Treadmill Technique

[guava]

I started doing my cardio on a treadmill, and I'm noticing that I feel it more in my right leg than in my left.

Should I try to manipulate stride length? I tried this a bit, but couldn't tell much difference. I couldn't tell if my left leg had too large a stride or too small a stride.

Any ideas?

Also, what's the benefit to increasing slope as opposed to increasing speed. Is slope working on muscle gains, or is it just a way to make me work harder.

I've been manually adjusting the speed to warm up 3.0 kmph 3 minutes, 6.0 kmph 3 min, 9.0 kmph 3 min, then 3 minutes spurts of 6.5, 9.0, 6.5, 9.0, 7, 9.5, 7, 9.5, 6.5, 3.0, or something like that, using only 1% slope. There should be a way to program this in, but I read the book and couldn't figure it out yet, so I think I'll have to try what they call Program 3 (45 minutes 6-9kmph from 2-4% slope, but I don't know the intervals)

[Collegefour]

I've used a treadmill since day 1. I notice on some days that it seems like my right leg works harder too, but I think it's mostly in my head. I wouldn't try to manipulate your stride. Just do what comes naturally. As for the incline, you are correct, it is just meant to increase your work load. I started flat, but I only have a 5mph maximum, so a few weeks into it I had to up the incline. I still use the treadmil (did cardio on it this morning, in fact), but the incline is now maxed out at 10%. I can still hit my heart rate goals, but I think I'm gonna have to upgrade in the not-so-far future.

[antiripped]

Also been using a tread since day one, and found the incline makes you work harder its given me a longer muscle shape, i used to have thick strong legs and found that the muscles appear to have lengthened, if you know what i mean, im doing 5.5k-12k intervals 5 deg constant incline, for about 35 mins, started at a slower pace and lower incline but am gradually working it up.

My left knee also had a slight twinge when running, it was because my foot was rolling from outside to in, went to get some properly fitted runners and problem solved.

[guava]

Ooh, longer muscles, sounds great. I'm gonna start right up on working in that incline.

Yeah, I'm due for a new pair of shoes. Mine are about five years old, but they sat in the closet for three of those years.

[Mahdimael]

I would always use an incline, even a slight one. I think I read that even the minor incline settings on most treadmills can help burn 10% or more calories in an average workout! That would definitely be worth it