Skip to content

What Is The Proper Way To Run On A Treadmill? Our Guide Here

Running is one of the best ways to burn fat, tone your body, and improve your overall fitness. But there is a right and a wrong way to go about running on a treadmill.

If you are going to put in the time and effort to exercise, you want to make sure you are using the equipment properly so you get the maximum benefits with the least amount of risk for injury.

Tips for Treadmill Running

There are many reasons to love a good treadmill workout: it’s the perfect way to work out during the brutal winter months, you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in the rain or running into traffic on your way to the gym, and you can wear your favorite pajamas while you sweat.

Still, running on a treadmill can feel like a boring drag at times. Luckily, there are some treadmill workouts you can do to up the fun factor and keep your body challenged. 

Running can improve your cardiovascular health and help manage your weight.  It’s easy to do at home and, if you run on a treadmill, it’s also convenient.  But treadmills aren’t designed for the comfort of runners, and their belts can be hard on your joints. Here are some tips to keep you safe and comfortable.  Most importantly, remember to always wear shoes with good support.

Know Your Treadmill

Treadmills can be a great tool for running and other fitness activities—but only if you know how to use them properly. Whether you’ve just started running on the treadmill or you’ve been at it for years, it’s important to understand the tips and tricks that can make your experience more efficient, safe, and enjoyable. 

Improve Your Stride Count

When you set out to get in shape, it can be easy to put all of your focus on your diet and workouts. However, it is just as important to make sure your stride count is in check. After all, poor form and a lack of stride can lead to injuries.

The ideal stride count for treadmill running is somewhere between 180 to 200, or one foot landing every three steps. With practice, you can improve your stride count and transform into a natural runner who becomes graceful and efficient at running.

Without a doubt, the easiest way to improve your stride count is to use a treadmill that can count it for you. Fortunately, today’s treadmills are more advanced than ever, and many of them have built-in stride counters that can provide you with accurate and useful information as you run.

These counters take the guesswork out of improving your technique, as they tell you exactly how many steps you’re taking with each run. (The average runner will take from two hundred to two hundred and fifty steps per minute.) Even better, they can alert you to technique issues, so you can fix them before you wind up injured.

Don’t Step On or Off While the Treadmill Is Moving

Treadmill running is a popular form of exercise for runners who don’t have the time or desire to run outside. Some people enjoy the convenience of treadmill running because they can run every day, and you don’t have to worry about weather conditions.

Of course, treadmill runners also benefit from the safety of being inside a building, and if you like watching a television or listening to music while you run, you can do so on a treadmill.

As long as you are careful when getting on and off the treadmill, you can run in comfort. For one thing, you should never step on or off a moving treadmill. That means if you want to stop running for the day, you’ll have to slow to a walk, shut off the treadmill, and step off before you get moving again.

Don’t Forget to Hydrate

Treadmill running is a great way to stay fit, but it can be hard to know where to start. The good news is that it’s easier than it looks, but knowing some tips can go a long way in making sure you have the best experience possible.  

Don’t Forget to Hydrate : Many people make the mistake of not replacing the fluids they sweat out when they work out. You may not feel thirsty, but you should be replenishing your fluids throughout your workout to maximize the benefits and to make sure you don’t get dehydrated.

Proper Treadmill Footwear

Running on a treadmill can be a great way to improve your cardio fitness, losing weight, and strengthening your heart without the impact and dangers of jogging or running outside. With that in mind, don’t neglect the importance of treadmill running shoes.

These shoes are specifically designed for running on treadmills, so not only are they a good choice for your workout, they can also help prevent against injuries, and keep you comfortable and more efficient.

Time it right

Treadmill running is one of the best forms of exercise when you have a busy schedule and/or you don’t have access to a nearby running path. However, running on a treadmill can be a little tricky if you’re not familiar with the machine.

Most treadmill manufacturers include a manual with the machine, but you can also find detailed instructions on the Internet. Before you begin your workout, you want to set the speed and time on the treadmill. Most treadmills have pre-programmed workouts and speeds. To save time, you can use one of these programs.

Start a custom weight loss program

Most people who have been trying to lose weight have had the same experience at least once: they start an exercise routine with the best of intentions, but before long they’re distracted by other obligations and let the exercise program fall to the wayside. Of course, this is a big mistake because most exercise programs—especially running—burn fat more effectively when they’re done on a regular basis.

Last Words

Running on the treadmill is a great way to burn calories and lose weight. Running on a treadmill burns more calories than running outside because you can control the pace, distance, and incline. Running on a treadmill also helps with muscle endurance and leg strength, which are important for athletes, runners, and cyclists.

nv-author-image

Randy Lucas

Randy here - Fitness enthusiast and avid runner - besides running I also love playing with my two German Shepherds Peter and Bruce - oh and I love cooking. I am the Webmaster over at FitnessBoxy.com where I ramble about all things fitness in an effort to make the world a healthier place.