Add Incline OR Increase Speed and/or Distance ??????

cindygodwin
cindygodwin Posts: 2 Member
edited October 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I have been walking on a treadmill for over a week now, minimum 30 minutes (sometimes 45 or 60 minutes depending on time) Speed has been 3 MPH. I have made a commitment to walking everyday - for at least 30 minutes, more if time permits.

My question is - Should I add incline OR increase my speed and/or distance first. I want to make the most out of my time while I'm walking, but I also want to burn as many calories and build endurance.

I'm just not sure what to do first. I want to keep at this and don't want to burn myself out or push to fast.... Can anyone give me some assistance and thoughts on what steps to take?

Thank you in advance for your help!
Cindy

Replies

  • mczwright
    mczwright Posts: 62
    For a more muscle toning.....I'd say add incline.

    For more cardio/get your heart pumping....I'd say speed.

    Your choice. :)
  • cindygodwin
    cindygodwin Posts: 2 Member
    Thanks so much!!
  • munchkinhugs
    munchkinhugs Posts: 278 Member
    Hey Cindy,

    If you're walking on a treadmill, you should have the option to set it up at the beginning of a workout to automatically vary both the speed and incline during the course of the workout itself. In effect, you should be able to increase your endurance, improve your cardio, and improve muscle tone all in one workout!

    Good luck!

    S
  • VRoseDuda
    VRoseDuda Posts: 129 Member
    Personally, I like incline but I would work on the speed first (heart rate up) and add the incline once you have that mastered. I walk at 3.9mph at 10% incline (I am 5 foot 1) and I end up a slimy sweat mess. I can walk for an hour but I cannot run for an hour.
    Good Luck!
  • fittraier
    fittraier Posts: 138
    Mix it up and do both...add speed at lower incline, keep slower pace add incline. After a 5 min warm up, My fav is fast pace on flat 0 incline 2 min-4 min, increase to 2% incline for 2 min reduce speed to what you are doing now maybe, then increase incline to 4% for 2 min, and repeat as many times as you like for you time, and 5 min cool down.
  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    Yeah, I would say try and do a little of both as well.

    You will up your calorie burn and it will be more comfortable to actually slow down the speed and crank up the incline --do it in stages so you get used to the balance and body positioning, and DON"T hold on to the handrails.

    However, there is also some benefit to teaching your body to walk faster. I would try to include both types of workouts. Level walks were you do some faster walking intervals and days where you hunker down and schlep up some hills (using a random hill program makes this a little easier, if you have one).
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