I don’t know about you, but personally I’m not a huge fan of this guy.
I get bored, I get distracted and I stare at the time willing it to go by faster, seriously, I’ve only run .57 miles? Running on the treadmill is not my favorite and does not encompass what I love about running. When I run outside I feel free, running is a time for fresh air and mental clarity, I reach a sort of nirvana that seems to somehow balance everything else in my life. Finding such high on the treadmill has often been elusive.
I tend to be the opposite of most people when it comes to their reasons for running on the treadmill. Most people go inside when the weather gets bad, I happen to love the “bad” weather. If its cold, rainy, or just generally icky (which is pretty often -hello I live in Seattle) you can find me on out there running in a happy blissful cold bubble. Maybe it just makes me feel more badass to be out there when no one else will.
However, even I am human and when the rain is pouring down and I’m going to be exercising in the middle of my work day, getting my hair completely soaking wet before I return to work is slightly less than ideal and I have to turn to my nemesis, the treadmill. I’ve tried to make these interactions as useful as possible by choosing to use treadmill time for HIIT or Tabata runs, not only to make them go faster but to compliment my longer steady runs on other days. So important to mix up your workouts.
We all know by now the benefits of HIIT and Tabata workouts, they are fast and efficient, burn more fat, and get your metabolism up and keep it up for up to 48 hours after your workout. Who does’t want their body burning fat the day after your run when you end up with a spoonful of cookie dough in your hand? I know I do! Tabata workouts are supposed to push you as hard as you possibly can go for 20 seconds and then recover for 10 seconds until you complete 8 sets.
When you feel too busy or like you don’t have time to work out, turn to HIIT or Tabata and you won’t regret it. This tabata run is only 20 minutes and can be done on your lunch or just anytime you want a challenging and rewarding workout in a pinch. I like to follow this up with some strength training, core work and stretching to feel well rounded. During your 10 seconds off, straddle the treadmill carefully and hop back on for the 20 second work sections. These speeds are just a guideline, use a speed to sprint that you can maintain but that is challenging, safety first folks, don’t want any stories of people flying off the back of any treadmills cursing my name 🙂
Busy Dame’s Tabata Run
Give it a try and let me know what you think, I’m heading out to do this on my lunch now. Don’t be afraid to push yourself, I know you will surprise yourself with how strong you’ll feel and you’ll be glowing afterward! Enjoy!
A Dame's Life 