6 Workouts You Can Do On The Treadmill That Don't Involve Any Running

When you think of the treadmill (infamously known as the "dreadmill"), I'll bet you automatically associate it with running.

I know running is good for you and all, but TBH, I often just find myself constantly checking the clock to see when my torture -- I mean jog -- will finally be over.

If you're like me, the good news is there are plenty of ways to work out on a treadmill without having to do any running whatsoever.

Here are six creative treadmill workouts to spice up your cardio routine and guarantee you'll never have to run again.

1. Walking Lunges

The other day, I was doing walking lunges across my gym, and it was honestly a pretty pathetic sight.

Picture a profusely sweaty girl weaving through the cross-fitters and sharply swerving to avoid bumping into that oblivious dude who's always glued to his phone.

Anyway, taking your lunges to the treadmill clears out all of those obstacles and allows you to focus on simply mastering your form -- and feeling the booty burn.

2. Side Shuffles

Side-shuffling is great for working the inner and outer thighs, glutes, and increasing strength, as well as flexibility.

You might get some weird looks from the girl on the machine next to you, but honestly, anything to avoid that routine run -- amirite?

3. Reverse Mountain Climbers

Mountain climbers are basically the push-up of the treadmill world, and they're about as difficult as they sound.

You'll probably miss running when you're done with these bad boys -- or not, I don't know your life.

4. Walking Plank

This plank variation will seriously engage your core and shoulders like no other workout you've ever tried.

If you thought the traditional plank was hard, you might want to reevaluate after a few minutes of these babies.

But hey, your shoulders will be sculpted AF. You can thank me later.

5. Incline Push-ups

There's nothing worse than when your HIIT circuit calls for incline push-ups, and all the free benches are completely occupied by a bunch of sweaty, gross dudes.

Thankfully, you can take this workout straight to the treadmill and still work on your triceps.

Plus, you can glance at the runners on either side of you and silently thank your lucky stars you're not sweating it out with them.

6. Uphill Walking

Boost the incline on your treadmill and go for a brisk, upward walk if you can't stand running.

Exercising on an incline builds muscles in the ankles, calves, upper and lower thighs, and glutes.

The incline of the treadmill also stretches out your calves, building lots of lean, mean muscle, so you can say "peace out" to your shin splints once and for all.

The steeper you set the incline, the more you'll benefit -- so don't hold back!