Common Treadmill Running Mistakes

By Christine Luff, About.com Guide

Updated March 30, 2012

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Some runners assume they're getting a great workout if they challenge themselves by running their entire run on a steep incline. But that much straight hill running is never a good idea and could lead to injuries. Think about it: Would you ever find a 3-mile hill at a 5 or 6% incline?

You should avoid running at a steep incline for more than 5 or so minutes. You'll get a much better, safer workout if you alternate between running a few minutes with an incline and running a few minutes without an incline.

Also, you should also avoid going above a 7% incline because it places too much strain on your back, hips and ankles.

More: Treadmill Hill Workout
How to Run Hills

Previous

• Treadmill Mistake #1: Skipping Your Warm-Up or Cool Down
• Treadmill Mistake #2: Improper Running Form
• Treadmill Mistake #3: Holding onto the Handrails
• Treadmill Mistake #4: Not Exercising Hard Enough
• Treadmill Mistake #5: Stepping Off While Moving
• Treadmill Mistake #6: Running at the Same Pace for Your Entire Run
• Treadmill Mistake #7: Running the Entire Workout on a Steep Incline

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