Are Treadmill Classes the Newest Fitness Craze?

Treadmill Classes

Is the old gym standby — the treadmill — ready for a makeover?

Yes, it appears to be true.  If you’re sick of staring at the same thing while you’re monotonously running on the treadmill for thirty minutes now you can rev up your workout routine with a  fun, new group treadmill class.

A boutique gym has just added a dozen Fitwalkers for their new group fitness classes on treadmills in New York City.

Fitwalker is powered by two large flywheels and the weight of your steps upon the (default) 35-degree incline which can be adjusted. The new creative vision for treadmills incorporates not only fat-burning intervals, but dynamic strengthening, balance and toning exercises.

“Being creative on a treadmill is the best way to become a better runner. Backwards running on a moderate incline, for example, is a great tool in strengthening your hamstrings and glutes,” says David Silk. “Side shuffling helps with balance and focus as well as being a killer workout for your inner thighs,” he adds.

Right off the bat, you can see that Fitwalker has a three-step version, shuffling laterally as you stepped onto one of the platforms on each side of the tread every third footfall. You can do a sideways jog and then “the hustle,” letting our feet ride to the bottom of the tread while holding the handle bars and running back to the top with tiny tiptoe steps.

Did you know that the majority of people run far too close to the front of their treadmills?  If you do, you end up unconsciously shortening your stride in order to not kick the front of the treadmill and adopting strange short arm movements. When you are in a nice fast run, get away from the front of your treadmill and drive your arms. You will immediately feel your stride open up, your body will be less tight and tense, and you will run with the natural stride you were meant to have.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Inspired by the Pink Panther 

Tags: fitness craze, fitness trends, new workouts, workout ideas