5 Reasons to Love the Treadmill: Why All Runners Should Embrace It
Benefits of Using a Treadmill for Runs
I’m in the minority I think in the fact that I love the treadmill. I don’t choose to run on it every run because I also love being outside. But I don’t dread the “dreadmill”.
The treadmill is often seen as a torture device, something to be dreaded and avoided. But it doesn’t have to be that way! In fact, the treadmill can be a runner’s best friend. Here are six reasons why all runners should love the treadmill.
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A treadmill is a great option for runners who want to stay safe and avoid injury
When you run on a treadmill, there’s no need to worry about cars, potholes, or other hazards. You can focus on your form and running without worrying about tripping or being hit by a car.
However, don’t think that running on a treadmill will prevent all injuries. There are some treadmill-specific things that can cause injury just as if you were running outside!
Related Article: 5 Must Have Tips To DRASTICALLY Improve Your Treadmill Running Form Right Now
Television and Entertainment to Pass the Time
Running on a treadmill doesn’t have to be boring. If you’re someone who gets bored easily, there are plenty of options to keep you entertained while you run. You can watch television, listen to music, or even read a book while you run.
I enjoy the outdoors and getting out with nature on my runs as much as the next person. But sometimes, when I’m just not feeling my easy run, the treadmill is great for mindlessly running and watching my current show.
The Treadmill is Perfect for Runners Who Want to Train in All Types of Weather
A treadmill is a great way to get in a quality workout when the weather outside is less than ideal.
If it’s too hot, too cold, or too wet to run outside, the treadmill is always there waiting for you. You can still get in a great workout without worrying about the weather.
Related Article: Running in the Humidity and Heat: How to Beat the Temps all Summer!
I’m definitely a fair-weather runner and this is where I love having a treadmill. I can easily talk myself out of a cold run or super hot run….but with a treadmill, no excuses! Especially since mine is in my basement and I don’t even have to leave my house to get in a decent run!
A Treadmill Can Help You Improve Your Speed and Pacing
Because a treadmill doesn’t have the same variables as outdoor running (wind resistance, hills, etc.), it can be a great tool for runners who want to work on their speed and pacing.
You can set the treadmill to match the pace you want to run, and then focus on running at that pace without worrying about other factors. This is a great way to improve your speed and become a better runner overall.
I definitely think it’s important to mix up the terrain and speed of your runs, but a treadmill can be great for honing your pace. I’ll use mine to practice my goal race pace in an interval setting or just do a hard effort with no pacing goals.
Treadmills are available in all different price ranges, so there’s one for every budget
Treadmills can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the features and quality of the machine. Some factors that may affect the price of a treadmill include the size and weight capacity of the machine, the type and number of programs it offers, the type of display and console it has, and any additional features such as built-in heart rate monitors or speakers.
It’s important to consider your budget and your specific needs when shopping for a treadmill, so you can find the best machine for you.
Here are some great options for treadmills if you need some ideas! I have always had great luck with both proform and nordictrack. So they are my go-to treadmills!
Treadmills Help You Track Progress
The treadmill can be the perfect tool to track and measure your progress. You can set goals such as increasing speed or distance, and then use the treadmill’s tracking features to measure your improvements over time. This is a feature of some of the higher end treadmills with more bells and whistles. But you can also use it on your own to track your progress.
Since conditions are always the same, the treadmill can be a great way to measure improvements from one treadmill run to the next!
This is a great way to stay motivated and see how far you’ve come in your running journey! I love seeing my progress throughout a training cycle!
Treadmills are a great way to mix up your running routine and keep things interesting
Rather than running the same route every day, you can switch up your treadmill routine by adding hills, speed intervals, and other workouts. This is a great way to work on different aspects of your running and keep things interesting.
You can also find pre-made treadmill workouts online that target different elements of running for more inspiration!
You Can Control the Intensity of Your Workout.
Running easy is key to being successful with any training program. Most runners tend to get injured or burnt out from running too fast and too hard all the time. Being able to slow down though is hard for most.
A treadmill is great because you can easily set the intensity of your workout. You can slow down and focus on running easy, or pick up the pace for a hard interval workout. Use your treadmill to make sure you are training in that sweet spot of zone 2 heart rate.
Final Thoughts on 5 Benefits of the Treadmill
The treadmill can be an incredibly useful tool for runners of all levels. From tracking your progress to helping you work on speed and pacing, the treadmill offers a variety of benefits that any runner should consider. Not only is it convenient—you don’t have to worry about weather or terrain conditions—but it’s also affordable with options in every price range. So if you haven’t tried running on a treadmill yet, give it a shot! You may just find yourself embracing this piece of equipment as part of your regular training routine!
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All information should be used as a tool for more knowledge on the subject topic, to use as references for later articles where applicable, or just to keep it in mind during future exercise routines or activities.
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Top 5 Reasons to Use a Treadmill when Running
Dr. Abby Siler, PT, DPT is a Physical Therapist with 10 years of experience in a variety of settings. She has spent the majority of her time treating athletes in orthopedic clinics and worker’s compensation cases. She is a runner herself for the past 15 years and a lifelong athlete. Dr. Abby loves to teach runners how to stay injury free and out of her clinic.
