Okay, let’s face it! The term running links with heat, sore feet, running on the pavement, and aching muscles. But what if I told you that getting the same rush, and the benefits of a runner’s high could be as easy as going for a treadmill?
This simple gym equipment is the treadmill. It might be the answer to transforming your health and well-being. It is a very useful tool. It gives you full control over the speed, the slope, and the environment of the treadmill. It is for everyone regardless of the level of your fitness.
The benefits are not limited to calorie expenditure. There is a plethora of benefits that may help change your life.
A Cardio King
The treadmill is the improvement of your cardiovascular health. In general, running is an effective cardio workout. It builds up your heart muscles and improves the blood flow in the body. It reduces the chances of suffering from heart-related diseases and stroke.
It is also possible to set the speed and incline on the treadmill. It lets us gradually build up cardiovascular fitness. It actually challenges the body and improves heart health. [1]
A Weight-Loss Warrior
Planning to lose some calories?ht
The treadmill is your number one weapon. It is evident that running is a good way of losing calories, more so if it is done at a moderate to high intensity. The amount of calories used in exercising will definitely complement a healthy diet. It assists you in losing weight and getting the desired body shape.
The treadmill features monitoring your progress and giving feedback on the progress. When it comes to monitoring your weight loss program, the treadmill is the best option.
A Strength Builder
In fact, what most people do not know is that running on the treadmill is not a cardio exercise. As mentioned earlier, it also helps in exercising your muscles. Your lower body muscles including legs, glutes, and abdomen get strong. Running is an effective means of exercising. It produces a repetitive motion that helps to build lean muscles in the lower body. It improves balance and coordination.
I advise you to add interval training or incline running. You can make your muscles work even harder and boost strength development.
A Mood Booster
Feeling stressed or down? , you need a treadmill session. Jogging releases endorphins, natural chemicals that boost mood. Treadmill exercise reduces stress, fights anxiety, and enhances mental health.
Running sets as meditation, where your mind is free to wander.
A Bone Booster
As you probably know, jogging on a treadmill is not only helpful for muscles but also favorable for bones. Running has the effect of promoting bone formation. The density of bone tissue helps to prevent osteoporosis and fractures.
As we age our bone density reduces due to aging and other factors such as hormonal changes.
A Joint-Friendly Option
Although jogging on the road has its effects on one’s joints, the treadmill has its own. It has a softer surface that reduces pressure. The treadmill belt minimizes the stress on your knees, ankles as well as hips since they act as a shock absorber.
This makes it good for people who have joint aches or those with arthritis conditions.
A Versatile Training Tool
To ramp up the difficulty, you can incline the treadmill for a running uphill session. You can also increase the speed to do a sprint workout. Also, use the integrated programs for interval training or hill running.
This enables you to have a flexible training program. It suits your training objectives and needs.
A Convenient Choice
Treadmills offer unparalleled convenience. You can run at any time of day or night, and the weather is not a factor and neither is traffic. It is even possible to watch your favorite show or listen to music while exercising. Consider making your workouts more entertaining.
Beyond the Physical
Treadmill running has more advantages than you could think of. Not only in physical aspects but also in other areas.
- Discipline and commitment add up in your life to run your every day.
- Treadmill running in particular assists in developing a schedule for exercising. You can also manage time.
- The energy and concentration improve for other tasks in life to improve productivity.
- Personal and professional life get better when you apply Treadmill running goals there.
- Continuous rigorous training strengthens the mind to handle stress and obstacles.
- Treadmill running is good for the heart which is why it helps extend one’s life span.
- Daily running can bring order in the life of a person and help to concentrate and clear the mind.
Comparison Between Running on a Treadmill and Running Manually
| Feature | Treadmill Running | Manual Running |
| Environment | Controlled environment, indoors | Outdoors, exposed to weather conditions |
| Terrain | Flat and consistent | Variable terrain, including inclines, declines, and uneven surfaces |
| Impact | Lower impact, typically with shock absorption features | Higher impact, especially on uneven terrain |
| Safety | Safer, with handrails and emergency stop buttons | More risk of injury, especially on uneven terrain |
| Convenience | Convenient, can run anytime, regardless of weather | Requires planning and may be limited by weather conditions |
| Intensity Control | Precise control with incline, speed, and program options | Limited to user’s effort and terrain |
| Workout Variety | Wider variety with pre-programmed workouts, incline, and speed settings | More natural and varied with different terrains and inclines |
| Motivation | Can be less motivating than outdoor running | More motivating with scenic views and fresh air |
| Social Interaction | Limited social interaction | More opportunities for social interaction |
| Cost | Requires investment in a treadmill | No equipment cost |
| Overall | Convenient, controlled, and lower impact, but can be less motivating | More natural, challenging, and motivating, but requires planning and can be riskier |
Getting Started
First, begin lightly and, then try to increase the difficulty level and duration. If you feel that your body is aching or you are feeling exhausted then you should take rest. You should also consult a physician before starting exercise on a treadmill.
Key Features of a Treadmill to Consider for Running
Motor Power
Look for at least 2.5 HP for a good running experience.
Running Surface
A wider belt, good cushioning, and easy lubrication are important.
Incline/Decline
A wider range allows for more challenging workouts.
Speed
Higher maximum speed is good for interval training.
Workout Programs
Pre-programmed and customizable workouts add variety.
Console Display
You can easily read to track progress.
Heart Rate Monitoring
It will help you stay in your target zone.
Budget
If you have a budget of some hundred dollars, then search for the cheap rates of treadmills online.
Other Features
You must check for these additional features when buying a treadmill,
- Fan
- Sound system
- Folding design
- Warranty.
Treadmill Tips for the Journey
Set realistic goals
Do not attempt to do as much as you can in the first few weeks. Beginners should start by running for only a few minutes at a slow pace. Then gradually go with longer and faster runs. [2]
Find a comfortable pace
Select a pace that will enable you to breathe without struggling and that which has a good rhythm.
Vary your workouts
This is another way of running. You can do it in intervals, on hills, or on long runs, to vary the training and avoid monotony.
Stay hydrated
I favor drinking water before a workout while exercising and after exercising.
Learn to listen to your body’s signs and take rest days when you feel you need it.
Make it fun
Discover how to make your treadmill exercises fun. Try listening to music, watching television, or exercising with a partner.
Conclusion
The treadmill is a piece of gym equipment in most people’s eyes, that can change your health. Your life goes better. Treadmill running is very beneficial for your body and overall well-being. It can enhance your cardiovascular fitness, help you shed some pounds, and enhance your mood. It improves your bone density among other benefits.
Source:
7 Ways treadmill workouts can benefit your health – Healthy Talbot. (2021, September 22). Healthy Talbot.
Ace-Cpt, C. L. (2023, March 20). 14 tips for treadmill running. Verywell Fit.
Get~Fitness Author
Diego Alcubierre is a Certified Running Coach (CRC) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). With a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Exercise Physiology, he specializes in creating evidence-based content on running, strength training, and fitness. Diego's expertise extends to developing tailored training plans that help runners achieve their goals while minimizing injury risk. His knowledge in sports nutrition and functional training enhances his approach to fitness. I hope to provide valuable information that will inspire and guide your wardrobe choices.
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