Fitness expert explains why you should avoid using the treadmill at the gym

From top tips on how to achieve the best results to major no-no's - there's a whole bunch of advice out there when it comes to the gym.

And, with these things, it's often best to listen to the professionals when it comes to all things fitness.

So, opening up a little more about the best way to tone up, one trainer to the stars has explained exactly why you should avoid using the treadmill at the gym.

Apparently, the treadmill isn't the best way to lose weight. (skynesher / Getty Images)

According to fitness trainer Sarah Lindsay, gym-goers should make an active effort to 'swerve the treadmill' in favour of a different plan.

She told MailOnline: "Don't pound on the treadmill desperately to try and lose weight or spend hours on the bike - it's a sad state of affairs.

"So many people have gained a bit of weight in lockdown and think they'll run first, and then 'get toned' in the gym.

"But the fundamentals are weight training, regardless of your goal."

Sarah admitted that this will 'challenge what people think' but instructed people to 'swerve the treadmill', claiming: "Running just makes everything worse."

The former Olympic athlete also mapped out the importance of having a 'programme' to stick to.

The fitness expert says the 'fundamentals are weight training'. (vitapix / Getty Images)

"If you're a complete beginner and have never weight trained before, it's good to have a programme," she said.

"Don't try and wing it and make it up - that's impossible for anyone. Always have a plan."

So, if you find yourself unsure of what you're doing, or have no confidence, Sarah recommends practicing the moves 'at home first' to avoid any embarrassment.

She added: "And you don't have that temptation to just sit on the bike when you get in the gym."

The best results come about by 'being patient and not expecting too much from yourself'. (Rapeepong Puttakumwong / Getty Images)

The fitness expert also noted that even the fittest and strongest people out there need to be careful of 'pulling a muscle' by going too hard too soon.

She carried on: "Those people who think they're strong enough and able enough to do it - those are the people who're going to get injured so you need to recondition, whether you like it or not.

"This means higher reps, and taking the rest down. So if you usually do 8-10 reps, you need to do 15-20 for a few weeks."

In short, Sarah says it's all about 'being patient and not expecting too much from yourself'.

"It's also really important to recover in between sessions so that you're not fatigued for the next one," she finished up. "When you're not training, your focus should be on recovering."