TreadSanity: The next big thing in fitness?

Source: Best Health magazine, September 2013; Image: Thinkstock

TreadSanity is an hour-long workout that combines 10-minute increments of high-intensity interval training on a treadmill with strength-training exercises using kettlebells, dumbbells and resistance bands. It burns up to 900 calories, depending on whether you walk, jog or run on the treadmill.

TreadSanity originated in Los Angeles in 2008, and Jason Geall, co-owner of Harmony Fitness in Toronto, introduced the concept in Canada last year. The workout burns more fat and calories than running or weight training alone, he says, and is easier on knees and joints than running outside. ‘It’s also fun: Set to heart-pumping Top-40 tracks, it’s a great way for participants to challenge themselves. ‘The great thing about running on a treadmill is you can monitor your speed, so you can ‘see yourself getting stronger, faster and fitter as you progress,’ says Geall.

If it hasn’t made it to your city, not to worry: You can recreate the workout yourself, as long as you have access to a treadmill. Here’s how:
‘ Hop on a treadmill for a 10-minute block where you run or walk faster than your usual pace. Walkers should aim for a speed of 3.8 ‘to 4.7 miles per hour; joggers, 5.5 to 7.5 mph; runners, 6 to 9 mph. Challenge yourself by increasing and decreasing the speed.
‘ Lower the speed and get off the treadmill. Perform upper-body exercises such as push-ups, biceps curls, hammer curls and triceps extensions, for 10 minutes.
‘ Jump back on the treadmill for another 10 minutes, this time increasing and decreasing the incline. Then get off the treadmill and perform lower-body exercises, such as squats, lunges, hip raises and kettlebell swings for 10 minutes.
‘ Repeat this sequence of alternating treadmill work with upper-body, lower-body and core exercises (try planks, crunches, bicycle kicks and sit-ups) for a one-hour workout. Don’t forget to stretch at the end.

This article originally appeared in the September 2013 issue of Best Health. Subscribe today to get the full Best Health experience’and never miss an issue!