subject: Improving The Legs With A Treadmill [print this page] Knowing what muscle groups will be the primary benefactors from specific pieces of exercise equipment is one of the more important things to research before engaging in a thorough fitness regimen while using one. This knowledge can help the user effectively plan the most efficient course of action to take over the impending weeks and months that they will be exercising.
For example, people who want to improve their upper body strength and build reserves of power are best suited to look for a good weight set, since it will be the most effective at targeting this objective. Likewise, those who want a low impact aerobic workout should consider an elliptical machine, because of the complete benefit that it offers the user by simultaneously working a variety of muscle groups in tandem in order to tone and define them.
Participants who want to primarily work out their legs should consider selecting a treadmill, since it primarily utilizes them to sustain movement over time, as well as building endurance as a result of the aerobic workout that the device provides for the user. This specific workout is a traditional favorite, for the ease of use and known effectiveness of the technique involved.
The treadmill is popular because it is instantly recognizable and iconic in the fitness world. It also is one of the simplest machines to use, because all that is required of the individual is to step on and maintain forward momentum without being rolled off of it.
Looking more directly at how the treadmill works out the legs, is becomes obvious that the entire targeted area is used during the course of the workout, with each subgroup having a specific role that it plays to ensure success. The entire area woks together to sustain momentum and to compensate for the stresses involved with the workout, making for a more cohesive whole that is stronger than the sum of its parts.
Examining each working muscle group individually is therefore important to do in order to fully understand how the experience is achieved, as well as knowing how to properly run on the treadmill without receiving any negative physical consequences as a result. Knowing the mechanical process often helps with the physical act.
When the leg is moved, the thigh muscles flex and contract as a result. The thighs provide the primary impetus of motion, since they are the largest muscle group, responsible for providing power to the rest of the system.
The calves are flexed and tightened as forward motion is achieved. The calves act like shock absorbers in this instance, absorbing the jolting lotion and providing elasticity to the process that rebounds the body back upward as it drops down with every bound.
They also help balance the body, redistributing the offset weight in real time so that the person does not topple over. They assist the ankles in this endeavor, making for a piston like muscle group that reduces overall impact while quickly popping the person back up in time for their next stride.
As stated, the ankles are also worked during the course of the exercise. The ankles pivot, absorbing residual motion and distributing balance throughout the leg as it takes a millisecond to re-adapt for the current situation.
The ankles are important because the dictate form and how quickly the body is rebalanced after strides. They flex in tandem with the overall motion, helping put the metaphorical spring in the user's step while they use the treadmill.
The overall form that is assumed by the user will help dictate whether their treadmill experience is a positive one or not. Form refers to the posture, positioning and technique that is assumed during a run.
Form is an issue because while correct form will enhance the overall experience, incorrect form will surely detract from it. Knowing the proper technique involved in the activity will ensure correct form.
Using a treadmill can help ensure that the legs will be strengthened, toned, and improved over the course of a fitness regimen. Since they will be the primary muscle group used to propel the body forward, they obviously receive the most benefit from the activity, as well as providing other benefits to the body as a direct result of their use.
