Hi Angie,
I would suggest you try some interval training in your treadmill venture. Interval training can result in less lactic acid build-up and thus fewer muscle aches and pains than weight training.
Other benefits include:
- It adds variety to your exercise routine. It makes it feel like more of a challenge. – it keeps it interesting.
- It will speed up the typical workout. You’ll get more exercise in a shorter amount of time because during your quick bursts you’re pushing it harder than you normally do.
- When you increase the intensity of a workout you naturally improve your personal best aerobic capacity and your cardiovascular fitness. You’ll be able to work harder than you have been in the past.
try something like this>..
Warm Up: 5-10 minutes
Low 5 minutes: 3.0+ mph, 0% incline
High 1 minutes: 3.2+ mph, incline: 6%
Medium 2 minutes: 3.0+ mph, incline: 1%
High 1 minute: 3.3+ mph, incline: 6%
Medium 2 minutes: 3.0+ mph, incline 1%
High 1 minute: 4.0+ mph, incline 3%
Medium 2 minutes: 3.0+mph, incline: 1%
High 1 minutes: 4.5+mph, incline: 2%
Medium 2 minutes: 3.0+mph, incline 1%
High 1 minute: 5.0+mph, incline 0%
High 1 minute: 3.2+mph, incline 8%
Medium 3 minutes: 3.0+mph, incline 0%
Low 5 minutes: 2.5 mph+, incline: 0% - cool down
Total workout time 32 - 37 mins
I would have to agree tho, although the interval style cardio (HIIT) will both build muscle and burn excess fat, arms and upper body would definatley benifit from some type of resistance training.
hope this was helpful
MD