Do you use a treadmill?

[BodhiGirl]

I recently bought a treadmill; I've always loved them. When I had a gym membership my cardio was almost always on the treadmill. When I was completely out of shape I would just walk on it, and after I got stronger I'd do a slow jog for two miles. I've found different treadmill workouts on the internet, and did a few of those for fun and variety.

I was wondering how many ladies here use a treadmill? And if so, what does your treadmill workout consist of? Do you use it to train for local runs/races? Do you use it to build muscle using a steep incline? What is your goal when you step on to it?

After working at a desk my and not working out my muscles have atrophied big time. I can hardly do a good, solid squat to save my life. I know it's better to build muscle than to straight up hit cardio for weight loss which is my major goal. But I was thinking if I strengthened my legs power walking I could strengthen them a BIT more before I started doing squats and lunges again. If any of you think that's a bad idea and have good reason for thinking that, I would be interested in hearing it.

[angimal]

I can't comment on what would be best for you to do in terms of cardio, weights, etc., but I can tell you I use a treadmill and I love it. I started on the treadmill to lose weight and then progressed into weight lifting.
I now run on the treadmill on average 3 times a week for 30 -35 minutes each time. I don't have a set routine but I usually try to hit at least 3.75 miles each time. As for speed, incline, etc. it just depends on how I feel that day. I usually issue little challenges to myself in my head. For instance, run at 7mph on this set incline for at least 10 minutes or sprint all out for 90 seconds and then you can jog for 2 minutes. Those are just the little things I do to push myself.
I think it's a good thing for you to get up and get moving again, and if you feel starting on the treadmill is the best thing for you to do, then do it. Do something that you enjoy and establish a schedule. Make exercise a part of your day, just like showering and brushing your teeth.
Good luck to you!

[Emoore]

I have a treadmill at home and also use one at the gym. I do some HIIT, some incline walking. I don't do a whole lot of distance on it because I get bored.

[hope2bme]

I definately use the treadmill to meet my cardio requirements at the gym. I mix it up with the eliptical and stairclimber.
I don't run on the treadmill however, because my balance isn't good enough for that! LOL

I typically walk at speed 4.0 at incline 10 for 45 minutes. (0 incline slow speed for cool down of 5 minutes).

[candyismycarb]

i don't do too much cardio but have a tm and a 16 pound vest--doing that uphill is very good wo

[PinkLilStar]

I'm not huge into the treadmill. I will use it on occasion for a fast workout or if I can't nab another cardio machine - I just get bored when I use it. However, I do believe in switching things up so it is something I cycle through when I do cardio at the gym.

[MegLUV2Bfit]

I run anywhere from 2 to 4 miles 4 days a week. I do half of my runs on a treadmill at my gym and half outside but I love the treadmill! I listen to my ipod and get in the zone. Sometimes on my rest days I start to crave a run on it.

[BodhiGirl]

HIIT - that's what I had forgotten. Yes, I googled HIIT for treadmill and ask.com had some good ones for variety. Until I build up my strength I keep the incline at 1. I actually read somewhere that if you keep the incline at 1 at the least you can adapt better when you take your running outdoors. I looked that up because in the past I noticed I could run just fine on the treadmill but somehow it wasn't as smooth outdoors even though it was on one of those foamy "sidewalks" that was made for jogging in a park.

Thanks for all the responses ladies - it's always interesting to see how different people approach (or don't approach) the same things.

[Bonny_Lassie]

I actually read somewhere that if you keep the incline at 1 at the least you can adapt better when you take your running outdoors.

This is right. Keep the incline between 1-1.5 and this helps you to adapt better to outdoor running! Outdoor running can also feel harder due to other factors such as weather conditions, running surface etc.

[gobbles23]

I have a treadmill, but I find it extremely boring. I would rather walk/run outside anyday, but unfortunately the weather where I live is junk, so I only use it when I absolutely need to burn some energy which isn't very often