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Exercise Guide
How to do run on treadmill
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
Running on a treadmill is a classic cardiovascular activity that improves heart health, burns calories, and builds lower body endurance. The controlled environment allows for precise adjustments in speed and incline, making it suitable for high-intensity interval training or steady-state recovery runs. Modern treadmills offer cushioned surfaces that reduce impact on the joints compared to running on concrete, enhancing long-term safety.
Stats
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Tread Mill
TARGET MUSCLES
Quads, Glutes, Hamstrings
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Safety First: Attach the safety clip to your clothing.
- Warm-up: Straddle the belt and select a manual or pre-set program. Start the treadmill at a slow walking speed (e.g., 2-3 mph or 3-5 km/h).
- Begin Walking: Carefully step onto the moving belt and begin walking to warm up for 3-5 minutes.
The Run:
- Increase Speed: Gradually increase the speed to your desired running pace.
- Form: Maintain an upright posture with your head up, shoulders back and relaxed. Keep your hands loose and swing your arms forward and back, not across your body.
- Breathing: Breathe deeply and rhythmically.
Cool-down:
- Reduce Speed: Gradually decrease the speed to a walking pace for 3-5 minutes to allow your heart rate to come down.
- Stop: Once your cool-down is complete, press the stop button and wait for the belt to come to a complete halt before stepping off.
Common mistakes: Landing on the heels heavily, holding onto the side rails, and looking down at the console.
Alternatives
Leg Extension
one leg extension
Quads
Leg Extension
leg extension
QuadsGlutes
Barbell
barbell squat
QuadsGlutes
Leg Press
seated leg press
QuadsGlutes
Squat Rack
barbell front squat
QuadsGlutes
Bench
barbell bulgarian split squat
QuadsGlutes
Barbell
barbell box squat
QuadsGlutes
Hack Squat Machine
hack squat
QuadsGlutes
None
forward lunge
Quads
Kettlebell
kettlebell front squat
QuadsGlutes
Kettlebell
kettlebell goblet squat
QuadsGlutes
None
rear lunge
QuadsGlutes
Kettlebell
kettlebell one arm swing
QuadsGlutes+2
Kettlebell
kettlebell thruster
QuadsGlutes+5
Barbell
barbell overhead squat
QuadsGlutes
Barbell
barbell zercher squat
QuadsGlutes
Barbell
barbell overhead lunge
QuadsGlutes+1
Leg Press
squat calf raise on legpress
QuadsGlutes+1
None
step up with chair
QuadsGlutes+1
Dumbbell
dumbbell swing
QuadsHamstrings+3
Dumbbell
dumbbell thruster
QuadsGlutes+4
Smith Machine
smith-machine leg press
QuadsGlutes
Bench
sissy squat
QuadsGlutes
Smith Machine
smit-machine split squat
QuadsGlutes
Hack Squat Machine
reverse hack squat
QuadsGlutes
Smith Machine
smit-machine squat
QuadsGlutes
Dumbbell
dumbbell lunge
QuadsGlutes
Pendulum Squat Machine
pendulum squat
QuadsGlutes
None
pistol squat
QuadsGlutes
Sled Leg Press
sled 45° leg press
QuadsGlutes
Tread Mill
run on treadmill
QuadsGlutes+1
None
run
QuadsGlutes+1
Assault Runner
assault run
QuadsHamstrings+2
Ski Trainer
ski trainer
QuadsGlutes+3
Barbell
barbell thruster
QuadsGlutes+4
Assault Bike
assault bike run
QuadsHamstrings+6