How fast should I set the treadmill for a good cardio workout?

Question

I have just started so I can't run yet. Just want to know what to set it on and for how long?

Answer 1

Hi there.. It is not really about the speed on the treadmill but about your current fitness level.
The easy answer is ... start with 20 - 30 minutes excluding a 5 minute warmup and cooldown. 3 Days a week. You should be training at a rate which you would be a bit breathless attempting to carry on a conversation. If you can carry on a conversation, you need to increase your speed.

A little aside - perhaps you should try a little interval training - Walk for 5 minutes, jog for 1 or 2 etc. until you are able to jog the entire 20 minutes. When you reach this goal.. go ahead and increase your time

Answer 2

That all depends on you. How old are you? What is your resting heart rate? These all influence what your cardio level is. If you haven't even started a running program yet you should probably start out with a walk/run program. Start with walking for two minutes followed by a run for 2 minutes. Slowly decrease the walk time while you increase the run time. A good rule of thumb is that if you can hold a conversation then you are not running fast enough, if you can barely breath, you are running too fast, so pick somewhere in the middle.

Answer 3

If you want to take your workout to the max, I think that you should stretch it up to the most you can do (averagely, about 7-9 mph.) for an hour. At this rate, you'll probably burn a rough 800-1200 calories. Not only will you blast a lot of fat intake, but you'll become more toned in less than a week!
But, make sure to amp it up faster as you get used to each speed. That way, you'll be adjusted to a fast pace and get used to it.

Answer 4

Hi Kim!

Here is what you do. Start with a very slow walk to warm up. Gradually increase it over 20 minutes to a brisk walk. At this point you should be warmed up and ready for more. You can crank up the speed and run as long as you don't run out of breath and go anaerobic. This will maximize your fat burn.

I believe this answers your question, but if not, you may email me.

Good luck on your diet and fitness goals!

Trainer Gregg
[e-mail]
"You can achieve anything you set your mind on."

Answer 5

Trying doing intervals. Warm up for about 5 mintues at 2 mph and than do 2 minutes at 3.5 mph and than 30 seconds at 4.5 mph and repeat witht he 3.5 mph.

You can also get a great cardio workout with less speed and higher incline.

Answer 6

Everyone is different so your setting is based on your heart rate (which is based on your fitness level). A slower and longer pace will burn more fat. A faster rate will exercise your heart more.

Answer 7

as fast as possible!!! seriously, the more calories burnt, the more pounds lost!!!