This Week’s challenge: Incline Treadmill

maryrambin:

Walking on the treadmill.  Incline at least 12.  Speed at least 3.5.  15 minutes 2 times this week.

I’m really bored with my cardio options: running or bleachers in the scorching heat, elliptical or treadmill indoors.  Oh, and how could I forget the Stair Master.  YUCK.

But there is one other option.

Maybe you’ve tried this and realize it’s a bitch or perhaps you’ve seen it as a cop out cardio workout.

Well, let me tell you, walking up a steep incline on a treadmill is nothing to scoff at.  I’m talking incline 12-15.  Speed around 3.8-4.5.

Sounds easy you say????? Ok, take your Elle or Sports Illustrated up there with you.  But don’t forget your hard core cheesy hip hop or classic rock.  You’re gonna it to pick up your step.

Within minutes you’ll be out of breath.  I am!  After all of my cardio work, the climb always kicks my ass.

Speaking of asses, it will really tighten your ass up.  Seriously!

So this week’s challenge is to replace 2 of your cardio workouts with 15 minutes of incline walking on the treadmill.  Incline at least 12, speed at least 3.5.

Reblogged because I love Mary’s fitness suggestions. I also wrote this in her comments:  I must say – despite working out with an awesome trainer twice a week who’s always mixing things up, I do love your workout suggestions. An alternate to this that I would suggest – and that I do a few times a week – is doing intervals with a steep incline. I run for 45 seconds and then walk for 45 seconds and do this 15-20 minutes. I started running 30 seconds and walking 1 minute. Basically, the objective is to get your heart racing, bring it back down to a sustainable heart rate, and then get it right back up! I am one of those girls that is lucky enough to not get too nasty and sweaty when I work out…except when I do this!