While many people these days appreciate the ease and convenience of running on a treadmill as a way to stay fit, others suggest that it is the main cause of the leg or joint pain they are experiencing and doesn’t provide any of the benefits associated with a run outdoors.

Those who are against using a treadmill suggest that the belt under your feet creates resistance as you run and can affect your gait negatively. However, while using the treadmill can’t exactly imitate a walk outdoors, it is still a solid form of exercise. 

Benefits of Running on a Treadmill

Running on the treadmill is a way for you to keep your body and your mind in good health. Here is how it happens:

Easier on Your Joints

Running on a treadmill is considerably softer than running on the ground. The soft, spring belt reduces the impact on your legs as opposed to running on hard surfaces such as concrete or even a dirt path. This ongoing impact can eventually cause joint pain and ankle and back problems, especially for older runners. 

Treadmills are a low impact surface, and there are even some high-tech ones that have shock-absorbent technology to keep your body and your joints safe from the constant stress that they’re under. You also have the added benefit of knowing that there won’t be any surprises like tiny rocks or bumps on the path that can suddenly jolt your body. 

Great for the Mind 

Any form of exercise, whether it’s indoors or outdoors, causes your brain to release endorphins (chemicals in the body that stimulate happiness). Running on the treadmill can help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression and puts you in a better mood. Exercise makes you happy, and it is also likely to be something you do consistently. Additionally, you’re less likely to skip workouts if you enjoy what you’re doing. 

Keeps Your Heart Healthy 

If you weren’t on board with the idea of running on a treadmill, this might help – using a treadmill regularly is great for your cardiovascular (heart) health. Running strengthens your heart and improves blood flow around the body. The improved blood circulation allows you to take in more oxygen, which also enables you to run for a longer amount of time and feel better. 

A strong heart also keeps health problems such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels and serious health concerns such as heart attacks at bay. The improved blood circulation prevents blockages in your arteries. 

Most treadmills also display your heart rate so that you can monitor your heart health over time.

Apart from maintaining heart health, treadmills also help you build stamina and muscle strength. 

Is Not Dependant on the Weather 

Many people who have to exercise (due to health scares, etc.) are constantly looking for ways out. If you walk in the park, you’ll miss your run if it’s raining or snowing or the walking trail is icy, or the temperature is 105 degrees outside. 

When you’re running on a treadmill, you are indoors and can regulate the temperature, so there’s really no excuse not to exercise. It’s also a very convenient form of exercise, especially if you have one at home. 

Helps You Retain Your Youth 

With old age comes many problems – stiff joints, aching bones, and back pain are just a few. If you incorporate a walk (or a run) on the treadmill into your daily routine, it can make your joints more flexible and help you avoid health problems like bone disease, arthritis, and other diseases that can reduce your mobility. Even if it doesn’t completely prevent these problems from happening, it slows down the process and helps your body remain young. 

Doesn’t Require Special Skills 

Using the treadmill isn’t like swimming or weight-lifting – you don’t need a coach to help you get started. The treadmill has an easy-to-use display panel through which you can select your walking speed, incline level, and get started. Even if you’re a first time user, you can use the instruction manual to help you figure things out. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid on the Treadmill

Most people who have been physically hurt as a result of using a treadmill may have done something they shouldn’t have. Here are some common mistakes that people make: 

Standing on the belt before turning the treadmill on 

It is important to stand on the side rails and start the treadmill at a slow speed. 

Increasing Speed Instantly 

Your body needs time to warm up before you start your real workout. Ensure that you warm-up for at least 5 minutes before you begin your workout. This can be done by walking, or light jogging.

Speeding Up Too Much

Many people feel that by increasing the speed, they’ll be able to push themselves more and build more stamina. The only way to increase your strength is to take it slow. Going too fast on the treadmill (if you’re not used to it) can ruin your posture, which leads to back pain. 

Holding on to the Handrails

Just having them there makes us feel like we should hold on to them, but remember that this is not how you walk naturally and can affect your gait and posture. That being said, if you have certain medical conditions that require you to have additional support, consult a gym trainer before working out.

Endnote 

Walking or running on a treadmill can be good for your health as long as you understand your body’s limitations and know how to use the machine properly. Don’t overexert yourself by increasing the incline to a point where your body leans forward unnaturally to help you move; try to maintain the same posture and leg movement as you would when you walk normally. 

Although it isn’t a substitute for walking outdoors in fresh air, it’s a pretty decent alternative. The most important thing to remember (yes, we’ll repeat it multiple times because no one should forget it) is that the way you walk on the treadmill should be the same as when you walk on the ground. This way, you’ll be able to stay physically and mentally fit without any uncomfortable side effects.