915. 5 Common Treadmill Questions

Ever have to deal with the treadmill? Maybe it was because of the weather, the area, or whatever 

Some people never use the treadmill 

Others only use the treadmill 

Where do you fall on the spectrum?

Here are 5 of the most common questions people ask about the treadmill:

• How does the treadmill relate to running outside? 
• Are treadmills more or less cushioned then running outside on concrete? 
• What is the main difference between treadmills and running outside?
• How to best use the treadmill?
• Should I get a treadmill? 
• Where does the treadmill fit into your training? 

Let’s get into it! 

How does the treadmill relate to running outside? 

The best way to have the treadmill relate to running outside is to use a heart rate monitor. Not the heart rate thing on the treadmill or a wristwatch – these *usually* give false readings – while a heart rate chest strap is a lot more accurate. 

An accurate reading is crucial because we need to know exactly how hard our bodies are working, not how hard the treadmill is working. 

That’s the constant of the equation – how hard our bodies work while we are running. 

If we like to keep our heart rate between 140 – 150 while running outside and we keep our heart rate between 140 and 150 on the treadmill, that’s pretty similar in terms of our effort. 

Are treadmills more or less cushioned? 

I do find there is more cushioning on almost any treadmill I run on – most have some sort of suspension built into them vs the solid ground so the treadmill is giving a slight bounce… 

I often wonder though if the cushioned suspension is better or worse for us? 

Because running is a natural thing that we all theoretically should be able to do, how did we get from point A to point B when we didn’t have cars or horses?  

If we can’t walk or run without pain, there are other issues at hand that could be addressed through things like physical therapy so that we can eventually run outside pain-free. 

If we can only run on the treadmill and not outside, then the treadmill seems like a short-term solution to a long-term problem. 

What is the main difference between treadmills and running outside?

The treadmill belt is moving 

When we run on the outside surface, the ground isn’t moving we are moving 

With a treadmill, the belt “pushes” each step as it goes.

The running force is harder to “feel” on the treadmill than outside. 

Does this affect anything? Probably. 

There are actually some treadmills that don’t move automatically but by our own force. 

How to best use the treadmill

The treadmill is one of the most effective tools for those who want to take their running to the next level. 

• It provides a mental push to grind through boredom and excuses. 
• It requires focus and constant reinforcement of why we are running in the first place (it’s hard to run on the treadmill willingly) 
• It helps us work on our technique, breathing, and cadence especially if we have a coach that can watch us or we could video ourselves to watch our form. If we dial in our form our chances of injury go down. 
• A way for us to train specifically. We can utilize the hill climbing aspect for uphill races, especially if we live in a flat area or have a race coming up with a ton of vertical gain. Some treadmills even can mimic downhill, which is more brutal. For speed work, we are in constant control of how fast the treadmill is moving, etc. 

Should I get a treadmill?

That’s for you to decide!! Why would you want one? 

For example, Some people have kids at home and want to be able to run while watching the kids. Some like working out at home or don’t like going to the gym, or don’t have a gym near them… 

What’s your reason? 

An important thing to consider: treadmills can be cheap (a few hundred) and run upwards to the $3,000 range. The thing is, the cheaper treadmills are made more for walking and running and will eventually burn the motor up if we beat the hell out of them. 

After a quick Google search, people spend about $1,000 on average for a treadmill. 

Where does the treadmill fit into your training? 

For me, I rarely use the treadmill. Sometimes I use it for specific hill workouts, but I really prefer to just run up and down a hill, there’s something about being outside. 

Plus, we can really run in any weather if we have the right gear. 

I suppose if I had other obligations (like kids) I’d consider a treadmill but until then, since the gym is only 5 minutes away from my house, I’ll go use their heavy-duty treadmills.

How could the treadmill apply to your situation? 

Appreciate your attention! 

Thank you for tuning in, let me know any comments or feedback! 

Go get your miles, peace!!!!!!