Still to cold outside to get back to hiking one of the many beautifully scenic trails British Columbia offers us?\u00a0 Living in BC, we are surrounded by amazing mountains, lakes, and trails to keep us occupied in the fresh air; however, if you are like me, the cold temperatures we\u2019ve been getting this winter have weaned me more towards indoor exercise options.\u00a0\u00a0 This is a great time to start preparing your body for the many hikes, long walks, and of course the beloved \u201cgrouse grind\u201d, we will be sprinting out the door to do once that sun comes back out and the weather warms up.<\/p>\n
Incline training on the treadmill is a great way to train the heart and legs to make the first few hikes of the season much easier, prevent injury, and avoid debilitating muscle soreness, which could result after a long winter of couch surfing.\u00a0\u00a0 There are many benefits to increasing the incline during your regular treadmill workouts, but be sure to ease yourself into this if you have never done incline training before.<\/p>\n
Some of the main benefits of incline treadmill training include:<\/p>\n
There is nothing better than outdoor exercise, but it is very important to ensure your body is prepared to avoid unnecessary injury.\u00a0 What are you waiting for? Get to the gym today and begin an incline treadmill training program.\u00a0\u00a0 Whether you plan on hitting the trails this year or not, it\u2019s a great way to improve cardiovascular endurance and increase lower body strength and balance.<\/p>\n
CAUTION:<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n -Do not go all out on your first training session; begin with an incline level you can walk at comfortably (approximately 3.0-5.0 for beginners) and gradually increase your level with each workout as your fitness level increases.<\/p>\n -Try not to hang on to the handles in front of you or beside you, as you will not reap the full benefits because your legs and lungs will not have to work as hard.\u00a0 When you are out hiking do you have handles on either side of you to help you along the trail? Didn\u2019t think so!\u00a0 If you are not able to walk without hanging on to the handles, either decrease your incline or decrease your speed to something more comfortable for your fitness level. Michelle Roots BA Kin, CSCS, PES<\/p>\n
\nEmail Michelle@CORE-Condition.com<\/a> for more information about incline treadmill training and some sample programs to begin with.<\/p>\n