threadmill question

notlongleft

Hi guys,

Sorry if this has been asked before but i have a question regarding the threadmill. I am using it as part of my programme at the gym and my programme has me climbing the hills on it. at the moment i m going quite fast (i have tiny little legs lengthwise) that i feel like i have to hold on. Am i losing benefit by holding on and would i be better running for 2 mins walking for 2 mins and building it up than walking the hills?? ANy thoughts grateful, i m going travelling in 3 months time and i m really trying to lose weight and get fit for it!

Thanks

Hail 2 Da Chimp

If you are going too fast and you don't feel comfortable then why not slow down?

You can always slow down until you start to feel more comfortable and maybe add in a few minutes at the end to compensate.

notlongleft

that s my question really - i dont mind going that fast holding on and i m just asking is going fast and holding onto the front rail better for me than going slower and not holiding on???? I just figured the faster i go the better really cause the instructor told me to speed it up as i go along as much as possible.

simon333

notlongleft: just my opinion. Running is good for your ab region, as that part has to deal with hard-working hips and moving shoulders. It would be my impression that if you stop your shoulders moving naturally, you're limiting the extent to which your own body is working to make you run.

Personally, I would build up my speed slower, so that I was able to run without holding on. Then go slightly faster next time, if you think you need it.

hunnymonster

Don't hold on. If you hold on the bar is supporting some of your upper-body so you're actually putting less effort in. in addition, by holding on you're restricting your movement so less calories burned and less natural movement which may come back to haunt you long term. (unless the difference in speed between the holding on and not holding on version is absolutely huge)

notlongleft

thanks hunnymonster that was exactly the answer i was looking for. Think i ll slow it down, and maybe every second day try running for a few mins.

Thanks