When you hit the gym, the courts, or a group fitness class, how often is your focus on getting a little leaner, a little more muscle definition, or a slimmer waistline?
Although most of us enjoy the benefits of exercise, such as having more energy, playing our favorite sport better, or the social aspect of a group class, looking good tends to be the prime motivator.
But the most important aspect of exercise is not fitting into your favorite jeans, it is living a long, healthy life — something we cannot do if we do not take the necessary steps to care for our hearts.
The Paseo Club is a social club in the Santa Clarita Valley that provides swimming, fitness, Pilates, tennis, and pickleball facilities to help you and your family stay active and engaged.
In this article, you will read about the new small group training class, Treadmill Training. You will learn why we need to exercise our hearts, the benefits of the Treadmill Training class, and what you can expect from your first class.
When people exercise and are lean, do they also have good heart health?
Not necessarily!
Just because someone looks healthy on the outside does not mean they are healthy on the inside. Lifestyle, genetics, and family history can predispose you to heart disease. A heart-healthy diet, daily exercise, less stress, and good sleep are all factors in having a healthy heart. A daily dose of exercise will get the heart pumping, making it stronger.
Why must we intentionally exercise our hearts?
Regular vigorous aerobic activity can change the heart over time. The heart muscle grows larger and stronger, increasing its capacity to pump blood. During exercise, the heart generally beats faster, improving the ability to get blood to the lungs and throughout the body.
Simultaneously, the heart relaxes more easily and pumps more efficiently because it exerts less effort to send blood throughout the body. A strong heart increases circulation, which results in lower blood pressure and heart rate.
Research shows that running - even a few minutes a day — is associated with “markedly reduced risks of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease.”
Why train on treadmills versus going out for a run?
The main difference between running on a treadmill versus outdoors is the running mechanics that are required.
Depending on the terrain, running outdoors can recruit more muscles, burn more calories, and improve running stability.
However, the treadmill is gentler on the joints. There is more shock absorption, decreasing stress on the knees and ankles, making it a good starting point for beginner runners. The ability to control your speed and incline on a treadmill forces you to sustain performance levels that might otherwise lag outdoors.
Training on a treadmill allows you to avoid outside factors like weather and terrain issues such as rain, potholes, and hills. Lastly, treadmill class offers an encouraging social environment you do not tend to experience when out on a run.
What does the Treadmill Training class look like?
Treadmill Training class is a 45-minute program that consists of three parts.
- The 10-minute warmup takes you to your base pace speed. Every participant will find their own pace they are comfortable running and can maintain for about an hour.
- Spend the next 30 minutes running a series of sprint intervals that will vary in length and speed, taking you out of your comfort zone.
- Recover for 10 minutes with a jog or walk.
Every week, the format will be the same, but the HIIT training component will vary so the workouts are fresh and you never plateau.
Why is Treadmill Training designed as a HIIT class?
HIIT, or high-intensity interval training, is the process of short, brief, and intense bursts of exercise alternated with rest or low-intensity activity.
Treadmill training uses a HIIT approach to have participants alternate between their base pace and sprints. Running fast forces you to expend more energy and exertion. Sprint running strengthens your legs, making you a better runner overall in speed and endurance. Over time, you will become stronger and faster, have more stamina, and your base speed will become easier.
Is this class helpful for experienced and competitive runners?
Yes!
Treadmill running is for everyone — non-runners, beginner runners, and experienced runners. You run at your own pace in Treadmill Training class— including during the sprints. You choose what your body is capable of running.
Experienced runners will increase endurance and become faster and more efficient.
What if you aren’t a runner and just thinking about running puts you into a panic?
This class is for everyone. You can increase speed and endurance without having to run one step.
Participants can walk on their treadmill and adjust their speed for faster bursts. The incline can also adjust to give the sense of walking uphill, which recruits more posterior chain muscles.
There are also non-running exercises you can do on a treadmill to get your blood pumping and muscles engaged — walking lunges, side step squats, lateral shuffles, and backward walking — to name a few.
If you would like to transition from a non-runner to a runner, treadmills can ease beginners into the sport of running while providing you with a successful workout.
What are the 7 benefits of the Treadmill Training class?
There are several benefits to joining treadmill training.
- Elevate your metabolism and burn fat.
- Learn how to run safely and efficiently.
- Customize this all-level class to your ability.
- Get results in the scientifically proven HIIT format.
- Receive ample personalized attention and guidance in this small group fitness class.
- The class is only 45 minutes long, which almost anyone can cram into their busy schedule.
- Improve your cardiovascular health, reducing the chance of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Getting your heart pumping with the Treadmill Training Class at the Paseo Club
Treadmill Training is a 45-minute run workout on a treadmill. Coach Jodi Broz helps you use the treadmill’s speed and incline to push you to run faster and harder for short bursts of time. The treadmill allows you to see your progress with every run.
Treadmill Training is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 am and Wednesdays at 7 pm. Class costs $15-25 per class, depending on your package purchase. Register for class today — don’t forget your water bottle!
The Paseo Club supports the values of fitness, social connection, and health. There are dozens of ways for you to be active and engaged at the club, whether it is Treadmill Training class, Pilates, the gym, playing tennis on the courts, or just relaxing poolside with a friend and a refreshing drink.
The Paseo Club is a social club where all of your needs can be met. Come to work out, relax, socialize, and dine. If you are not yet a member, sign up today. It takes just minutes, and then you can access all areas of the club. We can’t wait to see you!
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