My friends often ask me, and I answer: it depends!
If treadmill walking is your favorite activity, how often has this question come to mind?
Yeah, genius, sorry to disappoint you, but this is a great question that doesn’t have a definitive answer. It depends on your fitness level, goals, and other factors. However, we can give you some general guidelines to help you figure out how long to walk on the treadmill.
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How Fast Should a Beginner Walk on the Treadmill?
A beginner should start by walking at a comfortable pace. Once you’re comfortable walking on the treadmill, you can gradually increase your speed. If you want to lose weight, aim for a moderate to vigorous intensity.
How Long Should You Walk on the Treadmill for Cardio?
If you’re just starting, 20-30 minutes is a great goal. You can gradually increase your time as you get more comfortable walking on the treadmill. If you want to improve your fitness level, 60-90 minutes at a moderate intensity is ideal.
How Long Should I Walk on the Treadmill to See Results?
The amount of time you devour on the treadmill determines whether your workout involves HIIT or something steady. Both are beneficial in terms of weight reduction, according to Wratislaw.
Because doing High-Intensity Interval Training on a treadmill is effective for losing weight, it has the following advantages:
HIIT treadmill helps you burn calories
HIIT treadmill workouts help you burn more fat in less time. A HIIT workout on the treadmill is a great way to get your heart rate up and torch calories.
HIIT is time-consuming for a traditional cardio workout
A HIIT treadmill workout is a great way to get your heart rate up and torch calories in a short amount of time. However, if you’re just starting, it’s essential to ease into these types of cardio workouts like a walk on a treadmill, exercise bike, etc. Aim for 30 seconds of sprinting, followed by a minute of walking, and repeat this for 20 minutes. As you get more comfortable, you can increase your sprinting time.
If you’re looking for a Steady-State Workout
A steady-state workout is one where you maintain the same pace throughout your workout. This type of workout benefits weight loss because it helps you burn many calories.
Steady-state treadmill workouts help Keep You fit
Steady-state treadmill workouts help you burn calories. Steady-state treadmill workouts improve your cardiovascular fitness.
A steady-state workout on the treadmill is a great way to get your heart rate up and torch calories quickly. However, if you’re starting, it’s important to ease into this type of workout. Aim for a leisurely pace, then increase your speed by 0.5 mph every 5 minutes. You’re doing great if you can sustain this pace for 30 minutes!
Which one is better for a beginner
Start with a pace you can steadily maintain for at least 15 minutes while keeping good form, Wratislaw advises. This will be challenging but not make you feel like you’re about to fall over or forfeit your balance. You may begin experimenting with HIIT workouts after getting accustomed to the treadmill and can go a bit faster.
If Your Goal Is To Weight-Loss
Combine treadmill exercise routines with weight training for the most efficient weight-loss plan. Here’s how a typical 5-day weekly workout might look:
- Monday: Around 20-25 minutes of a HIIT treadmill workout.
- Tuesday: Full-body workout for around 40-45 minutes.
- Wednesday: Treadmill workout for beginners.
- Thursday: Workout involving dumbbells.
- Friday: Around 40-45 minutes of walking.
You can spend doing yoga, walking, and other lower-intensity exercises on the rest days. Please ensure a balanced and healthy diet full of nutrition for the best results.
Ideal Intensity
If you’re starting, 20-30 minutes is an excellent goal with an easy walking pace. You can gradually increase your time as you get more comfortable walking on the treadmill. If you want to lose weight, aim for 30-60 minutes at a moderate to vigorous intensity. And if you’re trying to improve your fitness level, 60-90 minutes at a moderate intensity is ideal.
Some Common Treadmill Mistakes
There are some common treadmill mistakes:
1. Not maintaining treadmill safety rules
If you’re new to using a treadmill, it’s important to follow the safety rules. Don’t use the machine if you’re not feeling well; warm up before starting your workout. Additionally, make sure you’re wearing proper footwear and clothing. Not knowing how to use all the features: Many treadmills have a lot of features, and it can be overwhelming if you’re unfamiliar with them. Before you start your workout, take some time to read the manual or ask a staff member for help.
2. Not starting slow
If you’re new to using a treadmill, starting slow is important. Don’t try to sprint right from the start. Instead, start with a walking pace and then gradually increase your speed.
3. Not using the handrails
Many people mistake not using the handrails when they’re first starting. This can be dangerous because it can cause you to lose your balance and fall off the machine. If you need to, use the handrails for support until you get used to the treadmill.
4. Going too fast
Going too fast is one of the most common mistakes people make when using a treadmill. It’s important to start slow and gradually increase your speed. You could lose your balance and fall off the machine if you go too fast.
5. Not drinking enough water
It’s important to stay hydrated when working out, including using a treadmill. Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout.
6. Wearing the wrong shoes
Another common mistake people make is wearing the wrong shoes. Wearing shoes that are too loose can cause you to lose your balance and fall, and wearing shoes that are too tight can be uncomfortable and cause blisters. Be sure to wear comfortable, supportive shoes when using a treadmill.
7. Not paying attention
It’s important to pay attention to your surroundings when using a treadmill. You could lose your balance and fall off the machine if you’re not paying attention. Also, please pay attention to the timer, so you don’t overdo it and cause injury.
8. Skipping the warm-up
Many people make the mistake of skipping the warm-up when they’re using a treadmill. It’s essential to warm up before you start your workout so you don’t injure yourself. Be sure to do a light jog or walk for a few minutes before you start your main workout.
9. Not cooling down
Cooling down after your treadmill workout is just as important as a warm-up. If you don’t cool down, you could be at risk for injury. Be sure to do a light jog or walk a few minutes after your workout to help your body recover.
10. Forcing yourself to keep going
If you’re tired or can’t go on, it’s okay to stop. It’s important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. If you force yourself to keep going, you could injure yourself.
11. Not maintaining the machine
Maintaining your treadmill by regularly cleaning it and checking for loose parts is important. Additionally, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how often to oil the machine. Neglecting this can cause the machine to break down and may even void your warranty.
12. Not knowing when to stop
You must stop exercising and seek medical attention if you feel pain, dizziness, or nausea. These could be signs of a more serious problem, and it’s best to err on caution.
Treadmills are a great way to get in your daily cardio, but it’s important to use them safely. If you’re new to using a treadmill, start slowly and pay attention to your surroundings. Additionally, drink plenty of water and wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Most importantly, listen to your body and stop if you’re feeling pain or discomfort.
Final Thoughts
Of course, these are just guidelines for treadmill walking. The best way to figure out how long you will walk briskly on the treadmill is to experiment and see what works best for you, like walking speed, burning more calories, and health benefits. Start with a time that feels comfortable, and then adjust as needed. And remember, the most important thing is to have fun and stay safe!
