Finishing a 5k workout is a common goal for runners, especially for beginners.
This is the first milestone in a runner’s training program and even if you have reached the level where you run marathons, 5k workouts should still be part of your routine.
This is because this type or exercise helps keeping the motivation up and it provides a great cardio workout, especially if you get to the finish line really fast.
What most runners don’t know is that you can easily complete a 5k on the treadmill and this way you benefit from all its advantages: you can easily follow a training program to get you to the point where you can run a 5k, you complete efficient cardio workouts, you include in your training routine intervals, you test your speed limits and improve your times, you increase your endurance level, and all these while you monitor your heart rate.
Most good treadmills have 5k workouts included in their consoles, and they cost little (see Livestrong Treadmills for example).
How preset 5k treadmills work: the distance goal is set from the beginning. Incline changes automatically for each segment, so you simulate outdoor running. You manually change speed throughout the exercise.
