Exercising on a treadmill is one of the most popular ways to get a good workout. But how long should your treadmill session last? The answer depends on your goals and fitness level.
If you’re new to exercise or just getting started, your treadmill workouts should be shorter in duration. Start by walking or running on the treadmill for 10-15 minutes at a moderate intensity. You should be breathing harder than normal, but not so hard that you can’t carry on a conversation. As your fitness level increases, you can gradually increase the duration of your treadmill sessions.
If your goal is to lose weight or improve your cardiovascular fitness, aim for 30-60 minutes of exercise on the treadmill. This can be done in one session, or split into two or three shorter sessions throughout the day. Try to aim for a minimum of 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
If you’re more advanced and looking to improve your running speed and performance, you can do interval workouts on the treadmill. These involve alternating short bursts of high-intensity running with periods of active recovery. A typical interval workout might involve running at 85-90% of your maximum effort for 30 seconds, followed by a 30-second recovery period. You can repeat this cycle for 10-15 minutes.
Overall, the duration of your treadmill workout depends on your fitness level, goals and personal preferences. Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration as your fitness level improves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long should I stay on a treadmill?
A1: The amount of time you should spend on a treadmill depends on your fitness goals and current fitness level. For general health and fitness, 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on a treadmill is recommended most days of the week. For more intense exercise, consider 45-60 minutes of vigorous exercise on a treadmill.
Q2: How many miles should I run on a treadmill?
A2: The number of miles you should run on a treadmill depends on your fitness goals and current fitness level. For general health and fitness, running 2-3 miles on a treadmill at a moderate-intensity is recommended most days of the week. For more intense exercise, consider running 4-6 miles on a treadmill at a vigorous-intensity.
Q3: Is it better to walk or run on a treadmill?
A3: This depends on your fitness goals and current fitness level. For general health and fitness, walking on a treadmill at a moderate-intensity is recommended most days of the week. For more intense exercise, consider running on a treadmill at a vigorous-intensity.
Q4: Is it better to use the incline on a treadmill?
A4: Yes, using the incline on a treadmill can help you get a more intense workout and help you burn more calories. A 10% incline is recommended for most people, although you can increase the incline as needed to challenge yourself.
Q5: Can I use a treadmill everyday?
A5: It is generally recommended to rest at least one day a week from exercise to allow your body to recover. However, if you are exercising at a moderate intensity and have no medical conditions, it is safe to use a treadmill every day.