The treadmill is a tool, and like any tool it has its “best uses” and its “maybe choose something else if you can” moments. Below we break down the pros and cons of using a treadmill and discuss situations where it makes sense to lean into its use!
Why We Use the Treadmill
Safety
The first rule of training is to be safe. This means we don’t go out for a run where we risk things like breaking an ankle by tripping or slipping, getting struck by lightning or a falling object, succumbing to heat stroke, getting hit by a car, or being in an unsafe area. Safety first. So, if you’re finding yourself weighing the treadmill vs. possible injury, always choose the treadmill.
Schedule
For many busy parents, a home treadmill is one of the only ways they are able to get their training in because it lets them be home and available to their kids without leaving the house. Additionally, for people with schedules that would have them running at hours that are unsafe to be outside, the treadmill is what lets them get it done.
Climate Controlled
This one goes two different ways! If you’re somebody who struggles to handle training load in the heat for your current environment, sprinkling in the treadmill to reduce some of the heat impact can be a great way to add solid work without pushing you to a breaking point.
On the opposite side of the coin, the treadmill also makes for a great opportunity for heat acclimatization for people in cooler environments training for warmer races (think running a spring race and training through the winter). The warmer indoor environment can be augmented through the use of space heaters and humidifiers.
Effort control
For those who struggle to control their easy efforts or more controlled workout paces when they’re outside, they might find that putting themselves on the treadmill and setting themselves at a fixed pace will help keep them from creeping up the intensity of their run. As a result, recovery tends to be better, and the overall training load can be increased.
Practice Fueling and Hydration
When you’re first working on a fueling and hydration strategy for a big race, eliminating the need to carry your fluids and fuel can make it easier to try different things and have fewer missteps. This allows you to train your stomach sooner, before tackling the challenge of carrying fuel and fluids.
Mitigate GI Fears
If you’re someone who has been struggling with needing the bathroom mid-run and working through figuring out your GI woes, the treadmill can be an easy way to ease your fears about mid-run bathroom stops and still get everything in.
Hill Exposure in Flat Environments
Running a race with hills? Looking to build some power and speed? Need to toughen the quads for a lot of pounding? Well, rolling hills, hill sprints, and downhill work are all really great for that. However, if you live in a flat environment, your only option for this type of training might be to hop on the treadmill.
As you can see, there are many instances where the treadmill provides a safety, convenience, or a boost to training benefit. That being said, there are drawbacks to consider when deciding if the treadmill makes sense to use.
Want to read more on the cons of using the treadmill? Find it in The Training Club!