirits and help motivate you to push yourself. That being said, occasionally there's a sub standing in for your favorite teacher and you just can't hack it. Or you try a new class, realize you're in over your head, and fear injury if you finish. I have quietly moved to the back of a workout studio and slipped out the door to finish a workout on a treadmill when a class just wasn't moving enough for me. What about you?