Walking and running are great cardio workouts that get the blood pumping and burn tons of calories. While treadmills are designed to make it easier to get your miles in, this piece of exercise equipment has many other uses in fitness. Here are some alternate exercise ideas to try.

5 Ways to Use the Treadmill Without Jogging 

1. Sideways Shuffle

Turn your walking sideways with this variant for the treadmill. Make sure to hold onto the rails as you step out with one foot, hop up with both feet, and land with the opposite foot to keep the motion going as the belt runs underneath. After about one minute, face the other side and repeat with the other leg leading the shuffle.

2. High Knees

Keep the treadmill speed at about three miles an hour and face away from the control monitor. Place your hands on the rails and press down as you lift one knee up to hip height. Hop onto the moving band with the opposite foot and then switch so you are alternating between each side.

3. Lunges

Make sure the treadmill speed is kept low for this one. Begin by walking normally. Plant one foot, turn your body, and extend the other leg out into a side lunge. Push off that foot to return to the starting position and then do the same exercise facing the other way to work the other side. The slow-moving band helps establish a rhythm.

4. Sumo Squats

With the treadmill set to only half a mile per hour, walk normally to start. Then turn your body to face one side and drop your tailbone into a sumo squat with your feet and knees slightly turned out. Push up through your heels back to standing and switch sides.

5. Mountain Climbers

For this exercise, the treadmill remains off, but your movements will power the belt. Get into a plank position with your hands on the floor and your feet on the belt. Bring one knee up to your chest and then switch to the other knee. As your foot comes back down, the action should push the belt away, giving you a gluteus and hamstring burn.

Serving southeast Ohio and northern Kentucky, Exercise & Leisure Equipment is the store to call when you need equipment for a home gym. From treadmills to exercise bikes and elliptical machines, this Cincinnati store will ensure you have the right pieces for your fitness needs. They also have an inventory of home gym accessories, such as plates and dumbbells. To speak to a friendly representative, call (513) 531-7777. Visit them online for more on their service and installation offerings.