Top Benefits of Running on a Treadmill

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Running is one of the most common exercises performed by people who want to get fitter or maintain good health.

However, this category of people divides into those who love running outdoors and those who would never give up on running on their treadmill. Despite the two activities being the same, the use of a treadmill can have some advantages over outdoor running.

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of running on a treadmill so that you can decide whether it may be something that you can be interested in and benefit from. 

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Treadmill Running can be Safer than Running Outdoors

First of all, by running indoors, you are avoiding possible dangers like encounters with malicious people, wild animals, cars, or motorcycles. Also, the treadmill surface is even and anti-slip, whilst you could trip over unsteady roads or slip on ice when you run outside.

In addition to this, the safety pins on treadmills enable the immediate stop of the machine in case of falls, so it prevents further harm. Treadmills also have a red button called “Emergency Stop,” and when pressed, it halts the machine immediately. This is particularly useful in case you hurt yourself or started feeling unwell, which is one of the awesome benefits of running on a treadmill.

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Easier Speed Regulation

If you are training with the purpose to improve your time for an upcoming marathon or race, you can easily design accurate workouts to work on your performance. You are, in fact, able to determine the exact speed and distance by running on a treadmill.

This means that you can monitor your progress and hence keep working on improving your cadence so that you can achieve a set distance in a shorter period of time (which in race terms means “win!”).

Likewise, if you are simply wanting to go for a walk but still use it as an activity to improve your fitness, you can also set a speed that makes you walk faster for a sustained period of time so that it is intense enough to work on your cardiovascular system.

Regulate Inclination for Different Goals and Training Purposes

Similarly to the previous point, running on a treadmill enables you to also adjust the inclination of the track so that you can train for different activities or goals. For example, someone who runs mountain marathons, or someone who has to improve stamina, like a footballer, may benefit from increasing the inclination of the machine.

Running uphill, in fact, requires higher energy outputs and therefore makes your heart work harder. This is a beneficial conditioning tool to maximize oxygen uptake and ultimately improve endurance throughout the race or the football game.

Because of the higher energy requirements, it can also be a great alternative for those who are wanting to lose some fat, and at the same time, it helps tone up the legs and the glutes. 

On an incline, many people tend to assume a “hunched” posture by holding onto the sides of the treadmill and leaning forward. This should be avoided, and instead, an upright posture should be held so that no strain is put on the back. 

Easy Workout Design

Running on a treadmill makes it easier to train for a specific goal. In fact, most machines come with built-in workout options you can choose from. Usually, these include endurance, intervals, hill workout, and many more.  

As these workouts are standardized, you can use them to monitor your progress by writing down your improvements on your parameter of choice, such as speed, distance, and so on. 

Running on a Treadmill is Convenient

Running on a treadmill is rather convenient, as it can overcome a barrier for those who would love to run but are unable to due to external reasons. For instance, someone living in a city with no nearby parks, or someone living in a hostile neighborhood, may avoid going for a run for practical or safety reasons.

Likewise, treadmills are a great option for those who don’t have much time to train due to other commitments. Having a treadmill at home means that you can wake up, have a quick jog on your treadmill, and then get ready for your day. 

Lower Impact on Joints

Some treadmills are designed to have higher shock absorption compared to uneven soils or asphalted roads. This can be beneficial for those who suffer from knee pain. However, an assessment from a physiotherapist or other medical personnel must be performed before undertaking any physical activity if you suffer from any type of pain. 

Makes You Stay Fit All Year Round

If you live somewhere with particularly cold winters or extremely hot temperatures, you can benefit from opting for a treadmill.

In fact, running with the risk of getting wet, slipping, or risk to get a heat stroke is not appealing to most people, so having the option to run indoors can be reassuring. This way, you can keep your heart and lungs strong and fit all year round, which is just one of the great health benefits of running on a treadmill.

No Interruptions

Running outdoors, you may occasionally have to stop due to red traffic lights or someone cutting your way. This can be prevented by running on a treadmill, as you won’t incur any inconvenience. 

In essence, treadmills can offer a variety of benefits compared to outdoor running. They are safer, thanks to anti-slippery belts and safety pins, they enable you to track your progress more accurately, they are versatile, and they offer a wide range of training styles that fit most fitness goals. 

Health Benefits

If you’re looking for a way to improve your health, you may want to consider using a treadmill. Treadmills offer a range of health benefits, including improved heart health, stronger bones and muscles, and better weight control.

One of the biggest health benefits of using a treadmill is that it can help improve your cardiovascular health through cardio exercise and aerobic exercise. Treadmills can help increase your heart rate and improve your overall cardiovascular fitness. This is because treadmills provide a good workout for your heart and lungs, helping to strengthen these important organs.

Enjoying a regular treadmill workout can also help strengthen your bones and muscles. The continuous movement of the treadmill helps to build strong bones, and the muscle-toning effects of using a treadmill can help keep you looking fit and trim. Additionally, using a treadmill can help you burn calories and lose weight, making it an ideal choice for people who are trying to manage their weight.

So if you’re looking for a way to improve your health through cardio exercise or aerobic exercise, consider using a treadmill workout. Treadmills offer a wide range of health benefits, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to get in better shape.

Mental Health Benefits

When it comes to our mental health, there are a lot of things that we can do to keep ourselves in good shape. From eating right to getting plenty of exercise, there are plenty of ways to keep our minds healthy and happy. And one of the best exercises for our mental health is the treadmill workout.

There are a few reasons why a treadmill workout is so good for our mental health. First, they provide a great distraction from the outside world. When we’re on the treadmill, all we can focus on is putting one foot in front of the other. This can be really helpful when we’re feeling overwhelmed by stress or anxiety.

Second, a treadmill exercise can help us to relieve boredom and frustration. If we’re having a bad day, getting on the treadmill can help us to work through those negative emotions and get them out of our system. And finally, treadmill workouts can help us to improve our moods. When we finish a workout, we often feel happy and energized, which can help us to get through the rest of the day feeling positive and optimistic.

The Treadmill Benefits

There are many benefits, including health benefits, to running on a treadmill. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that you can control the speed and incline of the treadmill, which makes it a great option for beginners or those who are rehabilitating an injury. Additionally, treadmills provide a stable surface that is great for runners who are looking to improve their form. Finally, treadmills offer a consistent workout environment, regardless of the weather conditions outside.

Should You Buy a Treadmill?

Treadmills are a popular piece of equipment in gyms and homes across the world. They offer a great workout for people of all ages and abilities, and they come in a variety of price ranges.

So, should you invest in one for your home?

The answer to that question depends on a few factors. First, consider how often you plan to use the treadmill. If you’re someone who likes to work out regularly, then a treadmill is a great investment. However, if you only plan to use it occasionally, then you may be better off renting one or using a gym membership.

Another thing to consider is your budget. Treadmills can be expensive, but there are many affordable options available. Decide what’s important to you – features, durability, brand name – and then find the best treadmill within your budget.

Ultimately, the decision whether or not to buy a treadmill comes down to personal preference. If you think a treadmill will help you reach your fitness goals, then go ahead and buy one!

References

Faude, O., Koch, T. and Meyer, T., 2012. Straight sprinting is the most frequent action in goal situations in professional football. Journal of sports sciences, 30(7), pp.625-631.

Schache, A.G., Blanch, P.D., Rath, D.A., Wrigley, T.V., Starr, R. and Bennell, K.L., 2001. A comparison of overground and treadmill running for measuring the three-dimensional kinematics of the lumbo–pelvic–hip complex. Clinical Biomechanics, 16(8), pp.667-680.

Van Caekenberghe, I., Segers, V., Aerts, P., Willems, P. and De Clercq, D., 2013. Joint kinematics and kinetics of overground accelerated running versus running on an accelerated treadmill. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 10(84), p.20130222.

Van Hooren, B., Fuller, J.T., Buckley, J.D., Miller, J.R., Sewell, K., Rao, G., Barton, C., Bishop, C. and Willy, R.W., 2020. Is motorized treadmill running biomechanically comparable to overground running? A systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-over studies. Sports medicine, 50(4), pp.785-813.

Yeh, H.P., Stone, J.A., Churchill, S.M., Brymer, E. and Davids, K., 2017. Physical and emotional benefits of different exercise environments designed for treadmill running. International journal of environmental research and public health, 14(7), p.752.

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