It is important for one’s bones, heart, and mental wellbeing to stay active. However, it may be hard for some individuals to find the time to exercise. Using a treadmill is a simple and practical way of finding time to exercise.
For those who are short on time, cannot afford a gym membership, or have to regularly deal with cold and rainy weather, it may be a great way to stay active.
Exercising on a treadmill can be advantageous as well as disadvantageous. This is what you need to be aware of when using a treadmill as opposed to running outside.
Running on a Treadmill
Should one exercise on a treadmill or on the road? This has been an issue that has been around for a long time, and the reality is that there are both advantages and disadvantages to both sides.
You can get more out of certain exercises if you do them on a treadmill. Nevertheless, some people may experience a sense of going round in circles without an end when running on a treadmill. The outcome is contingent on your ambitions, any prior injuries, and what you prefer.
Benefits of treadmill running
1. Treadmills offer convenience
One of the most significant advantages of running on the treadmill is likely this. On occasions, it can be hard to go jogging outside because of elements such as the weather, air pollution, and security. Certain areas are not suitable for running outside.
For example, if you live in a hilly area, it can be hard to locate a place to jog that is appropriate for your level, particularly if you’re just starting out.
Eliminating the necessity to leave the house is particularly useful for active parents, as it allows them to keep up with their physical activity even when they would otherwise have to miss a session.
2. Treadmill running can be just as intense as running outdoors
The issue of how hard treadmill running is often comes up in conversations about its effectiveness, because people think running outdoors is tougher due to differences in the ground, being exposed to the elements, and the effects of wind resistance. Nevertheless, adjusting the treadmill to a 1% grade can generate the same vigor as running outdoors.
3. You set the pace
If you’re prepping for a race and need to keep a certain pace, using a treadmill gives you the advantage of setting and sticking to a consistent speed. This is not always achievable when running outside.
This could help your body adjust to running at a certain speed, potentially leading to better outcomes when it comes to the race.
4. It’s easier on your joints
The belt on a treadmill is softer than a surface such as concrete or pavement, which makes it easier on your ankles, knees, and lower back by lessening the amount of shock.
It is especially essential to pay attention to this if you are recovering from a wound, and you should only do so under the advice of a doctor and/or physical therapist.
Also, using a treadmill set at an incline can provide the same strength and endurance training as running hills outside, but without the stress of having to go back downhill, which can put a strain on your body (more details on this later).
5. You can multitask
You can wear headphones while using a treadmill to listen to music, a podcast, or watch your favorite TV shows while you work out.
Disadvantages of treadmill running
1. You don’t work as many muscles
Running on a treadmill is distinct from running outdoors because you are relying on the machine to move the belt instead of relying on your own force to move forward.
This implies that the quadriceps are the primary muscles used for taking off, just as they would be when running outside, whereas the hamstrings and glutes do not play as large a role in the running motion.
This can lead to an imbalance of the muscles over time, making you more likely to get hurt. Be certain to do different activities that focus on the hamstrings and buttocks in order to prevent this.
2. You could lose some agility
Instead of running on a treadmill, outdoors you are able to use the muscles in your feet, ankles, and legs to adapt to the different terrain.
These changes are helpful for increasing your coordination and coordination, something you won’t be able to take advantage of if you only use the treadmill.
3. Treadmill running lacks variation
In addition to the flat surface, running on a treadmill eliminates the need to ever run down a slope or make any turns. This implies that the body won’t be as prepared for these elements on the day of the race.
As well, the highest velocity of the majority of treadmills is 19 kilometers per hour, which could be not as swift as your best sprinting speed. This makes running outdoors more effective than sprint and interval training on a treadmill.
4. The controlled climate can work against you
Working out indoors in an environment that is usually heated to between 20°C and 22°C may not provide the same temperature as running outdoors in a race.
This can affect your capacity to detect and answer to your perspiration levels going up, being exposed to the sun, and other physical reactions to running in hot and cold climates.
An example would be that running outside on a sticky and hot day might be more strenuous than running indoors with the same energy in a climate-controlled area.
5. You lose the benefits of exercising outdoors
Exercising outdoors on a regular basis has many advantages that go beyond the exercise itself. These include increased mental clarity, better heart health, and lower stress. These benefits are lost if you exclusively train indoors.
6. Cannot completely simulate outside conditions
Most treadmills offer the ability to increase or decrease the incline, however this cannot replicate the hills and valleys of running on roads or trails.
If you are preparing for a marathon, a treadmill will not be able to accurately simulate the incline or decline rate or account for any turns.
7. Treadmill running can be downright boring
Hence the need for multitasking! Even when distracted with television or music, it is difficult to ignore the timer on the treadmill that tells you how much more of your workout is left.
The ever-shifting landscape and the inability to step off and take a break during the workout can be energizing and help make the time go by faster. Using a treadmill for running can make it seem more challenging than running outdoors, even if you have the same speed.
8. The price is one of the biggest drawbacks
Running outdoors is not a cost to you. Utilizing a treadmill necessitates, at the least, covering a cost at a fitness center.
Investing in a treadmill for your house may not make up for the hefty cost they typically have (especially if it is of good quality), its large size, and the limited use it will likely get during the colder seasons.
9. Another drawback is usually boredom
Sometimes, the range of exercises or preprogrammed routines provided by the treadmill are not sufficient to keep you amused. Being stuck in a confined area, jogging without any progress or a change in scenery or visual stimulation can become extremely tedious and disheartening.
In these instances, it is best to opt for a treadmill that has video clips, virtual scenery, or a music player with tunes that will inspire you.
False myths about running on treadmill
There are many myths about indoor running. It is clear that outdoor running is not comparable to running on a treadmill in the gym or at home, however if you are knowledgeable in training it doesn’t have to be a negative activity. Let’s dismantle a few myths.
Running on a treadmill means more effort
The treadmill’s ability to allow the foot to move backwards with a sliding motion reduces the amount of muscle strength needed to move the body forward. Since there are no things like wind drag, visual disturbances, or various landscapes, this implies that the overall task takes less muscular energy and exertion.
There is no need to be perplexed: the fact that you perspire more when you jog on the treadmill does not mean you are putting in more effort. Take note that when you are in an enclosed area with less air flow than when you are outside, your perceived exertion and heart rate will be higher.
Different elements, such as being able to make strides in a reduced amount of time or not altering the environment, or having visual elements, can make your effort appear greater and render your career more dull as well as make your workouts feel longer.
Running on treadmill shatters the joints
It is true that the damping of the concrete treadmill will vary, and that it typically is more abrasive than surfaces like grass or soil, but it is still less so than asphalt. Therefore, in general, running on a treadmill should not lead to injury.
The secret is to use and not abuse. Doing shorter exercises of around half an hour to 45 minutes each day will help to prevent hurting your joints. Additionally, make sure you have quality footwear and that the treadmill you’re using has a good cushioning system.
We will investigate the features that will help you identify a top-notch treadmill before using it.
Running on a treadmill and outdoors is the same
Using a treadmill for running is not comparable to running outdoors, and it is not suggested that it be used in place of outdoor running.
Using the belt for exercise is best as an addition to our routines when we are unable to go for a run, like if we are short on time, it’s raining, or for any other reason.
Remember that there are many different components to consider when it comes to exercising outdoors.
When you go for a run outdoors, your legs need to push your body forward whereas when running on a treadmill, the belt moves towards you so there is no requirement for that extra power.
When training on a treadmill, the legs play a role of mostly providing stability, which does not require too much usage of the extensor muscles or activation of certain muscles and ligaments (such as the buttocks).
This is why when you begin to use a treadmill, you may experience discomfort in your back, hips, or leg muscles.
Running on a treadmill is the only effective method to lose weight
Running on a treadmill can be a great way to supplement your weight loss plan, so long as you take the time to do it and put forth enough effort to burn more calories than you consume.
Without a doubt, spending a lot of time on the treadmill will lead to fat loss as you will be burning calories. Even if it isn’t ideal, it is possible to lose weight by only doing cardio, since it has the ability to burn both fat and muscle.
If you are looking for long-term weight loss, it is recommended that you include strength training as part of your regular exercise routine.
If you incorporate weightlifting into your routine, you will be able to build muscle mass, which will increase your metabolic rate, allowing you to burn more fat even when you’re not working out.
The optimal solution may be to include both running outdoors and on a treadmill in your training program, so you can take advantage of the advantages of both.
When you can, try to work out outside so that you can take advantage of the benefits of being in the open air, running on different surfaces, and being inspired by the beauty of nature.
The advantages of using a treadmill for exercise are not just related to the convenience it provides, but it can also be seen as a viable alternative to running outdoors and offers the same health benefits.
Side notes
It is clear that jogging on a treadmill is far superior to simply lounging on the couch. You should not use a rainy day or a period of hibernation as an excuse to not exercise. The most significant benefit of using treadmills is what we get out of it.
It is not possible to make a general statement about whether running on a treadmill is beneficial or detrimental. The outcome of using or abusing something, or the quality of the device employed, will determine the end result in all aspects of life.
There is no doubt that running can be supplemented by other activities for outdoor workouts. It is especially beneficial for new runners who are looking to improve their technique and for those who want to shed some pounds.
