Back to Library

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:

  1. Safety First: Attach the safety clip to your clothing.
  2. 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).
  3. Begin Walking: Carefully step onto the moving belt and begin walking to warm up for 3-5 minutes.

The Run:

  1. Increase Speed: Gradually increase the speed to your desired running pace.
  2. 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.
  3. Breathing: Breathe deeply and rhythmically.

Cool-down:

  1. Reduce Speed: Gradually decrease the speed to a walking pace for 3-5 minutes to allow your heart rate to come down.
  2. 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