Exercising is necessary for bone, heart and mental health.
While finding time for exercising can be challenging for some, a treadmill proves to be a convenient, easy, and time-saving solution.
Treadmills can be beneficial for people with limited time, limited budgets, or who live in cold and rainy areas. But using a treadmill can have benefits and downsides. Here's what you should know before incorporating a treadmill into your fitness routine:
Advantages of using a treadmill
- Using a treadmill is the most convenient option compared to running outdoors.
- A treadmill comes with a predictable surface which is the belt. It is safer than running on practical roads where you find curbs and trails.
- A treadmill helps you to maintain a constant speed for a long time while running outdoors could be challenging to maintain a speed for a longer time.
- A treadmill offers you different modes of workout like warm-up period, incline walk, cool down period, speed and energy spend.
- A treadmill offers you the advantage of anytime workout. You can use the machine according to your convenience.
- Most treadmills come equipped with heart rate monitors, allowing you to track your heart rate during workouts.
- A treadmill comes with many pre-loaded fitness programs. This makes a workout more interesting.
Disadvantages of using a treadmill
- A treadmill is an expensive machine if you consider a branded one.
- Even though using a belt on the surface, a treadmill could be stressful for knee joints. There are possible chances of back pain also.
- A treadmill is a big machine. They can take up a lot of space.
- For a machine with a fully computerised system, maintenance could be a challenging task as you need a professional person every time.
- Extended treadmill sessions can be boring for some individuals, lacking the joy and excitement of outdoor running.
- The energy data displayed on treadmills is based on average calculations and may not be entirely reliable.
- Treadmills may not effectively challenge muscles for practical, real-life activities.
Conclusion
Running on a treadmill is a good option for those who find it difficult to manage time to go outdoors. But it comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Choose an option that aligns with your fitness goals and prioritise safety when using any exercise machines.
