Running Apps to Take Your Treadmill Workouts to the Next Level
There is absolutely no reason why your treadmill workout should be boring.
In fact, manufacturers are working hard (and spending lots of money) to design innovative programs to keep you motivated and performing at your very best. We’ve actually seen this first hand on our visits to some of the top equipment company headquarters.
Many of the treadmills we’re seeing from top manufacturers like NordicTrack, Sole, Horizon, and ProForm have interactive technology built right into the consoles. Programs like Bowflex’s RunSocial even allow you to run virtually with a friend half way around the world!
Now, just in case all of these programs aren’t quite enough… we’ve compiled this list of apps that will help take your treadmill workouts to the next level. Download these programs onto your smart device and you’ll be drenched in sweat in no time flat!
Peloton Digital – As with all things Peloton, their app is top of the line. And, you don’t have to own one of their crazy expensive treadmills to get the Peloton experience.
Peloton has built their app the same way they built their company — around the idea that working out with a community helps you stay motivated and kick butt. Choose from on-demand videos or join a live class. Times run between 10 minutes and one hour, so you can fit it into your schedule.
You get the same fantastic instructors that make Peloton a force to be reckoned with, who will lead you through everything from hills to speed intervals. There’s a lot to love when it comes to this app.
Aaptiv – If you’re looking for an app that really covers all of the bases for running, check out Aaptiv. When it comes to treadmill workouts specifically, you can’t beat their variety and skill range.
If you’re new to running, this is a great place to start. The instructors will help you with proper form to ensure you build good habits from the start. You can also preview all of the workout specs, including top speed and incline before you get started. This will keep you from realizing too late that you’re in way over your head.
That being said, Aaptiv isn’t only for beginners. There is also a huge variety of workouts for anyone with more experience, including those marathoners out there.
Treadmill Trails – We know what you’re thinking, my treadmill already has virtual runs available. While that may be true, there is a feature on Treadmill Trail that makes it worth checking out.
When you choose a run, it actually downloads to your device so you can access it anytime. This means you can still take your run anywhere in the world, even when your actual location doesn’t have Wi-Fi.
Zwift – It feels necessary to start off by saying the Zwift may not be for everyone. But its slightly different take on the usual is definitely fun. When you’re following a workout route on Zwift, you actually watch your virtual avatar on the screen following the video route. Other virtual runners can also use the same route, so you’ll see other people on the trails too. This is similar to the RunSocial programming on Bowflex treadmills.
Just because Zwift chooses to look and feel a little more like a video game doesn’t mean it skimps on the technical side. It’s worth noting that you do have to be using a treadmill with Bluetooth, or a cadence tracker that will transmit your vitals. The program tracks your info and displays it on the screen in real time so you can keep an eye on all of your stats as you go.
TempoRun – We have talked in the past about how important your music can be to your workout. This is the idea behind TempoRun. You choose your pace and the app plays music that will keep you on track for the duration of your run. It so much easier than doing the math to figure out the music situation on your own.
Couch to 5K – So, you’ve decided that you want to run a 5K…but you’re not exactly what you’d call a “runner.” That’s fine! You have to start somewhere and Couch to 5K has you covered.
This app is designed specifically for anyone who’s ready to start their fitness journey from the ground up. They say if you follow the training program three times a week, you’ll be ready to run a 5K in nine weeks. Obviously you need to be putting in the effort, but the app lays the framework for you.
Nike+ RunClub – When you’re talking about running, you can’t leave out Nike. The Nike+ RunClub app gives you access to over 50 guided runs, six of which are designed for your treadmill.
Of course the runs are going to be led by Nike’s world-famous team of trainers that will give you audio instructions to get the most out of each workout. There is one that lets you do a run with Mo Farah. And, who wouldn’t feel like rock star after a workout with Mo!
Another cool feature is that the app works with Spotify, so you can play your own music and then lay the audio instructions over your tunes. This means you don’t have to choose one over the other. Plus, nothing kills a workout like being forced to listen to music you hate!
Running For Weight Loss – We all use our treadmill for different reasons, but if you’re looking to lose weight, check out Running for Weight Loss. While the name might not be the catchiest, it does what it advertises.
The app focuses on HIIT workouts, high intensity interval training workouts, which are an effective regimen for weight loss.
Based on your ability level, you choose from three different levels and the app gives you variety of workouts geared toward you. If you want to challenge yourself and see results, this app will let you do it.
Kitestring – This is a little different from the other apps on the list, but it’s totally worth knowing about. If you venture off of your treadmill and out into the world, safety is key. Kitestring is not an app, it’s a program that you sign up for.
When you head out, you send a text letting Kitestring know how long you’re planning to run. It will then send you a “check-in” text when the time expires. If you don’t respond after a set amount of time it automatically send a text to your emergency contact.
While the basic idea behind running is simple, your workouts don’t have to be. If things are starting to feel a bit stale, use one of these apps and put some spice back in your regimen.
