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FITNESS & LIFESTYLE FOR BELLY FAT LOSS

Treadmill Incline Workouts

Good for Beginner Exercisers

Using the incline feature on your treadmill or your gym’s treadmill is a great way to get a fast and effective workout that will burn calories and melt away belly fat. Incline treadmill workouts are especially useful for beginning exercisers who are not yet physically capable of running. They can also be a great option for those with joint and heel pain, because the incline of the treadmill softens the landing of the foot.

Walking on a treadmill is a quick ticket to dullsville. Over time, your body will adapt to the strain, and you’ll notice that it becomes easier and easier to walk the same distance. This means that your body is getting bored and you need to crank up the intensity.

One of the best and easiest ways to increase the intensity of your treadmill workout is to up the incline. Almost all treadmills have an option that allows you to create an incline on a certain percentage of grade. When you start pushing that “Up” arrow, you’ll feel the treadmill tilting up.

Suddenly, walking won’t be so easy. That’s the point. Walking on an incline will force you to work harder, which is good for the muscles in your legs, your cardiovascular system and your pulmonary system. Your lungs, heart and muscles will get stronger, and your body will burn away lots of calories to keep you moving forward and upwards.

Using Incline for the First Time

When using an incline for the first time, it is a good idea to start with a low incline and a slow pace so your body can get used to the new dynamic. It may feel a little weird to be walking at an angle. Try not to hold onto the railings as this will not allow you to get the full benefit of the exercise. Also, you may be tempted to lean back. Don’t, or you might tumble off the treadmill.

Once you get the hang of walking on an incline, experiment with different incline percentages and different speeds. A good goal should be to try and walk at your usual pace and slowly increase the incline as your body adapts and grows stronger.

You can also incorporate inclines into your treadmill interval training routine to make it even more challenging. Here is one 15-minute treadmill workout example that incorporates hill climbs:

  • Find a brisk walking pace on the treadmill and then increase the incline to 80% of your maximum incline ability
  • Walk for two minutes at this incline
  • Lower the incline to zero for one minute
  • Repeat for five rounds

You’ll notice that walking on an incline really engages your thighs and butt, areas that women especially are looking to tighten. Keep walking up, and you’ll notice your body and stamina getting stronger. Incline workouts are challenging, engaging and a great way to lose belly fat.

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