7 Reasons to Use a Treadmill Versus Running Outside

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Maintaining a fitness routine is one of the most popular habits to pick up in a new year. There are many aerobic exercises you can commit to that will improve your overall health, but running is one of the best. With summer around the corner, it’s the perfect time to pick up running shoes and start toning your body. As you begin, deciding if you want to use a treadmill versus running outside is something you’ll need to consider. We’re here to explain seven reasons why running on a treadmill is the best call.

1. You Don’t Have to Worry About the Weather

The weather in many areas can be unpredictable, especially in the winter, and unexpected changes in outdoor conditions can ruin your daily workout routine. Because it is so critical to stick to a consistent schedule, you want to be sure that you can do that. If you live in a warmer climate, running on a treadmill indoors eliminates the risk of getting sunburnt or suffering from heat exhaustion. You’ll also escape from suffering heat cramps or, in extreme cases, heatstroke. Running in cold weather can be dangerous as well, since it can affect your lungs and cause cramps, too.

You don’t have to worry about unpredictable factors like wind or rain when you choose to run at home. A treadmill can also be far more comfortable in many ways—for example, you can set it up near a fan and put your favorite show on your TV. Running every day is hard enough already, so there’s no reason you can’t make it as convenient and comfortable as possible.

2. It’s Safer for Emergencies

Another plus to using a treadmill versus running outside is that you can stop whenever you want to. Of course, it is far more ideal to push yourself to the finish rather than stop midway through, but sometimes you need to rest for your safety. The great thing about treadmills is that you can hook yourself up to the machine with a clip, so if you fall, it will immediately stop. There are also large stop buttons located on a treadmill’s dashboard.

Of course, you can stop your run outside instantly as well, but your outdoor location could cause more issues. If you suffer an injury outside and no one is there to assist, you might have to either walk or run that distance back. If you push yourself too hard in hot weather, you may not have a safe way to get home. Running indoors is a smart precaution to take, since you’ll have easier access to help in the event of an injury or exhaustion. Plus, you’ll have water on hand if you become dehydrated.

3. It Reduces the Risk of Injuries Like Joint Strains

The smooth belt of a treadmill is far more forgiving than hard concrete pavement. Running on a treadmill is easier on your body, especially on your joints. You also don’t have to worry about running into other people, getting hit by a car, or stepping into a dreaded pot hole. Your daily run on a treadmill will be a lot easier on you than jogging on the inconsistent pavement.

4. You Can Take Advantage of Flexible Hours

If you live in a warmer climate, you’ll often have to run early in the morning to avoid the heat. However, a treadmill at home gives you far more flexibility. You can run in any weather and at any time, night or day. Plus, you won’t have to worry about traffic or other people getting in the way of your running path. A treadmill offers a safe, convenient alternative to the sidewalk.

5. Treadmills Offer A Variety of Features

Running the same trail everyday can get boring pretty fast, and you’ll also want to change up your run’s difficulty now and then. Fortunately, treadmills offer a wide selection of modes and options. You can try different types of workouts as you adjust your speed and incline to simulate a wide variety of terrains.

6. You’ll Enjoy A Distraction from the Hard Work

As we mentioned above, you can enjoy some TV while running on the treadmill. Take your mind off the activity and how much time you still have left by watching the news or taking in a movie. After all, one of the hardest things about running is handling the mental aspect. Putting your mind elsewhere while you’re on the treadmill can make the time go by a lot faster. Home workouts can give you the perfect distraction from the potential boredom you might suffer while running on a path, but you’ll still achieve the same level of fitness. You can also get workout guidance from a TV as well, which can give you the extra push you need.

7. It’s an Excellent Way to Keep Your Pace Consistent

Another great feature of treadmills is that they make it easy to keep track of your fitness. Your personal goals and records are important parts of keeping yourself motivated, and treadmills can keep track of it all. They also make it easy to control your pace and increase or decrease it as necessary. Plus, it’s easy to add variety to your run by sprinting and jogging for set periods of time.

Treadmills are proven pieces of exercise equipment for anybody who’s trying to train for a race, lose weight, or simply get in better shape. Some think that running on a treadmill is easier than doing so outdoors, but research says otherwise. The level of oxygen demand is the same whether you’re running on a treadmill or running outside. Deciding to invest in a treadmill can help you reach the best shape of your life—and it’ll be hard to come up with an excuse to not run when you’ve got the equipment in your basement. Treadmills are also easy to store! Pick up a Precor home treadmill today and begin your fitness journey in the best way possible.