For those of you who run on the treadmill, what kind of routine do you have?

I have been running about 3 1/2 miles 2 - 3 times a week. I also got to a gym onthe weekend to do classes. My question is do you have a routine? I am kinda just running, but I want to get more out of it.

Re: For those of you who run on the treadmill, what kind of routine do you have?

I run 1.5- 3 miles, do 7 miles on the bike, then 2-3 miles on the elliptical(sp?) 6 days a week. I then do 3 days a weeks arms and back and 3 days a week chest and legs. I include the stationary machines and free weights. I love using the smith machine for squats and lunges because I find it a little softer on the knees. The important thing is to find things that you enjoy doing and then mix it up. Ask the trainers at your gym or read fitness mags to get ideas for new exercises. Good luck.

Re: For those of you who run on the treadmill, what kind of routine do you have?

I run about 6 miles a day on my treadmill, this is all I do, except for the occasional pilates videio - but I usually run at 6 mph and keep switching every 2 minutes - I go from 6 - to 6.5 for 2 minutes - then 7 for 2 minutes - then back down to 6 - I try to keep my heart rate up -
I just quit smoking recently so I am working on my breathing - I am hoping to be able to go above 7 mph -
But I always try to beat my times - I am very obsessed with this -

Re: For those of you who run on the treadmill, what kind of routine do you have?

try playing with the speed a little. i usually start with five minutes of walking, then i increase for five minutes and every five minutes i increase another .1 or .2. also try upping the incline for more of a challenge.

Re: For those of you who run on the treadmill, what kind of routine do you have?

Heidla, how long are you in the gym for? I have to get my act together, I thought I was doing well with my 45 minute workouts

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Re: For those of you who run on the treadmill, what kind of routine do you have?

Thanks Everyone!!!

I ran today about 4 miles. But i played around with my pace. I went from 5.5 to 6 then to 6.5 the last 5 minutes.

Re: For those of you who run on the treadmill, what kind of routine do you have?

just a tip.....
don't use the incline if you have bad knees - you'll really do a number on yourself.

Re: For those of you who run on the treadmill, what kind of routine do you have?

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Posted by Janice

Heidla, how long are you in the gym for? I have to get my act together, I thought I was doing well with my 45 minute workouts

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My DH makes fun of me because I am there for at least 2 hrs. I love the gym!!

Re: For those of you who run on the treadmill, what kind of routine do you have?

You should try to include some weight training, it will really help your stamina and muscle burns more calories at rest than fat does.

I do 20 minutes on the treadmill three times a week and then do upper and lower body weight training on the alternating days.

when I run, I start off at a slower pace (like 6.5) to warm up and then after that increase every minute for four minutes and continue doing that for the rest of the time, but I go one more increase at the very end and run hard for two minutes. Looks like this:

first minute - warm up at 6.5
2nd minute - 7.0
3rd minute - 7.5
4th minute - 8.0
5th minute - 8.5
6th minute - back down to 7.0
and then continue until you get to around 16 minutes, then I would go to 9.0 and run for two minutes and the last minute I go back down to my warm up speed for a cool down.

I try to follow body for life best I can, the book tells you to interval train like that.

Re: For those of you who run on the treadmill, what kind of routine do you have?

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Posted by brideinapril

I run about 6 miles a day on my treadmill, this is all I do, except for the occasional pilates videio - but I usually run at 6 mph and keep switching every 2 minutes - I go from 6 - to 6.5 for 2 minutes - then 7 for 2 minutes - then back down to 6 - I try to keep my heart rate up -
I just quit smoking recently so I am working on my breathing - I am hoping to be able to go above 7 mph -
But I always try to beat my times - I am very obsessed with this -

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Have you notice a change in your body? Did you lose weight? I am not looking to lose weight. I am just wondering, because you are running 36 miles a week. Wow, I am impressed.

Re: For those of you who run on the treadmill, what kind of routine do you have?

Yes - there is a definite change in the definition of my legs - I haven't really lost weight, I don't think anyway - I don't usually weigh myself - But I notice a difference in the way my clothes fit - I wasn't overweight to begin with.
Don't be impressed - I feel like its an obsession - The guilt factor always gets me - If I don't want to do the run than I have that machine staring at me, quilting me into it! Its in my living room. I tend to be obsessive about different things and this happens to be one of them. I guess there are worse things I could obsess over.

eta - and the plus is its making me not want to smoke - I can breathe!!! I haven't smoked in almost 3 weeks -
Its so much easier to run when you aren't a smoker!!!