6 Amazing Exercises You Can Do on the Treadmill That Aren’t Running.
Are you bored of the same walk and run routine on the treadmill? If so, you are just in the right place! You can perform various exercises on a treadmill besides running/walking that keep your workouts interesting and enjoyable.
To get a treadmill that fits your fitness requirement, you must go through the treadmill buying guide for an in-depth analysis of different types of treadmills.
Many people do exercises like side shuffles, lunges, squats, and other movements on a treadmill that are usually performed on the gym floor. Adding a combination of different exercises will make your workouts fun and challenge your body in innovative ways.
We bring you a list of various exercises you can perform on a treadmill other than running/walking. So, keep reading to know more about them.
- Walking Plank
If you think that planks can only be performed on the gym floor, it indicates you haven’t heard about the plank walk movement. This exercise will help you work your front shoulders and increase your stability and balance. To perform the movement:
- Set your treadmill at 1 to 2 mph and assume a plank position at the bottom of the treadmill.
- Place your hands on the side of the treadmill base. Keep your body straight while you are in the plank position.
- Place your hands on the treadmill’s belt and begin walking them forward during the exercise.
- Walking Lunges
Walking lunges are difficult to perform on the gym floor due to insufficient space in the gym. To avoid hindrances while performing this exercise, you could perform walking lunges on a treadmill.
You can do the exercise without any obstacles, allowing you to focus on the movement and gain maximum benefits out of it. Here is how you perform it:
- Set the treadmill at 3mph while standing with your feet at hip-width distance. Clench your hands together close to your chest and move forward with your right leg.
- Keep lowering your body till your right knee is bent at 90-degrees.
- Next, lift yourself, bringing your right foot back to its original position. Take your left foot forward and repeat the movement.
- Switch legs with every step during the exercise. If you want to target your hamstrings and glutes, turn the treadmill incline to five percent.
- Side Shuffles
This is a great cardio exercise to work your inner and outer thighs along with toning your calves. To perform it:
- Stand in a slanting position on the treadmill with knees slightly bent.
- Turn the treadmill speed between 3 and 5.5mph.
- Start performing quick side shuffles, landing gently on the balls of your feet.
- Change sides during the movement.
- Mountain Climbers
Mountain climber provides you a full-body workout. It works your glutes and hamstrings, making your muscles stronger. Here is how you can perform it:
- Start at the bottom of the treadmill. Get into a plank position, placing your hands on the floor and feet on the treadmill’s belt.
- Now, bring your right knee to the chest and as you take it back down, bring your left knee toward your chest simultaneously.
- Make sure the foot pushes the treadmill belt away when it comes down. This way, you can engage your glutes and hamstring muscles during the movement.
- Crab Walk
Doing a crab walk on a treadmill will work your hamstrings, triceps, glutes, and core. To perform it:
- Turn the treadmill speed at 1 to 2mph. Start at the bottom of the treadmill and assume a crab position.
- Keep your hands behind you on the side of the treadmill foot and your back facing the floor.
- Make sure to place the feet flat on the ground and your hips raised. Then, walk backward and forward while keeping your hands on the treadmill belt.
- Pikes
This movement will work your shoulders, chest, and abs. To perform:
- Begin at the treadmill’s foot. Get into a plank position with your hands on the floor and feet placed on the belt.
- Raise your hips, making an inverted V, and start moving your feet on the belt.
Bottom Line
Adding a variety of exercises to improvise your treadmill workout will always produce the best results. Performing different movements on the treadmill will keep you engaged, allowing you to reach your fitness targets effectively. Also, incorporating various exercises lets you utilize your time efficiently since you do not have to jump from one machine to another. So, hop on the treadmill and start performing incredible exercises besides running!
