Treadmill workouts for muscle building
Treadmills are often associated with weight loss and cardiovascular health, but they can also be used for muscle building. In fact, a well-designed treadmill workout can challenge your muscles in a variety of ways, helping you to build strength and size.
One of the best ways to build muscle with treadmill workouts is to use high-intensity interval training (HIIT). HIIT workouts involve alternating between short bursts of high-intensity exercise and periods of rest or low-intensity exercise. This type of training is very effective for building muscle because it forces your body to work hard and recover quickly.
Here is an example of a HIIT treadmill workout for muscle building:
- Warm-up:Â Walk or jog at a moderate pace for 5 minutes.
- Workout:
- Sprint at your maximum speed for 30 seconds.
- Rest or walk at a slow pace for 60 seconds.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 for 8-10 rounds.
- Cool-down:Â Walk or jog at a moderate pace for 5 minutes.
You can adjust the intensity and duration of the intervals to match your fitness level. If you are new to HIIT, start with shorter intervals and gradually increase the intensity and duration as you get stronger.
Another great way to build muscle with treadmill workouts is to use incline training. Incline training involves running or walking on a treadmill that is set at an incline. This type of training is very effective for building muscle in the legs and glutes.
Here is an example of an incline treadmill workout for muscle building:
- Warm-up:Â Walk or jog at a moderate pace for 5 minutes.
- Workout:
- Run or walk on a treadmill set at a 10-15% incline for 3 minutes.
- Rest or walk at a slow pace for 30 seconds.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 for 10-12 rounds.
- Cool-down:Â Walk or jog at a moderate pace for 5 minutes.
You can adjust the incline and speed to match your fitness level. If you are new to incline training, start with a lower incline and gradually increase the incline as you get stronger.



In addition to HIIT and incline training, you can also use other treadmill workouts to build muscle. For example, you can try:
- Speed workouts:Â These workouts involve alternating between short bursts of high-speed running and periods of rest or low-speed running.
- Hill sprints:Â These workouts involve running up and down hills on a treadmill.
- Tabata workouts:Â These workouts involve alternating between 20 seconds of high-intensity exercise and 10 seconds of rest for 8 rounds.
No matter what type of treadmill workout you choose, make sure to warm up properly before you start and cool down afterwards. You should also listen to your body and rest when you need to.
Here are some additional tips for building muscle with treadmill workouts:
- Focus on compound exercises. Compound exercises are exercises that work multiple muscle groups at once. Examples of compound exercises that you can do on a treadmill include running, hill sprints, and incline training.
- Lift weights. Lifting weights is the best way to build muscle, so it is important to incorporate weight training into your routine. If you don’t have access to a gym, you can do bodyweight exercises, such as push-ups, pull-ups, and squats.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet is essential for muscle growth and recovery. Make sure to eat plenty of protein and complex carbohydrates.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep is essential for muscle growth and repair. Make sure to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night.



Treadmill workouts are not just for cardio; they can also be a valuable tool for building muscle, a concept that resonates with fitness enthusiasts in Australia. One effective approach is High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on the treadmill. HIIT involves short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by rest or low-intensity periods. For example, a HIIT treadmill workout might include 30-second sprints at maximum speed followed by 60 seconds of rest or a slow-paced walk. This rapid transition between intensity levels challenges your muscles, promoting muscle growth.
Incline training on the treadmill is another strategy that Aussies can use to build muscle, particularly in the legs and glutes. After a warm-up, set the treadmill at a 10-15% incline and run or walk for 3 minutes, followed by a 30-second rest or slow-paced walk. Repeat this cycle for 10-12 rounds. This type of training engages your muscles differently, enhancing their strength and endurance.
Whether you’re into HIIT, incline training, or other treadmill workouts, remember to warm up and cool down properly to prevent injuries. Incorporating compound exercises like running, hill sprints, and incline training can help target multiple muscle groups. Don’t forget to maintain a balanced diet, rich in protein and complex carbohydrates, to support muscle growth, and prioritize quality sleep to aid in muscle recovery.
If you follow these tips, you will be well on your way to building muscle with treadmill workouts.
