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Fitness Expert Says You Should Avoid The Treadmill At The Gym

Fitness Expert Says You Should Avoid The Treadmill At The Gym

Gyms in England are set to reopen on April 12

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

A fitness trainer to celebrities has claimed that anyone wishing to do a bit of exercise should give the treadmill a wide berth and never exercise for more than an hour at a time.

Sarah Lindsay told MailOnline that those wishing to take advantage of gyms and leisure centres reopening in England on April 12 should 'swerve the treadmill' in favour of a different plan.

Apparently that isn't the best way to lose weight, if that's what you're looking to do.

The 40-year-old explained: "Don't pound on the treadmill desperately to try and lose weight or spend hours on the bike - it's a sad state of affairs.

"So many people have gained a bit of weight in lockdown and think they'll run first, and then 'get toned' in the gym. But the fundamentals are weight training, regardless of your goal."

Treadmills aren't the best way to go about losing weight, apparently.
Pexels

"This will challenge what people think, but swerve the treadmill. Running just makes everything worse."

So, if you were looking for a way out of having to spend ages flagellating yourself across the running machine, there you have it. Get yourself onto the weights instead.

Another sound piece of advice from the former Olympic athlete is that you shouldn't just assume that you'll be able to train to the same standards and ability that you were before the lockdown.

Gyms in many areas have been closed for a very long time, and there's no way that you'll be able to just pick up where you left off without risking injury.

Even if you're a total newbie, just make a plan within your means and stick to it. Lindsay explained: "If you're a complete beginner and have never weight trained before, it's good to have a programme.

"Don't try and wing it and make it up - that's impossible for anyone. Always have a plan.

"If you're unsure what you're doing, or have no confidence, practice the moves at home first so that you're not shy and embarrassed and you don't have that temptation to just sit on the bike when you get in the gym."

Weights are the way, according to this expert.
Pexels

She added: "Even for the fittest, strongest people, the danger is they go back in the gym, and can lift the same weight they could a year ago - but actually they'll just pull a muscle.

"You might be just as strong and be able to pick up the same weight that you could a year ago, but your body simply won't be conditioned for it.

"Those people who think they're strong enough and able enough to do it - those are the people who're going to get injured so you need to recondition, whether you like it or not.

"This means higher reps, and taking the rest down. So if you usually do 8-10 reps, you need to do 15-20 for a few weeks.

"It's about being patient and not expecting too much from yourself.

"It's also really important to recover in between sessions so that you're not fatigued for the next one. When you're not training, your focus should be on recovering."

There you have it. When we're allowed, take it slowly, and take it easy. Just remember to leave out the treadmill.

Featured Image Credit: Pexels

Topics: UK News, Interesting, England, Fitness, Health