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 Imagine staying fit by regularly hiking up a beautiful mountain trail surrounded by Mother Nature in all her glory. The scent of pine wafts through the gentle breeze. A nearby stream softly whispers among the trees, as an owl swoops down from above. You feel invigorated by the environment, even as you work to ascend ever higher up the incline.
Incline training on a treadmill may not be quite the same experience as hiking up a mountain trail. Nonetheless, you can reap similar fitness benefits from using the incline feature on your machine!
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The Principles of Incline Training
Engaging the incline feature on a treadmill simulates going uphill. Walking uphill is a great way to work your body and really get the heart pumping without having to crank up the speed.
Most modern treadmills are equipped with the incline feature and can reach grades up to 10 or 12%. Today’s treadmills also frequently come with built-in hill-climbing programs. Such programs automatically increase and decrease the incline level for a workout similar to walking or running up and down hills outdoors. The incline levels may be adjusted manually as well.
To get the best results from the incline feature on your treadmill, allow your hands to swing freely during workouts, as you would if you were actually going up a hill or mountain. Avoid holding onto the handrails!
Benefits of Incline Training on a Treadmill
Of course, one benefit of training on a treadmill—with or without the incline--is being able to exercise in a controlled environment. You can escape those extreme weather conditions and still get in your daily run or walk.
Use of the incline feature offers additional benefits, too. Included among those benefits are:
- Walking or running on a level surface doesn’t use as much energy as walking or running on an incline. By increasing the incline level on the treadmill, you will increase the number of calories burned during your workouts.
- Incline training works the leg muscles differently and more efficiently than training on a level surface.
- Incline training provides a great cardiovascular workout without having to increase speed.
- The lower impact workouts on a treadmill decrease the likelihood of injury or strain to knees, hips, back, and ankles.
- Incline workouts on a treadmill really stretch the calves and help you build long, lean calf muscles.
- The incline feature allows for variation and helps prevent boredom during exercise sessions.
More About Incline Training
The incline feature on a treadmill is intended to mimic uphill climbing. Most individuals who are climbing uphill do not travel quickly, but maintain a nice, slow, steady pace. Follow this practice while working out on your treadmill, and you should be better able to maintain the incline level for longer periods of time.
If you are just beginning an exercise program, begin at a low incline level and speed. Do only as much as you can comfortably do. As your endurance and strength improve, gradually increase the intensity and length of your workouts.
So what are you waiting for? Hop on your treadmill, set the incline level, and imagine you are surrounded by the wonders of Nature as you hike up a beautiful mountain trail.
Note: Before beginning any exercise or diet program, consult your physician.
Also see:
The Benefits of Using a Variety of Treadmill Programs
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