Benefits of Running on a Treadmill – Should You Run Inside?

One of the things that draw people to running is being outdoors. Running outdoors helps time pass faster and also exposes you to fresh air. However, running outside is not always an option. Weather, time, and fitness often force people into running indoors. Knowing this, what are the benefits of running on a treadmill, and is running inside a good option?

In this article, we discuss the benefits of running on a treadmill and if treadmill running is any good for you. So, keep reading to find out more.

What Is A Treadmill?

If you haven’t done indoor running before, you may be wondering what is a treadmill?

A treadmill is a stationary cardio machine that uses a conveyor belt. treadmills are used to walk, jog or run indoors. Most machines available at gyms allow you to adjust the speed and incline of the conveyor belt with the push of a button.

Treadmills are available in multiple sizes and have a tops speed of 10km/hr up to above 30km/hr, depending on the model.

Since treadmills allow you to vary the incline, this allows you to simulate a hill or rolling terrain through a pre-set workout. Most machines will allow adjustment of the gradient and the fancier machines may let you adjust the incline up to 10 percent or more.

Models vary in price. Basic models have little to no adjustment of speed and incline. However, as you move up the models you will be treated with more functionality, and generally a better motor.

Is Treadmill Running Good?

Treadmills are most used for cardio or runners that are committed to their training. However, if you are new to running, is treadmill running good for you? Should you run indoors if you can?

Heat, convenience, and weather are the most common reasons people run on a treadmill. If you live in a large city, or a city with a harsh winter, running outside may not be possible, or even enjoyable. So, many people head to the gym instead to get their workout in.

Some of the benefits of running on a treadmill include:

– Simulate specific racecourses
– Pre-set workouts to follow
– Lower impact on the joints and muscles
– More efficient training
– Softer surface than asphalt or concrete

As a runner, using a treadmill in winter will allow you to still get in quality workouts without having weather conditions affect your training. It can also allow you to run a specific race course by uploading the GPS file. It will then automatically adjust the treadmill’s gradient based on the race course profile. This allows you to practice on the course as well as do specific intervals along certain parts.

Generally, the belt of a treadmill is softer than concrete or asphalt. This provides a softer surface for the runner and may help discourage some injuries from happening.

Beginners may appreciate the ability to control the duration and intensity of their workout by adjusting the speed or gradient. This helps take the stress away from focusing at a certain pace and rather allow you just to follow the speed of the belt.

For someone that owns a treadmill, it is a great way to conveniently fit in your workout, no matter the time of day.

If you love to track your data, a treadmill can help you measure the number of strides or steps you have taken. As well as the speed and gradient changes during the workout.

So, after reading the above. Is treadmill running any good?

The treadmill has a time and place (like most things). Doing too much running indoors on a treadmill can result in injuries, poor technique, and even stress fractures. However, if you stick to running less than 50 km a week on a treadmill you should be fine.

Benefits of Treadmill Running For Weight Loss

We already know the benefits of treadmill running, but is there a benefit for weight loss?

Luckily the answer to that question is yes.

The benefits of treadmill running can help you to not only lose weight off your belly but help in general weight loss. This is because running indoors can help you still run when the weather is poor. It also gives you a way to fit in cardio training before doing a weight workout.

Many novice runners find that running indoors on a treadmill can help push them harder than doing the workout outside. Since the conveyor belt helps keep the momentum going, you are less likely to slow down or give up when the going gets tough. this means most novice runners end up spending more time running indoors than out, resulting in more weight loss.

You will also find that when people run on a treadmill they typically increase the intensity much higher than outdoors. this results in a higher heart rate, increased calorie burn, and metabolism that burns more calories throughout the day.

Can You Lose Weight By Running On A Treadmill Everyday?

While you can run on a treadmill every day, it is not recommended. running on a treadmill every day can cause repetitive injuries, loss of motivation and a plateau on your fitness.

However, if you did, can you lose weight by running on a treadmill every day?

Most people running every day regardless of whether it is indoors or outdoors are more likely to lose weight than someone that doesn’t.

this generally comes down to how many calories you burn during and after a workout. Your metabolism plays an important role in weight loss, as well as exercise. So technically the more exercise you do, the more weight loss you should expect. However, remember that food plays a major part in this too. So, if you aren’t eating a clean and healthy diet, you may not be seeing the weight loss results you want.

Like many forms of aerobic training, the amount you lose will vary from person to person. Also, wear you lose the weight from cant be controlled, and you must remember that this varies between people too.