Last Updated on June 17, 2018 by Heather Hart, ACSM EP
Ask any runner what they think of treadmills and chances are good they will respond with a shudder. With not-so-affectionate nicknames such as the “dreadmill” or “human hamster wheel”, it seems runners either hate them or tolerate them; very few claim to actually love treadmill running. But there is no denying the fact that treadmills can be both a convenient and useful supplement to regular training programs. I’m often asked by clients and gym patrons which is better, running on a treadmill or running outside, and my answer is usually “which ever method you’ll actually DO is the best one”. But do treadmills actually have benefits over road or trail running? Here is a list of the pros and cons of running on treadmills.
Pro: Convenience
Quite possibly the most obvious benefit of treadmill running: it’s always there. Perhaps you are a parent who wants to put in a quick run while your child naps, without leaving the comfort of your own home or having to worry about finding a babysitter. Or maybe the closest running trail is simply too far of a drive when you are on a tight time crunch. Maybe you’d rather have teeth pulled than run outside in the freezing cold weather (I can sympathize.) Whatever the reason, a treadmill is a great, reliable option to ensure you have a place to run. As long as the power doesn’t go out.
Con: Treadmills are “easier”
(Is that really a con? Kidding…) Because the belt moves underneath your feet, the movement required to run on a treadmill is slightly different than running outdoors. On a treadmill a runner simply needs to lift their feet, instead of pushing off the ground and propelling themselves forward as they would on the road or a trail. As a result, many runners find treadmill running to be slightly easier, and their average pace faster on a treadmill than on the road. Taking your training off of the treadmill forces you to engage your muscles more actively to propel yourself forward. Further, factors such as wind resistance come into play, forcing you to push harder during your run. Running on a treadmill is certainly stellar cardiovascular exercise, but if you are training for a race rather than just fitness, make sure some of your training runs are done outside.
Note: to compensate for this difference, make sure you always set your treadmill incline to a minimum grade of 1.0% or higher.
Pro AND Con: Pacing
On a treadmill, you choose a specific pace, typically displayed as miles per hour, and run at that exact speed until you push the buttons signaling you would like to slow down or speed up. Your pace is consistent and predictable. Outdoors, you propel yourself forward without the aid of a moving road under your feet, thus your pace can vary greatly at any given time. If you are looking to maintain a certain pace to reach a specific time and distance goal, pacing yourself with a treadmill can be an excellent form of training. For example, running on treadmill will help you become more aware of what it feels like to sustain a steady pace of say, 8:00/ miles throughout the duration of your run. BUT…spending more time running outdoors will allow your body to become used to sustaining a consistent pace on your own, which requires more physical and mental effort than running on a treadmill.
photo credit: My Fit Family
Pro: Hill Training for Flat-Landers
If you live in a part of the country that lacks hills and elevation changes (I’m looking at you, Southern East Coast), training on a treadmill can simulate hill training. And let’s face it, running hills can be a fantastic workout, as it helps increase leg strength, cardiovascular endurance, and overall speed. Further, if you are training for a race that contains a lot of hills, it is imperative to replicate the hilly course during your training, or chances are you will end up miserable on race day. Most gym quality treadmills can reach an incline of up to a 12 percent grade, while some have the ability to go even higher. Don’t be afraid to use the incline.
Con: Running Downhill
What goes up, must come down…except on a treadmill. The majority of treadmills provide the option of either mimicking running on flat terrain, or running uphill. Very few offer a platform that descends, mimicking downhill running. It sounds silly to say that people don’t know how to run downhill, but it’s true; many people cannot get comfortable with the change in stride, and instead cause their body to almost fight against gravity. Running downhill requires greater eccentric contraction of the quadriceps and lower leg muscles, and also requires a different skill set and form than running on flat surfaces. Trust me when I tell you that there is an art to running downhill. I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I have been passed during a race on an uphill portion, only to fly past those same people on the downhill portion because they don’t know how to run downhill. Therefore, in order to train for and master downhill running technique, it is important to get outside and practice descending hills.
Pro: Injury Prevention…Sometimes.
The belt of a treadmill has more give than paved roads or cement sidewalks, and some treadmills are even padded underneath the belt. As a result, treadmills typically create less impact on your body, specifically the legs and lower back. The fact that a treadmill is easier on the body may be ideal for runners who are coming back from an injury, are trying to safely increase their overall mileage, or even overweight runners who may be more prone to impact injuries.
That said, the treadmill can sometimes create an unnatural gait in some runners, causing them experience discomfort from irregular running form. Overtime, this could lead to injury. And for what it’s worth: falling off of a treadmill isn’t very pretty, so be careful.
photo credit: Organic Runner Mom
Pro: Avoid Bad Weather
I’m not going to lie: despite all of the crazy and sometimes downright ridiculous races I do, I’m still a pansy when it comes to cold weather. In fact, as I write this, it’s 7:30 am, and I’m trying to muster up the courage to go race a 5K in 34 “feels like 23” degree weather with 20 mph winds. No thanks. While many other (more bada$$) runners do not let inclement weather stop them, there often comes a time when weather conditions may be downright unsafe for everyone. Below freezing temperatures, dangerous winds, thunderstorms, or even extreme heat are not ideal, nor always safe, running conditions. A treadmill allows runners to put in their mileage regardless of the weather outdoors.
Con: No Fresh Air
Raise your hand if you work indoors (I’m guessing this applies to most of you.) With busy schedules, many people often find themselves stuck indoors for the majority of the day. Your mother wasn’t lying when she said you need to get outside and get some fresh air: there are a number of health benefits associated with spending time outdoors, including increased happiness, improved concentration, and even improved healing.
Pro: Safety
At least once a week I see a Facebook friend post about a scary encounter they had with either animals or sadly, humans, while on a run. Fortunately most end in simply a scare, but unfortunately not all of them do. Feeling uncomfortable running by yourself through a particular neighborhood or secluded trail without your running partner? Or maybe you were unable to find time for your workout during daylight hours, and are hesitant to run in the dark. Unfortunately I can’t say that I blame you these days. Running on a treadmill ensures that you are safe from things that go bump in the night (or simply jerks with intentions of ruining your day) within the confines of a gym or your own home.
Con: Boredom
Alright, so this “Con” is certainly subjective. But if you poll 100 runners, I’d be willing to bet the majority will report treadmill running to be monotonous. And for obvious reasons: because the scenery indoors doesn’t change, and the action of running on the moving belt doesn’t require too much thought, the treadmill can become very tedious and boring. Running outdoors, however, provides a constant change of scenery as the miles pass. Outside, you have the opportunity to explore new routes and see varying sights, which will help keep the monotony at bay. Further, running outdoors requires a much higher level of awareness than running on a treadmill; runners must be aware of things such as traffic, change in terrain, and other obstacles or possible hazards.
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So there you have it, 10 solid pros and cons to treadmill running. Let’s hear it from you guys: love the treadmill or hate it? What benefits have you found from the treadmill when it comes to your training?
mynuttydubai
I’m a newbie to this blog and what a great post to have my first comment….
I’ve been running for about 5 years now – with a gap in between of approximately 2 years because of a knee injury – the dreaded “runners knee”. Plus a tear in my meniscus. Yuck.
Anyway, when I was all fixed up by my physiotherapist (after lots of painful work), she told me that treadmills are taboo for me FOREVER.
I am one of the “treadmill can sometimes create an unnatural gait in some runners” kind of runner – I even tried it out once when I was at a high level of fitness and after just 5 minutes on the treadmill I felt my knee flare up again and I had to take it easy on it for almost 3 weeks after that.
So, no, I am not a fan of the dreadmill – I stay as far away as I can from them. Unfortunately as I live in a seriously hot country (United Arab Emirates = desert) it gets really hot during the summer and almost impossible to run… so I try to use the stationary bike at the gym instead. BORING!
Good post, thanks 🙂
Heather
Hello mynuttydubai, thanks for stopping by! Bummer about your knee, that’s awful. But I’m glad that you were able to heal and find that the treadmill was a source of stress, and thus, avoid it! I spent years living in South Carolina and thought that was hot, I can’t imagine summer desert runs!
Piper's Run
I’m one of the few that LOVE the treadmill. We got our last January and I’ve managed to train for (and achieve) Personal Best in 5k, 10k and my second half marathon because I was able to run more on the treadmill. I’m a mom of two young girls, 2 and 4 and my husband is away A LOT and I travel with my work a fair amount. If I didn’t have a treadmill in my house, I would not be able to run 4-6 days a week when my girls go to bed, I would not be where I am at with running and with my health (physical and mental health).
I am extremely thankful I have a treadmill. Thanks for sharing this post.
Heather
That’s so great Piper! Yes, treadmills are indeed a running moms (or dad!) best friend, right up there with jogging strollers! Thanks for the comment 🙂
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets
This is an awesome post, you covered everything! The treadmill has been a good friend to me over the years, but now I’ve gotten to the point where it is my last resort. It is definitely beneficial for hill training but I must admit I can’t use a treadmill if I can’t watch TV at the same time!
Toni Church (@tonee78)
Great post, I think you covered it all. I despise the treadmill but it does have its uses like during inclement weather.
Patty @ Reach Your Peak
Great pros and cons! Some treadmills have downhill options too for downhill running, I’ve seen people at my gym do it though I’ve never tried. I like using it for steep hill sprints and sometimes track workouts if the weather is inclement. Otherwise I hate it! I get so bored just doing steady runs on it.
pedinp
I’m just going to say that I hate running on the treadmill. But I do it out of necessity in the winter…if it’s icy only. And I do speedwork once/weekly, because that’s a bit of a challenge in the conditions we get here in Chicago!
ndscott2014
I agree with all of these! I’ve done a lot of my training on my treadmill in past years because my kids were little and its was my only option. It’s not my favourite for a bunch of these reasons but I also love it for a bunch of the reasons you mentioned. Great pics! I really need to start taking more treadmill pics – these ladies make it look so cool!
TeamFitMommy
I would not say I love the treadmill but I wish I had one in my home for all of the reasons you stated. I don’t like running in the dark and cold so if I miss my window of opportunity I miss my run. This was very informative! Great list of pros and cons!
joannamurnan
Convenience is my biggest “pro” for treadmill running. I can go to the gym and use their daycare for my daughter. Plus I just can’t get myself to do cold weather running, so winter is off limits for outdoor running. I do love outdoor running more though – summers are the best with my daughter in her jogging stroller!
Heather
It’s true, treadmills can be a running mom (or dad’s) best friend!
[email protected]
I purchased a treadmill this summer so I would be ready when winter comes. I have no excuses not to get my runs in now.
Heather
yes, no excuses! Enjoy your treadmill runs Lacey! 🙂
Sue Tate
I actually grew to love the treadmill last winter. I did most of my half marathon training on it because of the cold and snow. I found that it helped me PR because of it. I was able to focus on my target paces and actually stick with them rather than being able to get lazy and slow down outside!
Femme Fitale Fit Club
I used to love the treadmill until I started running more and more outdoors and now I tolerate it. I was a human hamster for many years!
stephanie
I’m not a fan on the treadmill but I readily acknowledge that it’s often my only option for running. Better to have a treadmill run than no run at all.
Rachel
Great post… I much prefer avoiding the treadmill as much as possible… but as a busy mom sometimes the treadmill is the only option for me. :sigh: Sometimes speedwork or a solid tempo run is needed on the treadmill vs. a run while pushing the jogger 😉
kristenk
I agree with all of these! I trained for my first half marathon last winter and most of the long runs were done on my treadmill. While I was super bored most of the time, I loved the safety and convenience of it. i’ll probably be on there a few more times this winter too!
Janice- The Fitness Cheerleader
I trained for my first ever half marathon on a dreadmill, then during the race discovered that I liked running outdoors. I only use the dreadmill when the weather hits below -15C. It certainly can be convenient.
jillconyers
I will always prefer outside running but I love love my treadmill! Ohio winters make it a training necessity. It descends too 🙂
MCM Mama (@mcmmama)
Most of the time, I prefer running outside, but sometimes the treadmill is my choice. Obviously bad weather sends me there, but sometimes I just want to zone out in a way that I can’t outside.
andrew
listening to music is required when running. listening to music outside while running is dangerous. treadmill is fine. i prefer treadmill.