Running machine at the Gym

sophia_uk

I have been going to the gym and like the running machine although I prefer to work off the calories by walking at a high incline rather than running as I can't maintain the fast running for long. The on screen calorie counter says when walking at 15 incline that I am burning off nearly as much calories as when I run. Is this the case? Anyone know anything else about this?

mandasimba

Yup. I'm sure you'll notice your heart rate increase much more when walking at an incline, similar to what it would do if you were running. I despise running as well and if I have to do cardio, I'll choose hills instead.

Just make sure you aren't holding on to the handrails as that decreases the resistance, most likely lowing your heart rate and you won't be getting nearly as good of burn.

mfp_1

You've almost re-invented the "Couch to 5km" routine for yourself. Mixing walking and running is a good strategy.

Can you afford a cheap heart rate monitor that will work with the running machine?

sophia_uk

I have a heart rate monitor, but I don't find it effective. I think it tells me I am burning off a load more calories than I think I am.

mfp_1

Use the heart rate monitor to measure your heart rate.

Run at a pace that keeps the heart rate in a zone. A common mistake at the beginning is to let your heart rate go too high when running. Watch your heart rate recover as you walk.

I won't tell you what your heart rate zone should be. There are resources out there and I'm sure your gym will have plenty of people ready to advise you. Plus I recommend you look up "couch to 5 km".