Basic Treadmill Training Guide

From Couch to 5k - A Fitness Warehouse Basic Treadmill Training Guide

If you're new to running and looking for a way to get started, a treadmill can be a great tool to help you build endurance and improve your fitness. If you're here because you recently purchased a treadmill with us, congratulations! This guide is made for you. By gradually increasing your running time and distance, you can work your way up to running 5k's in just a few weeks, from there the sky is the limit. In this post, we'll share a couch-to-5k program that's specifically designed for the treadmill, along with the benefits of using this machine for your running routine.

Benefits of Running on a Treadmill

While running outside can be a great way to enjoy the fresh air and scenery, a treadmill offers a number of advantages, especially for beginners:

Controlled Environment: Running on a treadmill allows you to control the temperature, incline, and speed of your workout, which can be helpful if you're just starting out or want to monitor your progress.
Reduced Impact: Treadmills offer a softer surface than pavement, which can be easier on your joints and reduce the risk of injury.
Convenient: With a treadmill at home or in the gym, you can work out at any time of day, regardless of the weather conditions outside.
Safety: Running on a treadmill can be safer than running outside, especially if you're new to running or are concerned about traffic or other hazards.

Before the Program

Starting a Couch to 5k program can be a great way to improve your cardiovascular fitness and endurance but it is important to consider your recovery as well. The type of recovery needed will depend on individual fitness levels and health status, as well as the intensity and frequency of the program.

In general, people following a Couch to 5k program should consider incorporating the following types of recovery:

Rest days: Rest days are crucial for allowing the body to recover and repair from the stresses of exercise. It is important to incorporate rest days into a Couch to 5k program to avoid overtraining and injury. Rest days can be active, meaning low-intensity activities such as walking or gentle yoga, or completely inactive.
Proper nutrition: Proper nutrition is important for fueling the body and providing the nutrients it needs for recovery. People following a Couch to 5k program should consider eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Stretching and foam rolling: Stretching and foam rolling can help improve flexibility, reduce muscle soreness and tightness, and prevent injury. Incorporating stretching and foam rolling into a Couch to 5k program can help improve recovery.
Sleep: Sleep is important for recovery and helps the body repair and rebuild. People following a Couch to 5k program should aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
Gradual progression: Gradual progression is important for avoiding injury and allowing the body to adapt to new levels of exercise. People following a Couch to 5k program should gradually increase their intensity and duration of exercise over time to allow for proper recovery.

From Couch To 5k - The Program

This is a basic eight-week program to use as a guide.

Week 1:

Day 1: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then alternate between running for 1 minute and walking for 2 minutes for a total of 20 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 2: Rest day.
Day 3: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then alternate between running for 1 minute and walking for 2 minutes for a total of 20 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 4: Rest day.
Day 5: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then alternate between running for 1 minute and walking for 2 minutes for a total of 20 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 6: Rest day.
Day 7: Rest day.

Week 2:

Day 1: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then alternate between running for 2 minutes and walking for 2 minutes for a total of 20 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 2: Rest day.
Day 3: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then alternate between running for 2 minutes and walking for 2 minutes for a total of 20 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 4: Rest day.
Day 5: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then alternate between running for 2 minutes and walking for 2 minutes for a total of 20 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 6: Rest day.
Day 7: Rest day.

Week 3:

Day 1: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then alternate between running for 3 minutes and walking for 1 minute for a total of 20 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 2: Rest day.
Day 3: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then alternate between running for 3 minutes and walking for 1 minute for a total of 20 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 4: Rest day.
Day 5: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then alternate between running for 3 minutes and walking for 1 minute for a total of 20 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 6: Rest day.
Day 7: Rest day.

Week 4:

Day 1: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then alternate between running for 4 minutes and walking for 1 minute for a total of 20 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 2: Rest day.
Day 3: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then alternate between running for 4 minutes and walking for 1 minute for a total of 20 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 4: Rest day.
Day 5: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then alternate between running for 4 minutes and walking for 1 minute for a total of 20 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 6: Rest day.
Day 7: Rest day.

Week 5:

Day 1: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then alternate between running for 5 minutes and walking for 1 minute for a total of 25 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 2: Rest day.
Day 3: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then alternate between running for 5 minutes and walking for 1 minute for a total of 25 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 4: Rest day.
Day 5: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then alternate between running for 5 minutes and walking for 1 minute for a total of 25 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 6: Rest day.
Day 7: Rest day.

Week 6:

Day 1: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then run for 6 minutes, walk for 1 minute, and repeat for a total of 25 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 2: Rest day.
Day 3: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then run for 6 minutes, walk for 1 minute, and repeat for a total of 25 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 4: Rest day.
Day 5: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then run for 6 minutes, walk for 1 minute, and repeat for a total of 25 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 6: Rest day.
Day 7: Rest day.

Week 7:

Day 1: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then run for 7 minutes, walk for 1 minute, and repeat for a total of 28 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 2: Rest day.
Day 3: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then run for 7 minutes, walk for 1 minute, and repeat for a total of 28 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 4: Rest day.
Day 5: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then run for 7 minutes, walk for 1 minute, and repeat for a total of 28 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 6: Rest day.
Day 7: Rest day.

Week 8:

Day 1: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then run for 8 minutes, walk for 1 minute, and repeat for a total of 30 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 2: Rest day.
Day 3: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then run for 8 minutes, walk for 1 minute, and repeat for a total of 30 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 4: Rest day.
Day 5: Warm up by walking for 5 minutes, then run for 8 minutes, walk for 1 minute, and repeat for a total of 30 minutes. Cool down by walking for 5 minutes.
Day 6: Rest day.
Day 7: 5k Day! You're now ready do a 5k race or run 5k on the treadmill at your own pace.

Good Luck!

Remember that consistency is key when it comes to building endurance and achieving your running goals. Stick to the couch-to-5k program and try to make running a regular part of your routine. With time and dedication, you'll be amazed at how quickly you can improve your fitness and reach your running goals. Don't forget to listen to your body, stay hydrated, and rest when needed. And most importantly, have fun! Running can be a rewarding and enjoyable way to stay active and healthy. So, lace up those sneakers and start your journey towards a healthier, happier you!