The treadmill

How to use... the treadmill

Running is regarded as the best way to develop your heart and lungs.

Treadmills give you the opportunity to run inside whatever the weather.

As well as toning the muscles in your legs, hips, and abdomen, running builds up your cardiovascular health.

It does this by working your heart muscle and improving oxygen supply to your muscles.

On a treadmill, you can walk, run and jog depending on what you want and you can even climb up hills by increasing the gradient.

STEP ONE

Before you begin on the treadmill, you will need to pick a program.

There are a wide range of programs ranging from hills, circuits, racing the computer to fitness tests and heart rate monitors.

You will also have to fill in your personal details such as age and weight so the computer can tailor the program to suit you.

Once you have finished the data input area, you will have to press the start button and your work out will begin.

The secret is not to panic the first time you go on a treadmill.

And it might help if you keep your eyes front until you feel more confident.

STEP TWO

You should do a warm-up of two or three minutes walking or slow jogging.

While you are doing this, drop your shoulders to keep them relaxed.

When your workout begins, swing your arms easily at your sides and allow your heel to land first and roll forward, before pushing off with your toes.

A good workout will be between 10 to 20 minutes three to four times a week.

This should be built up by increasing the gradient or time slightly every week or so.