• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
RELENTLESS FORWARD COMMOTION
RELENTLESS FORWARD COMMOTION
  • Ultrarunning
    • Ultrarunning for Beginners
    • Ultramarathon Training Plans
    • Ultramarathon Training Tips
    • Ultramarathon Racing Tips
  • Trail Running
  • Strength Training
  • Running Tips
  • Running Gear
  • Race Recaps
  • Coaching

10 Pros, Cons, and Major Disadvantages of Running on a Treadmill

November 3, 2014 by Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS 24 Comments

111 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Last Updated on December 9, 2022 by Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS

Ask any runner what they think of treadmills and chances are good many of them 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; but very few claim to actually love running on a treadmill.

But there is no denying the fact that treadmills can be a convenient piece of exercise equipment, and a useful tool to supplement with regular outdoor running.

That said, there are certainly some major disadvantages of running on a treadmill as well. 

13 Pros, Cons, and Major Disadvantages of Running on a Treadmill

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, when it comes to training specifically for a race or outdoor running goal, there are a number of factors to consider when deciding whether or not to train outdoors, train entirely on a treadmill, or use a combination of both.

In this post we’ll cover both the advantages and disadvantages of running on a treadmill.

Benefits of Treadmill Running

Let’s start with numerous benefits of implementing treadmill running into your big picture training:

Convenience

Quite possibly the most obvious benefits of treadmill running: it is incredibly convenient (assuming you have access to a treadmill).

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 – I’m a warm weather runner and not ashamed to admit it.) 

One of the major disadvantages of running on a treadmill can be monotony, as demonstrated in this photo of Heather Hart on a treadmill making a disappointed face
This face is not a representation of how I feel about treadmills, but rather, how I feel about cold weather.

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.)

Avoiding Bad Weather

Running on a treadmill allows you to log miles while avoiding bad – or even unsafe – weather. 

While many runners pride themselves on the fact that they do not let inclement weather stop them, there often comes a time when weather conditions may be downright unsafe for everyone. Below freezing temperatures, ice, 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.

Runner's legs and shoes running through a puddle in the rain on a trail

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.  I’ll hit the treadmill instead!

Hill Training for Flat-Land Runners 

If you live in an area that lacks any sort of runnable hills or elevation change, a treadmill can provide a long, sustainable hill to run on.  

This may not only help simulate race environments, but may simply provide more varied workouts.  Hill training can greatly help improve running performance,  as it helps increase leg strength, lactate threshold, cardiovascular endurance, and overall speed. 

Running on an Alpine runner incline treadmill in a gym

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 12-15% percent grade, while some have the ability to go even higher. 

Don’t be afraid to use the incline.

Safety

Unfortunately many runners have very valid safety concerns when it comes to running outdoors. Whether it’s the threat of traffic, wild or domestic animals, or sadly, even other humans, some runners simply do not feel comfortable running outdoors in certain situations.

Running on a treadmill provides a safe, predictable environment.

 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. 

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.

All the Data at the Tip of Your Fingers 

Forgot to charge your GPS watch? No problem! Everything from pace, to the percent grade of the incline, to your heart rate, and more is displayed right there on the treadmill.

Treadmills Can Help You Learn to Pace

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.  

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, those who may be more prone to impact injuries, or who simply experience pain while running on harder surfaces.

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.

6 Disadvantages of Running on a Treadmill

And now for the inevitable downsides of treadmill running:

Monotony and Boredom

The reasons so many runners seem to dislike running on a treadmill is because it can 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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Heather Hart – Exercise Physiologist · CSCS · Ultrarunning Coach (@relentlessforwardcommotion)

Treadmills are Easier Than Running Outdoors

Because the belt moves underneath your feet, the movement and effort 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.

In fact, a 2022 research study found outdoor running to greater physical fitness improvements than treadmill running (source), while a 2015 research study found that at paces faster than 8mph (7:30/mile), a 1-2% incline is necessary to mimic the energy cost of running outdoors (source).

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 at faster speeds, 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.

Lack of Agility / Proprioception Training

Because of the smooth, predictable surface of a treadmill belt, your feet and legs do not have to constantly make the minor adjustments that are necessary for maintaining coordination and balance as they would running outdoors.

This is a major disadvantage of running on a treadmill not only for trail runners, but even for road runners, who may occasionally experience uneven terrain.

Image of a rocky trail on Mt. Monadnock

But, specifically speaking to trail runners: a far greater level of bodily awareness is required than typically needed when running on paved roads. Therefore if you are training on a treadmill for a trail race, be sure to hit the trails at least once a week to help build that proprioception, agility, and balance.

Inability to Mimic Downhill Running

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. 

Ultrarunner running downhill

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.

Inability to Pace Yourself

Earlier I mentioned that pacing was an advantage, but, it can be one of the disadvantages of running on a treadmill as well. Because the treadmill controls the pace for you, you

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.

Lack of Fresh Air

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.

With busy work and life schedules, many people often find themselves stuck indoors for the majority of the day. Running outdoors can be a much welcome time to reconnect with nature and take in some fresh air while working on both their physical and mental health. 

Heather Hart running outdoors on a golf cart path

Are These Major Disadvantages of Running on a Treadmill Dealbreakers?

In my professional opinion, treadmills are not the “evil” piece of training equipment so many runners make them out to be. They can be used for both convenience as well as a a tool to help you improve as a runner.

Ultimately, if your goal is simply running for fitness or weight loss purposes, then a treadmill is a fantastic option.

If you’re training for a race or other running goal, make sure you mix it up. Treadmills can be fantastic…but you’ve still got to run outside from time to time.

Resources:

  1. Jones, A. M., & Doust, J. H. (1996). A 1% treadmill grade most accurately reflects the energetic cost of outdoor running. Journal of sports sciences, 14(4), 321–327. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640419608727717
  2. Singh, G., Kushwah, G., Singh, T., Ramírez-Campillo, R., & Thapa, R. K. (2022). Effects of six weeks outdoor versus treadmill running on physical fitness and body composition in recreationally active young males: a pilot study. PeerJ, 10, e13791. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13791
Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS
Website | + posts

Heather Hart is an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), UESCA certified Ultrarunning Coach, RRCA certified Running Coach, co-founder of Hart Strength and Endurance Coaching, and creator of this site, Relentless Forward Commotion.   She is a mom of two teen boys, and has been running and racing distances of 5K to 100+ miles for over a decade.  Heather has been writing and encouraging others to find a love for fitness and movement since 2009.

  • Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS
    https://relentlessforwardcommotion.com/author/admin/
    2023 Lynches River Adventure Race Duathlon: Race Recap
  • Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS
    https://relentlessforwardcommotion.com/author/admin/
    Balancing CrossFit Training & Ultra Running - Can It Be Done?
  • Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS
    https://relentlessforwardcommotion.com/author/admin/
    A PT's Guide to Foam Rolling for Runners
  • Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS
    https://relentlessforwardcommotion.com/author/admin/
    adidas Adizero Adios 7 Running Shoe Review

Filed Under: Running Tips

About Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS

Heather Hart is an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), UESCA certified Ultrarunning Coach, RRCA certified Running Coach, co-founder of Hart Strength and Endurance Coaching, and creator of this site, Relentless Forward Commotion.   She is a mom of two teen boys, and has been running and racing distances of 5K to 100+ miles for over a decade.  Heather has been writing and encouraging others to find a love for fitness and movement since 2009.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. mynuttydubai

    November 3, 2014 at 11:33 pm

    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 🙂

    Reply
    • Heather

      November 4, 2014 at 7:27 am

      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!

      Reply
  2. Piper's Run

    November 4, 2014 at 9:16 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Heather

      November 4, 2014 at 9:22 am

      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 🙂

      Reply
  3. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets

    November 4, 2014 at 9:32 am

    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!

    Reply
  4. Toni Church (@tonee78)

    November 4, 2014 at 9:36 am

    Great post, I think you covered it all. I despise the treadmill but it does have its uses like during inclement weather.

    Reply
  5. Patty @ Reach Your Peak

    November 4, 2014 at 9:56 am

    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.

    Reply
  6. pedinp

    November 4, 2014 at 10:40 am

    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!

    Reply
  7. ndscott2014

    November 4, 2014 at 11:28 am

    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!

    Reply
  8. TeamFitMommy

    November 4, 2014 at 12:01 pm

    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!

    Reply
  9. joannamurnan

    November 4, 2014 at 12:59 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Heather

      November 4, 2014 at 2:12 pm

      It’s true, treadmills can be a running mom (or dad’s) best friend!

      Reply
  10. Lacey@fairytalesandfitness

    November 4, 2014 at 2:10 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Heather

      November 4, 2014 at 2:12 pm

      yes, no excuses! Enjoy your treadmill runs Lacey! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Sue Tate

    November 4, 2014 at 2:42 pm

    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!

    Reply
  12. Femme Fitale Fit Club

    November 4, 2014 at 3:23 pm

    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!

    Reply
  13. stephanie

    November 4, 2014 at 10:11 pm

    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.

    Reply
  14. Rachel

    November 4, 2014 at 10:16 pm

    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 😉

    Reply
  15. kristenk

    November 4, 2014 at 11:51 pm

    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!

    Reply
  16. Janice- The Fitness Cheerleader

    November 5, 2014 at 6:26 am

    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.

    Reply
  17. jillconyers

    November 6, 2014 at 3:41 am

    I will always prefer outside running but I love love my treadmill! Ohio winters make it a training necessity. It descends too 🙂

    Reply
  18. MCM Mama (@mcmmama)

    November 9, 2014 at 8:05 pm

    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.

    Reply
  19. andrew

    February 1, 2016 at 6:51 pm

    listening to music is required when running. listening to music outside while running is dangerous. treadmill is fine. i prefer treadmill.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Ultramarathon coach Heather Hart running down dirt road  with text "Meet Heather"

I'm Heather, mom of two, ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist, NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, and an overzealous athlete who cannot focus on a single discipline, so I train for all of them at the same time. When in doubt, I run...and then write about it. Read More…

RUN COACHING:

Image of Runner climbing down a large rock on a trail with words "Running & Training Tips"
Ultrarunning Coach Heather Hart running through the mountains during a race with text "Ultramarathon Training & Racing"
Heather Hart climbing up a large boulder during a trail running race with text "Races & Adventures" on image
Hart Adventure Racing Logo

Footer

Welcome to Relentless Forward Commotion. My name is Heather Hart, I'm an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist, UESCA & RRCA certified coach, ultrarunner, adventure racer, mom to two teenagers, and cofounder of Hart Strength & Endurance Coaching. It is my passion to help every day athletes better understand exercise science, and to learn how to balance training for big athletic goals with “real life”.

  • About
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Contact
© 2023 Relentless Forward Commotion
111 shares