It's Cold Outside. Can You Make Treadmill Running Fun?

A great article on stuff.co.nz written by Laura Hill looking into the benefits of using a treadmill to keep up with your running fitness through the cold winter months.

As our days begin to shorten and the weather gets colder, running outside can become more challenging, making it tempting to skip workouts. However, treadmills can help runners and walkers continue to train at any time of the day or night, regardless of the elements.

While some runners have an allergic reaction to treadmills, global sales of these high-end exercise machines continues to grow. Gyms, hotels and offices are driving the growth, but a close second is the at-home market, where people are turning to treadmills.

Caitlin Duncan, Co-Founder and Director at Melbourne-based indoor treadmill running studio Run Club, says treadmill running has many benefits that make it a great option for runners of all levels.

Control

“Our members enjoy the controlled environment running on a treadmill provides,” says Duncan. “You can run continuously on a treadmill without having to stop or start for traffic and pedestrians. You also don’t need to stress about tripping over or rolling an ankle due to uneven or different surfaces.”

“With a treadmill, you have complete control over your workout. You can adjust the speed and incline to create a customised workout that meets your fitness goals. This also makes it easier to track your progress over time and adjust your routine as needed.”

Shock absorption

Duncan says another big plus for treadmill workouts is that they can be easier on the body. “Treadmills have better shock absorption than the road or pavement, so often runners won’t feel as sore the next day.”

Studies have shown that treadmill belts absorb some of the impact of your footfalls, which can help protect your joints. Researchers have found that runners often have a shorter stride as well as a higher overall stride rate when on a treadmill compared to running outside. A 2014 review from Sports Health found that this can translate to less impact on joints such as your knees, ankles, and hips.

Convenience

Lucas Bate works 12-hour shifts on an offshore rig and runs four times a week on a treadmill. While he prefers running outdoors because it stimulates all his senses, he says treadmill running allows him to maintain his physical fitness and mental wellness while being away from his family.

“I’ve been regularly using a treadmill for six months, because that’s my only option to run on when I’m away for work,” says Bate.

“By the time the workday is done I have a couple of hours to eat, wash, speak to loved ones and squeeze in some exercise. With a treadmill I can set my goal for the day, plug in my earbuds, and listen to music or watch a show. It gives me some time to myself, and I can fall into a relaxed state of mind.”

Improved performance

Bate also credits the treadmill with helping him better pace his runs. “I was a bull out of a gate when I began and found myself gassing out quickly,” admits Bate. “Running on a treadmill has helped me learn how to pace myself. Now, I can set a pace on the treadmill and I’ve learnt to adjust my stride and cadence to suit. I feel I have found my happy long distance running pace on and off the treadmill.”