If you already have problems with your knees, running on a treadmill may exacerbate it, but not as bad as running on a hard floor or outside. When you run outside, the land is uneven if you’re running on the ground and if you’re running on concrete or pavement, the treadmill creates a softer landing. The treadmill allows your feet to land softer and cushions the blow. However, you have to know what you’re doing and how to set the treadmill so it doesn’t increase knee pain or create overuse injuries.
Running on a treadmill isn’t as low-impact as walking on a treadmill.
If you have serious joint issues, running on a treadmill may be a lower-impact exercise than running outside, but it’s still running. Even though the impact is cushioned, there’s still enough to jar the joints. Always check with your healthcare professional first if you have knee issues. Many support walking on a treadmill and find it preferable to walking outside, but running is a different matter.
If your healthcare professional gives you the okay, there are benefits to using a treadmill.
Aside from reducing the risk of twists and turns from uneven ground or debris on your path that can cause twisting of the joints, running on a treadmill offers other advantages, including a softer landing. You can use a treadmill during inclement winter weather and during the summer when the temperature rises beyond a safe level. That allows you to run year-round without interruption. A treadmill allows you to run inside at night, making your run safer.
If you’re tracking your progress, a treadmill provides repeated, predictable results.
When you run outside, even if you use the same path, your stride can be longer, you might run faster, or you might have interruptions. That’s not true when you run on a treadmill. The conditions are always the same if you program it. It allows you to get an accurate result and helps you determine your progress since the variables are removed with the programming.
- Like any piece of gym equipment, a treadmill is a tool. It offers convenience. It’s ready to use no matter what time of day and you can do it without leaving the kids with someone.
- The softer surface of the treadmill is easier on the joints. That can be especially beneficial to someone heavier and concerned about the impact on joints. It can help get you in shape without causing problems or exacerbating existing ones.
- The more even terrain makes a treadmill safer but reduces the muscles used. You don’t recruit muscles for balance as much as you would outside. The movement of the treadmill reduces the effort of the glutes and hamstrings.
- Like most types of exercise, form is important when you run. Many people who use a treadmill drop their chin to either look at the monitor or their feet. That affects form significantly and can affect the benefits.
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