The Amish Treadmill workout will burn a ton of calories in a short period of time, shed body fat, improve your cardiovascular endurance and shape and tone your thighs and butt. Unlike a manual treadmill which was popular in the 70's, the Amish Treadmill has added resistance from the belt and motor of the electric treadmill. Many of you who have trained with me have used the Amish Treadmill and know it is an intense workout that will challenge any fitness level!
DOING THE AMISH TREADMILL WORKOUT
1. Step onto a treadmill that is OFF and place your feet on the side rails.
2. Remove the EMERGENCY STOP BUTTON to prevent the treadmill from turning on.
3. Hold onto the center handles and lean forward.
4. While maintaining a forward lean and holding onto the front railings, start moving the treadmill bell by pushing with the balls of your feet.
5. Once the belt is moving, keep a forward lean and continue to move your feet... Similar to when you push the sled or a car.
6. When you have reached your goal time, simple hop off the belt placing your feet on the side rails, maintaining a hold on the front railing for support.
To increase the intensity of the exercise, simply increase the length of your stride or take short, faster strides. You can also raise the treadmill to various degrees of incline as well to change the focus of the muscles involved. For a varied workout, turn around and place your back against the forward rail of the treadmill and push backward. This will focus on the quadriceps and give you a cardiovascular workout as well!
Start out slow and for 15-30 second intervals if you are new to this training. As you build up your cardiovascular and muscular endurance, increase the duration of workload. Try interval training with 30-60 seconds fast pushing followed by a rest period of 30-60 seconds. You can manipulate the interval time periods to match your fitness level and goals. *Always consult with your physician and a Certified Personal Trainer to ensure you are able to perform this or any other fitness routine.