Faster, Harder, Longer: How to Maximize a Treadmill Workout

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BY Unknown 8:41 AM 0

Faster, Harder, Longer: How to Maximize a Treadmill Workout

Between the sloppy, muddy trails and Spring showers, unpredictable weather this time of year may be one reason to take refuge in your trusty ol' gym. Treadmills might feel safer and more controlled, but you might even find the workout feels a little easier. Don't sell yourself short! Use these tips to upgrade your treadmill time and maximize the benefits of your run.

To Burn More Calories

• Do intervals: Running at a consistent pace is great for longer training runs, but during shorter workouts, increase the intensity by including speed intervals. By alternating between running a few minutes at a moderate pace and throwing in bursts at a quicker pace (or even sprinting), you'll burn more calories, build endurance, and become a faster, stronger runner. Not to mention, intervals have also been proven to fight belly fat. Here's a 30-minute treadmill interval workout for you to try.
• Gradually increase your speed throughout your workout: Running faster burns more calories, and since you don't want to start your run at a seven mile per hour (mph) pace, start out with a brisk walk (four mph) and every two to five minutes, give your speed a little push until you're running at a five to eight mph pace.
• Run longer: It's good to mix up the type of running workouts you do, so on days that you're not running intervals or building up speed, do a longer run at a consistent pace. If you run for 30 minutes (at a pace of 10 minutes per mile) you'll burn 270 calories. Forty-five minutes burns 405 calories, and an hour long run burns 540 calories.

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The Best Advice For New Runners

To Strengthen Your Muscles

• Raise the incline: Hills help to target your thighs, calves, and booty, so pump up the incline and you'll notice a little extra power in your lower body. Doing hill work will also help prevent shin splints.
• Incorporate walking lunges: Slow down the speed, take wider steps, and do walking lunges to tone your tush and legs.
• Let go of the handles and pump your arms: Using your upper body while running not only tones your biceps, triceps, and shoulders, but since you're balancing without holding on, you'll also tone your core.

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Tips for Becoming a Better Runner

To Increase Your Speed

• Incorporate tempo runs: If you want to run faster, you must practice running at a faster pace. Tempo work involves running slightly faster than your normal, comfortable pace for a steady period of time. After warming up, set your desired pace on the treadmill and run. The treadmill is like a metronome forcing you to keep tempo.
• Practice negative splits: This technique involves running the second half of a run at a faster pace than the first half. It seems like it might make your total time slower, but conserving your energy in the beginning and allowing your muscles to warm up will actually help you comfortably increase your pace on the second half of your workout, so you end up with a faster time. Find more about the benefit of training with negative splits here.
• Include intervals with incline: Throughout your workout, periodically raise the incline for a few minutes to represent the hills you'd find on a trail run. Then when you lower the slope to a flat position, you'll feel stronger and be able to run much faster.

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Beginner Running Tips and Tricks

Tips for Becoming a Better Runner

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BY Unknown 2:12 AM 0

Tips for Becoming a Better Runner

For some, running is a fun pastime; for others, it's a tiresome necessity. But no matter where you fall on the running spectrum, if you're striving to become better, then here are seven things you can do to become a better runner.

1. Keep it consistent: If you stop running for a while, then you'll have to build your conditioning back up. So if you want to take your workout to the next level, then make sure you're staying consistent. Sign up for a race and start a training program to track your progress; you'll be able to see how much your hard work has paid off.
2. Learn proper form: It may seem like the simplest way to work out, but running does take skill to make sure you don't leave your body prone to injury. When running, keep your head stacked over your spine, relax the shoulders, and engage your abs. 
3. Dress the part: There's no need to invest in anything fancy, but be sure to spend wisely. The perfect pair of shoes can be the difference between feeling sluggish and being light on your feet, and it can also help prevent injuries. 
4. Fuel right: Running on an empty stomach can keep you from having the right amount of energy, but eating too much can lead to cramping. Look for a small snack containing carbs and protein for sustained energy. Timing is everything, however; if you're rushing out the door and haven't eaten anything, then go for something with 15 grams of easily digestible carbs (like a slice of white bread). Read more about 2 simple ways to boost metabolism in the morning
5. Drink water: Drinking enough water is another way to ensure you'll have a good run. If you don't drink enough water before your run (as well as during), then chances are you'll have to stop before you'd like to because of fatigue or a cramp. Make sure you drink an ounce of water for every 10 pounds of body weight about an hour or two before your workout. Read more about how much water you really need to drink daily
6. Have a plan: It's not all about consistency; you should also keep your body challenged. Running outside instead of just on the treadmill, for example, builds your muscle to help increase speed and endurance, as does incorporating high-intensity intervals. And techniques like negative splits will help improve your overall mile time as well. Plan on doing these types of runs for the majority of your workouts if you're trying to increase your mileage or time, but be sure to incorporate easy runs into your weekly plan as well.
7. Do more than run: Don't limit yourself to improving your pace just while you're on the road. There are many things you can do when you aren't running that can help you, like stretching after every run, strength training regularly, and getting enough sleep. Find out more: The best advice for new runners

Beginner Running Tips and Tricks

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BY Unknown 12:10 PM 0

Beginner Running Tips and Tricks

5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started Running

Lot of people started running.If you need some really cool tips and tricks check this out!Our customers share with you!

Jennifer:

When I first got into running, I experienced everything from painful blisters to chafing to unsupported bosoms — no wonder I hated it. I wish someone had sat me down and told me these basic tips and tricks to help smooth my transition from nonrunner to runner. If you're just starting out on your own journey pounding the pavement or treadmill belt, here are things you should know about running.

It Gets Easier

As with most things, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. To strengthen your muscles, acclimate your heart and lungs, and increase your endurance, run at least three times a week. Start off with a doable distance such as two miles. Once that distance feels good, gradually increase your mileage. The key is to move at a comfortable pace for a reasonable amount of time. If you do too much too soon, you could end up with an injury or a deep hatred for the sport.

You Don't Have to Wear Two Sports Bras

If you're well-endowed, running can be painful. I wore two sports bras for the longest time because I couldn't find one that prevented the uncomfortable bounce. A cheap cotton sports bra from Target just won't do. You might have to spend $50 or more, but it's worth it when you only have to wear one bra you trust.

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Don't Skimp on Gear

For my first run, I picked up a $25 pair of sneaks and a pack of cheap cotton socks and wondered why I had screaming blisters. You don't need a ton of gear, but what you do need, you shouldn't skimp on. Spring for a trusty pair of well-fitting sneaks ($60-$120), a good pair of wicking socks ($10-$15), a super supportive sports bra ($30-$70), a seamless tank to prevent chafing ($20-$40), and a lightweight pair of running shorts to avoid wedgies ($20-$40). Technical gear specifically designed for running makes a huge difference and could make or break your new running career.

There Are Apps to Chart Your Run

I often drove running routes in my car to figure out mileage until my hubby introduced me to the wonderful world of iPhone running apps. The GPS not only keeps track of your distance, but it'll also chart your workout time, pace, calories burned, and elevation and give you a map of your run. Being able to track your workout might motivate you to keep going so you can beat your personal records.

Running Outside Is Harder Than the Treadmill

My power was out one morning — meaning no treadmill time for me — so I decided to run outside instead. It was so much harder! The real hills, the uneven terrain, the wind, the sun, the heat — it all makes running tougher than it already is. But I'll tell you, once I started running outside, I saw a huge improvement in my strength and endurance. I even lost the five extra pounds I could never quite shake, and my muscle definition was noticeable to others ("Damn, look at your calves!"). I know people are in love with their treadmills, but I wish someone suggested I run outside because the difficulty made me a better runner.

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