Treadmills - For Running
Indoors
Running on treadmills is something which many runners enjoy but others simply
cannot tolerate. Still other runners may simply find running on a treadmill to
be the most convenient option. Whether you are a dedicated treadmill runner, a
runner who despises the treadmill or a runner who turns to the treadmill out of
necessity, you will likely find this article to be useful. In this article we
will attempt to address running on a treadmill from a variety of different
angles and offer advice for all types of runners. Those who currently despise
running on a treadmill may even find a few tips which can make their time on a
treadmill seem more enjoyable and less like a prison sentence.
There are a large percentage of runners who actually favor running on a
treadmill over running in their neighborhood, on a track or even on trails.
There are a number of reasons a runner may prefer a treadmill over outdoor
running. However, consistency is one of the most common reasons. Many treadmill
runners like the familiarity of the treadmill. The ability to set the speed and
the incline of the treadmill gives many runners the confidence and security
which makes them feel very comfortable. They do not have to worry about ending
up on a course which is too hilly or exceeding their intended pace because the
settings on the treadmill regulate all of these factors. Additionally, the
runner does not have to worry about inclement weather interfering with the
workout. It can be brutally hot outside, it could be raining hard or it could be
freezing outside but the treadmill runner enjoys the comfort of running indoors
in a climate controlled environment.
Another reason many treadmill runners enjoy running on a treadmill is they do
not have to concentrate as much as they would if they were running in an outdoor
environment. Cars, other pedestrians and other outside factors are not a problem
for the treadmill runner. While wearing headphones and listening to music is not
recommended when running outdoors because you may put yourself in danger if you
do not hear cars or strangers approaching, the treadmill runner can put on his
headphones and crank up the music without such concerns. There are no obstacles
or harmful elements when running on a treadmill which allows these runners to
enjoy music or television while getting there exercise.
Many runners enjoy running on a treadmill but on the other hand there are
runners who cannot stand running on a treadmill. Being forced inside due to
inclement weather can be very disheartening for these runners. This is one of
the main reasons why some runners brave horrendous weather. They would prefer to
be outside running in freezing temperatures and torrential downpours rather than
plugging away on a treadmill. For these runners the visual stimulation of the
world around them often motivates them during a run. Seeing people, cars,
animals and trees all help to keep these runners motivated and when they are
forced to run on a treadmill where they aren’t going anywhere, the run can seem
much less exciting. Some dedicated runners find they may be able to run ten
miles outdoors but become bored after only two or three miles indoors.
These anti-treadmill runners need to find other ways to make the treadmill more
exciting so when they do find themselves on a treadmill they do not have to be
so bored and restless. One way to do this is to incorporate sprints into the
workout. One way to do this is to start out by warming up for ten minutes at a
leisurely pace. Then try increasing the speed on the treadmill and sprinting for
two minutes. After this slow the pace down again and jog for a few minutes until
your heart rate falls to approximately 120 beats per minute. At this point,
crank up the speed again and sprint for another two minutes. Doing this will
help to make the workout less monotonous and will help to keep the runner
motivated to continue the treadmill workout.
Treadmill running can also be made more exciting by taking advantage of the
pre-programmed courses on the treadmill. Most modern treadmills have a number of
pre-programmed courses which include changes in speed or incline. These types of
courses keep a runner challenged by varying these elements throughout the course
of the workout. Runners who do not enjoy the treadmill typically find these
courses are much more similar to their outdoor runs than simply running at a 0%
incline at the same speed for the entire workout.
Finally, runners who simply run on a treadmill out of necessity on some
occasions may also find there are some benefits to running on a treadmill. For
many treadmill runners, the ability to run on a treadmill as opposed to outdoors
is largely a matter of convenience. This may include runners who complete their
workouts early in the morning or late in the evening while it is still dark
outside. These runners may not necessarily enjoy the treadmill but they tolerate
it because it is convenient. However, they may find the treadmill offers a
variety of benefits. One of these benefits is the ability to run at a particular
pace. Runners can use this to their advantage to train themselves to become
faster. One way to do this is to consider your current running pace for a
particular event such as a 5K. Next consider how fast you would like to run this
event. Then begin incorporating short sprint intervals of as little as 30
seconds at the desired pace. Once the 30 second intervals are no longer
challenging, gradually progress to longer and longer intervals until you are
capable of running the entire course at this pace.
