Two Beginner Treadmill Routines: iPod - Style Fitness

Yuri Elkaim, BPHE, CK, RHN
myTreadmillTrainer.com

We all have a desire to be physically fit, but sometimes, getting up and putting our desires into action requires a bit of help in the right direction.  And that direction most of the time is in creating a running routine and sticking to it.

I’ve been on my fair share of treadmill treks that made me feel like passing out and dying in the middle.  What kept me going was a little handheld electronic device called an iPod.  An iPod (or MP3 player in general) can be incorporated into beginner treadmill routines to make them easier to handle.

Before We Begin…

There are a few things beginners should know before saddling up a treadmill and getting to work.  The first includes those deceptive objects called handrails.  Handrails are there in case you slip and fall, but that’s about it.  One common mistake is to use the handrails while running.  Unfortunately, this cuts down severely on your running form and makes it harder – and highly uncomfortable.

Another tip regarding beginner treadmill workouts is to not overdo it.  The two routines below are pretty simple and incorporate iPods to make them more entertaining, but be careful not to over-exert yourself.

Routine #1: The iPod Shuffle

This first routine is actually pretty fun, and makes running at the beginning – normally a pretty hard time for most people – something to enjoy. 

Take your iPod and put a lot of music on it that ranges in tempo.  Make sure there’s a mix of fast songs, slow songs, and moderate songs.  Then, start running and hit play.  Whatever the tempo is of the song that comes on, try and match it.  Then, after 30-45 seconds, hit shuffle.  Then match the new tempo that pops up.  Rinse and repeat.  I promise you will enjoy yourself.

Routine #2: The iPod Hustle

This is a pretty simple way to set a standard for yourself and stick to it.  Since you are a beginner, you do not want to overdo it. An average song is around 3:30 in length.  Put two and two together, and you can use songs to create an appropriate workout.  Pick four random songs.  This will make it somewhere around a 15-minute exercise.  Dedicate yourself to running consistently throughout the entire four-song set, from start to finish.

The goal is to encourage your body to consistently run through an entire workout – which is the cornerstone of running for fitness.  All you have to do is lace up your iPod, strap on your headphones, hop on that treadmill, and start rocking out. Even better, download one of our Treadmill Trainer iPod running workouts and you’ll run like never before!

=> CLICK HERE to get started with the Treadmill Trainer running workouts!