Treadmills let you get the cardio benefits of walking or running without having to worry about route, weather and other external factors. A run on the treadmill might not be as scenic as a jog down the road, but there are other treadmill advantages that are ideal for those with a limited schedule or joint problems.
Accessibility
When using a treadmill, you don’t have to worry about rain, snow, time of day, or anything else that might keep you from running outdoors. Treadmills let you get your workout in at any time of day, regardless of the weather. Running on the treadmills also avoids safety hazards like dogs and cars that might be on an outdoor route.
Multi-Tasking
Many treadmills come equipped with a magazine rack, which lets you read as you are getting in your miles. If you have the space, you can also set your treadmill up in front of a television so you can catch up on your favorite shows while you train.
Hill Training
Running Planet points out that many treadmills come equipped with incline setting. These settings let you raise the treadmill’s track up to 15 percent to mimic running up a hill. The automated incline settings are an advantage for those who don’t have access to a regular running surface that slopes upward. The incline settings also let you keep track of your hill training and provide a differing challenge level based on your mood.
Shock Absorption
The Walking Site notes that treadmills contain shock absorbers to take the stress off your knee and ankle joints. This extra shock absorption can help reduce the risk of injury when compared to the pounding that your lower limbs take when you run on a hard surface like asphalt.
Tracking and Pacing
Treadmills contain digital displays that let you know exactly how many miles you’ve run and exactly how fast you’ve run them. The treadmill’s display insures that you are meeting your fitness goals and lets you easily keep track of your accomplishments.
About this Author
James Mulcahy is a New York City-based licensed massage therapist with more than 1,500 hours of training in anatomy, myology and pathology. He currently works as a freelance writer and has contributed to Huffington Post, New York Press, British Airway’s High Life, Metromix and many other publications.
