If you are looking to vary your treadmill routine you may want to try the iFit videos. iFit produces several products that can be used with bikes, elliptical machines and treadmills to help you put more variety and intensity into your routine. Walking and/or running on a treadmill has many benefits; however, some people get bored and lose interest fast. Using a video can help to keep it interesting and keep you motivated. The only drawback is with all of the new technology these days, good videos can be hard to find. Most of iFit's workouts come on small cards that slide into the treadmill directly. The link under Resources as well as Amazon.com can be good sources for iFit treadmill videos.
Instructions
Hook Up the Equipment
1. Connect your treadmill to your TV. You can connect your treadmill directly to your TV or video player using special cables, allowing the video to interact with your treadmill. Even in this mode, you can manually adjust the speed and incline if the workout is too intense or too easy.
2. Follow the routine. iFit workout videos are created by personal trainers and they are designed to control the treadmill for you. As you follow along with the workout on the video, your speed and incline will be adjusted automatically in accordance with the workout.
3. Start by just watching the video. You may not like having the iFit video control the treadmill for you, especially if you are new to treadmills. In this case you can always just play the video without connecting it to your TV and follow along by manually adjusting the speed and incline. As you become more used to the treadmill you can try hooking it into the TV.
Get The Benefit of a Personal Trainer
4. Use the video when you cannot get to the gym. If you do not have time to go to the gym you can substitute your iFit video for a session with a personal trainer. As you watch the video, the trainer's voice combined with motivating music will help you to push yourself a little further then you might if working out on your own.
5. Listen to the instructions. Just like in a gym, the trainer on the video will encourage you to push a little harder, remind you to breathe and offer suggestions to keep your workout safe and effective.
6. Get the proper training first. The only drawback is that the trainer cannot actually see you, so he is unable to correct any improper form you may be unaware of. For this reason it is always good to have some in-person instruction on the proper use of your Nordictrack treadmill in addition to using the iFit video.
Add Variety to Your Routine
7. Try various workouts. iFit workout videos contain scenes from many different areas. One video may have you rock climbing and will automatically set your incline high and have a slower speed. Other videos may have you running through a national park. In this case your treadmill will adjust to a faster speed with less incline.
8. Add weight training videos to your collection. Some iFit videos have you walking on the beach in Hawaii and the workout includes using some weights while walking on your treadmill.
9. Apply the principals of cross training. Since the best way to get results from your workout is to use cross training, using the iFit videos is a great way to shake up your routine. Having several different videos that you can use throughout the week will keep it interesting and will challenge your body with different routines. Both of these will make you more likely to stick with a regular routine.
Train to Run
10. Learn to run. If you are using your Nordictrack treadmill to train for running, there are iFit videos that can guide you through the process. You can start with a beginner level workout and progress to more advanced running workouts.
11. Learn proper technique. The videos will take you through a proper warm up, help you to develop the endurance to run and then guide you through a cool down. You will be given instruction on proper running form and tips to prevent injuries.
12. Race against others for motivation. Some videos even have images of other runners on the screen that you can race against. As you work to keep up or pass the other runners you will get your heart rate up and burn calories.
Tips Warnings
Always check with your health care provider before beginning any new routine. It is best to have someone teach you proper use of your treadmill in person, before using videos. All iFit videos list the workout length of time, maximum speed and incline on their cover.
Stop any exercise that causes chest pain, dizziness or shortness of breath. See your health care provider immediately of you experience any of these symptoms.
Tags: ifit, videos, nordictrack, treadmill, your treadmill, speed incline, iFit video, iFit videos, care provider, control treadmill, cross training, follow along, guide through, health care
