Fun With Treadmills

(Remember OK GO's video? The bass player in the pink shirt has the best moves.)

I didn't have nearly as much fun on the treadmill this week as these guys did. Granted it was only 15 minutes, but my shins sure regretted it. Also I believe my fellow gym members thought I was going to compromise the structural integrity of the YMCA's floor; my footfalls were LOUD. Must have been like jogging next to the Incredible Hulk's much fatter brother who always wears normal colored pants. Jogging the indoor track is altogether more pleasant but my running form clearly needs improvement.

While there I found an old favorite, the Precor 'Adaptive Motion Trainer', which mimics the running motion, which feels a lot more natural than standard elliptical machines. Much easier on the ankles, shins, and knees compared to actual running as well. Precor has introduced a new model, the 835, since my last time on one. It's got some nice control & display options. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.

The workout on an Adaptive Motion Trainer is not quite as high impact as real jogging but it does allow for a much longer workout. I was on it for 45 minutes this morning and the machine claims I burned 636 calories. Heart rate was right in the 80-85% zone for my age (155-165 bpm). I want to improve my running form before taking on the underground 5k next month, but this a terrific workout right now. I've managed to get a workout in every day this week on the Precor.