If you’ve ever stepped on a treadmill and felt like the minutes dragged on forever, you’re not alone. Traditional steady-state cardio—walking or jogging at the same pace for 30 minutes—works, but it can feel repetitive and even discouraging if you’re just starting out. That’s where treadmill interval training comes in.
Intervals break up your workout into short bursts of higher intensity followed by recovery. Not only does this keep things interesting, but it also helps you burn more calories in less time, build endurance faster, and leave your workout feeling energized instead of drained. Think of it as giving your body little challenges followed by breathers, rather than one long grind.
At The Fitness Outlet, we’ve spent over 30 years helping people design smarter home and workplace gyms. One thing we know for sure: the right treadmill, paired with the right plan, can completely change how you feel about cardio. This guide will walk you through the “why,” the “how,” and a few beginner-friendly workouts you can try as soon as you lace up your sneakers.
Why Try Interval Training on a Treadmill?
Intervals offer several benefits that make them especially appealing for beginners:
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Burn More Calories in Less Time – By pushing your body into higher intensity for short bursts, you trigger a bigger calorie burn both during and after your workout.
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Boost Cardiovascular Endurance – Intervals mimic the stop-and-go rhythm of real life—climbing stairs, running to catch a bus, or carrying groceries. They train your heart and lungs to adapt and recover quickly.
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Stay Motivated – Breaking your session into chunks makes the workout feel more achievable and less monotonous.
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Customizable for Any Fitness Level – Whether you’re walking, jogging, or running, you’re in complete control of speed and incline.
Safety First: How to Start Strong
Before you dive in, keep these tips in mind:
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Always Warm Up – Spend at least 5 minutes walking to get your blood flowing and muscles ready. Skipping this step is like trying to floor a cold car engine.
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Progress Gradually – Start with gentle jogs or inclines and work your way up. Your joints, muscles, and lungs will thank you.
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Use the Handrails Sparingly – It’s okay to grab on for balance, but try not to lean heavily—let your legs and core do the work.
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End with a Cool-Down – A few minutes of walking and light stretching makes recovery easier and helps prevent soreness.
3 Beginner Treadmill Interval Workouts
Here are three simple routines you can rotate through to keep things fresh. Each is short, effective, and easy to adjust as you get fitter.
1. Walk-Jog Intervals (20 Minutes)
Perfect if you’re brand-new to treadmill training.
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Warm-Up: 5 minutes brisk walking (3.0–3.5 mph).
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Intervals: 1 minute jogging (4.5–5.0 mph), then 2 minutes walking (3.0–3.5 mph). Repeat 5–6 times.
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Cool-Down: 3 minutes easy walk (2.5–3.0 mph).
This workout gently introduces your body to interval training without overwhelming your joints.
2. Incline Power Walk (25 Minutes)
Great if you want calorie burn without running.
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Warm-Up: 5 minutes walking at no incline (3.0 mph).
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Intervals: 2 minutes walking uphill (incline 6–8%) followed by 2 minutes flat. Speed: 3.0–3.5 mph. Repeat 5–6 times.
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Cool-Down: 3 minutes walking flat (2.5 mph).
You’ll feel this one in your glutes, hamstrings, and calves—almost like a hiking workout indoors.
3. Beginner HIIT (20 Minutes)
For those ready for a little extra intensity.
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Warm-Up: 5 minutes walking (3.0 mph).
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Intervals: 30 seconds running (6.0–7.0 mph), then 90 seconds walking (3.0–3.5 mph). Repeat 8–10 times.
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Cool-Down: 3 minutes walking.
This high-energy session gets your heart pumping and is one of the fastest ways to build speed and stamina.
| Workout Name | Warm-Up | Intervals | Cool-Down | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walk-Jog Intervals | 5 min brisk walk (3.0–3.5 mph) | 1 min jog (4.5–5.0 mph) + 2 min walk (3.0–3.5 mph), repeat 5–6 rounds | 3 min easy walk (2.5 mph) | Beginner-friendly calorie burn & endurance |
| Incline Power Walk | 5 min flat walk (3.0 mph) | 2 min incline walk (6–8% at 3.0–3.5 mph) + 2 min flat walk, repeat 5–6 rounds | 3 min flat walk (2.5 mph) | Lower-body strength & calorie burn |
| Beginner HIIT | 5 min walk (3.0 mph) | 30 sec run (6.0–7.0 mph) + 90 sec walk (3.0–3.5 mph), repeat 8–10 rounds | 3 min easy walk | Speed, stamina & metabolic boost |
Best Treadmills for Interval Training
At The Fitness Outlet, we carry treadmills that are built to handle tough interval training while keeping your workouts smooth and safe. Here are three excellent picks:
True Fitness Vapor Series Alpine Runner Incline Trainer Treadmill
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Offers an incredible incline range up to 30% for unmatched calorie burn and muscle activation.
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Commercial-grade build quality ensures long-term durability in both home and corporate wellness settings.
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Intuitive console and preset workouts make it beginner-friendly while still offering elite-level training options.
Spirit XT685 Treadmill
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Heavy-duty frame with a spacious running surface, perfect for sprints and longer intervals.
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Powerful 4.0 HP motor for smooth transitions between speeds.
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Designed for durability with minimal maintenance required.
Body-Solid Endurance T25 Folding Treadmill
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Compact, foldable design—ideal for smaller spaces without sacrificing performance.
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Quick-touch speed keys make switching between intervals seamless.
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Whisper-quiet motor, great for home use without disturbing others
| Treadmill Model | Key Features | Best For | Price Range* |
|---|---|---|---|
| True Fitness Vapor Series Alpine Runner Incline Trainer | Incline range up to 30% for extreme calorie burn; commercial-grade durability; intuitive console | Advanced calorie burn, muscle activation, and endurance training | $$$$ |
| Spirit XT685 Treadmill | Heavy-duty frame; spacious running surface; powerful 4.0 HP motor | Runners and interval trainers needing durability | $$$ |
| Body-Solid Endurance T25 Folding Treadmill | Compact, foldable design; quick-touch speed keys; whisper-quiet motor | Small spaces, home use, and beginners | $$ |
Treadmill interval training doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. By mixing short bursts of effort with periods of recovery, you’ll keep workouts engaging, torch more calories, and steadily build endurance. More importantly, you’ll finish each session with the confidence that you’re getting stronger and healthier—step by step.
At The Fitness Outlet, we’re here to help you not just pick a treadmill, but find the one that fits your space, lifestyle, and long-term fitness goals. Because when you feel good about your equipment and your workouts, consistency follows—and that’s where real transformation happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is treadmill interval training?
Treadmill interval training alternates short bursts of higher-intensity running or incline walking with recovery periods. It helps you burn more calories in less time and build endurance faster than steady-state cardio.
2. Is treadmill interval training good for beginners?
Yes. Beginners can start with walk-jog intervals or incline walking. These routines are low-impact, easy to control, and gradually build fitness without overwhelming your joints.
3. How many times a week should I do treadmill intervals?
Most people benefit from 2–3 treadmill interval sessions per week, with rest or lighter workouts in between to allow recovery.
4. Does treadmill interval training burn more calories than steady-state cardio?
Generally, yes. The higher-intensity bursts increase calorie burn during the workout and trigger an afterburn effect, so you continue burning calories after finishing.
5. What treadmill is best for interval training?
Look for a treadmill with quick speed controls, incline options, and a strong motor. True Fitness Vapor Series Alpine Runner Incline Trainer, Spirit XT685 Treadmill, and Body-Solid Endurance T25 Folding Treadmill are all excellent picks.