Why I want a treadmill...

Yesterday started out to be one of those days when I long for a treadmill.  It was rainy, cold, and gray.  For those who have wondered what happened with my cardio plans, you'll be happy to know that the sun peeked out for a bit and Sara and I ran hill repeats up the driveway and then alternated jump rope intervals.  Yay!!

Days when the weather makes it hard to do cardio remind me of why I'd like to have a treadmill.  I have an elliptical, but it isn't the same, not that a treadmill is exactly the same as running outside, but it's close.  And I have found some ways to make treadmill running more interesting.  

The Complete Book of Running for Women has a section called Finding Fun in Treadmill Running, and I thought that since it's so hot where some of you are and some of you have small children...well, a treadmill is the best option, but not always as inspiring...and you might like some of these ideas!!

 "TV Tempo"
Warm up for an easy 10 minutes before your favorite sitcom.  Then whenever the show is on, increase the treadmill speed to a pace that requires effort but that you can maintain for several minutes.  When the ads come on, take a commercial break, slowing to an easy pace.  Run hard again when the program returns.  Continue changing paces until 10 minutes to go or the end of the program, and then cool down with easy running.  The idea is to run hard when you are mentallyinvolved in the show and to relax during the less interesting TV ads.  The changing paces and the show break the monotony of this 30- to 50- minute treadmill run.

"Two In One Workout"
Warm up with 10 minutes of easy running.  Then stop running and do 5 to 10 push ups.  Get back on the treadmill and run for 5 minutes.  Stop and do 10 to 20 abdominal crunches.  Run for 5 minutes.  Stop and do 10 to 20 reverse sit ups.  Run for 5 minutes.  Stop and do 10 to 20 reverse trunk twists.  Run for 5 minutes.  Stop and do5 to 10 push ups.  Finish with 10 minutes of easy running.  Or use any combination of exercises and intervals you like.

There are more ideas in the book...They all look interesting!

Comments

Sarah said…
That actually does sound like fun, Josha. One of the reasons, maybe the only reason I don't really like the treadmill, is because I feel weird when I get off, like you know when you've been on a ship a long time and then you step on land... :) I get dizzy and nauseous!

So are you getting one?
4:42 PM
Ruthie said…
love your post Josha..
great tips :)

Sarah..
If you just keep using it you shouldnt feel that way anymore... it just takes a while to get use to it :) ... also... cooling down a bit more might help too :)

when i finished my first 2 miles straight ever outside on the grass and sidewalk.. when i stopped i had that same feeling LOL .. it was funny.

josha
are you on vacation yet?
6:58 AM
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