Whether you’re an experienced runner or thinking of running your first 5K in the spring, don’t let winter derail your running routine. With the weather turning colder and inclement weather just around the corner, it’s time to make peace with the treadmill and take your run indoors for the winter months. FitClub has you covered with plenty of treadmills at all locations, and some practical advice to make a treadmill run fun and effective.
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Take advantage of FitClub’s treadmill entertainment. If your tried and true running playlist is starting to feel a little monotonous, hitting the treadmill at FitClub gives you a chance to watch TV, listen to the music pumped in, or catch up on Netflix from your smartphone. You can catch up on your guilty-pleasure TV or Netflix shows and stay healthy at the same time. You can’t do that outside!
Add intervals to pass the time. Intervals are an important component of any running program, and the treadmill makes it easy to experiment with faster intervals to break up a slow, steady run. Try increasing the speed for thirty seconds before dropping back to your comfortable pace. Don’t be afraid to experiment with faster or longer intervals, but do be careful of increasing the pace too quickly to avoid treadmill falls.
Bring a friend. Running outside with a buddy can be difficult if you run at different paces, but on the treadmill you can run together and set your own pace. A three mile treadmill run might fly by when you can chat with a friend while you’re both maintaining a comfortable pace. If that doesn’t seem competitive enough to you, challenge your friend to a race and see who can finish a mile first.
Check your form. Without the distraction of traffic and uneven pavement during an outside run, you have the time to really focus on your running form while on the treadmill. Think about where your foot hits the treadmill, relax your shoulders, and unclench your fists. Mentally scan your body during your treadmill run to see what feels right for your body. The winter months are a valuable time to change any aspect of your running form that isn’t working and when spring rolls back around, your more efficient technique will be a healthy habit in time for race season.
Head for the hills. If you generally avoid hills during your outdoor runs, the treadmill is the perfect place to get over that obstacle. Increasing the incline on the treadmill is a safe way to get a hill workout inside. Just like with intervals, though, increase the incline gradually and carefully. You’ll thank yourself if you find a hill on your 5K route this spring!
Think of the treadmill as your training partner during the winter months and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the treadmill workout that works for you. FitClub’s treadmills make it easy to keep your running routine going during the winter months while you stay dry and comfortable!
