Brand Stories

Intenza 550 Series Treadmill. The Benefits of Going Up

An incline setting generates more muscle activity than walking or running on a flat surface since you work against gravity.  Using the incline feature on the Intenza 550 Series is a great way to increase the intensity of a run without increasing session time or speed, or putting additional stress on the joints.

 

A staple of most gyms, treadmills are probably one of the most popular pieces of equipment and approached in the right way, they can offer in—depth, all—around workouts beyond “push and run”.  With a multitude of possible exercises such as workouts for walking, running at a moderate pace (jogging) or at a faster one and because there is no wind resistance, using a treadmill facilitates a smoother walking or running experience than outside on a level surface.  However, to value—up a treadmill workout why not engage the incline feature?

An incline setting generates more muscle activity than walking or running on a flat surface since you work against gravity.  Using the incline feature on the Intenza 550 Series is a great way to increase the intensity of a run without increasing session time or speed, or putting additional stress on the joints.

Intended to mimic uphill climbing, the incline feature on a treadmill is a great way to work the body and get the heart pumping without having to crank up the speed.  Complete with 20 Preset programs (4 main workout types including— Interval, Hills, HIIT and 10 Weeks Running), Intenza 550’s incline feature can reach grades up to 0—15%.  The programs automatically increase and decrease the incline level for a workout similar to walking or running up and down hills outdoors however, incline levels may also be adjusted manually.

Muscle building, incline treadmill walking activates the muscles of the calves, hamstrings and glutes more than walking on a 0% incline.  The incline of the treadmill stretches the calves, thus building long, lean muscles— the steeper you set the incline, the more you’ll benefit. (You should not hold onto the handrails if you have to do so, reduce the speed or incline).  By raising and lowering the track, you can emulate outdoor conditions, through incline settings, and as your endurance and strength improve can gradually increase the intensity and length of your incline workouts.  You will also increase the number of calories burned during sessions as walking, or running, on a level surface doesn’t use as much energy as walking or running on an incline.

Every run has its purpose.  Dialing into the right incline and being conscious of your form can help build both speed and stamina— whether a running novice, marathon winner or recovering from an injury— for an exhilarating running experience.

Warm Up

Like outdoor running, it's ​important that you warm up.  A warm—up raises your heart rate, sends oxygen to your muscles and raises their temperature so they'll be more efficient.   Start with a 5—minute walk or easy jog before you pick up the pace or increase the incline.

Don't Forget to Hydrate

With our bodies made up of about 60% of water you can lose even more water running on a treadmill than you would if you were running outside since there's little air resistance to help keep you cool.  Have a bottle of water within easy reach, and drink at least 5 to 12 ounces for every 15—20 minutes you are running on the treadmill.

Cool Down

Cooling down after a run is equally important since it eases you out of your workout.  At the end of a routine, gradually slow your speed until you’re at a walking or slow jogging pace for 5—10 minutes.