Speed Or Incline?

[sleeve 4 me 910]

OK so today I reached a 15.0 incline on the treadmill, but only going at a speed of 3.5 ...what do you think is better going faster at a lower incline OR slower at a higher incline?

I will say it felt like I got a GREAT workout done even though I only did 30 minutes (due to my hectic schedule, not to mention aunt flow has visited me not once but TWICE this month, I have NO IDEA what that's about, NEVER happened to me before, but I will save that for another post LOL), and I typically do 45 minutes at a speed of 4.0-4.5 but 2.5-5.0 incline.

Aaaaaaanyhoo, just curious to see what y'all think...SPEED OR INCLINE???

[sleeve 4 me 910]

Honestly, after being "trapped" at the YMCA 3 days a week doing nothing but walking and swimming afterward, I didn't find it did much of a difference for me overall, however I do tend to walk fast already.

Incline will help work your lower leg muscles, and as you know I'm sure, building muscle is a good way to give yourself "weight loss insurance" - you'd be surprised how sexy calves make you feel when you look down and think "Are those actually MINE?!" not to mention the endurance afterward.

But be careful - too fast on the treadmill isn't good even for non-WLS patients, so just know where your limit is. Also, be sure you're doing it for long enough. I used to walk 45 minutes, 2.0 incline at about 2.8-3 MPH.

OK I DEFINITELY need lower leg muscle! That's good to know! I felt really good at 3.5 at a higher incline.

[kimmy*custis 276]

I say lower speed, more incline. Seems to be a better workout!

[CaliKat 153]

I have had many trainers that have all told me that high incline and moderate speed is the absolute best way to get a treadmil workout.

If you compare how many calories you burn running at a lower (or no) incline vs. a high incline its a huge difference. plus its way better on your knees and you get a good "butt lift" workout.

BTW- a 15% incline at 3.5 spped is pretty hardcore! You go girl!

[kemo46 82]

Check what heart rate you are maintaining while doing both. You will burn more calories while your heart rate is higher by raising your metabilism. Both are good for you. I found that any incline over 8 is harder on my knees, everyone is different. I have been doing 4.3 mph at an 8 incline for 2 miles and it is quite a workout. Keep up the good work.

[sleeve 4 me 910]

OK y'all I'm gonna keep the incline going I'm not sure how high it goes, but gonna find out eventually lol...Thanks!!!!

[fluffylibra30 323]

My trainer puts me on intervals. Every 5 minutes alternate high incline lower speed. Then high speed low incline. Helps keep you from getting comfortable and intervals is supposed to burn more fat.

[2ndtimesacharm 35]

My trainer puts me on intervals. Every 5 minutes alternate high incline lower speed. Then high speed low incline. Helps keep you from getting comfortable and intervals is supposed to burn more fat.

I was told this as well. It also helps to vary your incline to relieve stress on the knees. Since doing this I ave become much more agile.