Treadmills have a multitude of advantages. They allow you to escape inclement weather, watch your favorite TV shows and movies while exercising and determine your speed, distance and calories burned. But treadmills don't always come up roses. Before you commit to purchasing a treadmill, consider the disadvantages.
Safety Hazards
Generally speaking, treadmills provide a safe way to exercise for adults. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for children. In two studies, one presented by the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health and the other by the Journal of Pediatric Surgery, young children, particularly those under the age of 4, are increasingly admitted to hospitals for burns related to touching a treadmill belt while it's in motion. In one of the studies, of the children involved, almost half of them required skin grafts due to the severity of the burns.
If you have young children, think carefully about how you plan to manage the potential risks involved when owning a treadmill. Young children love to touch things that move, so make sure you're ready to prevent potential injuries and keep your children away from the machine while in motion.
Expense
Treadmills range in cost from $200 to as much as $10,000, as of 2010, with most quality consumer treadmills coming in around $1,000 or more according to Treadmill Doctor. On top of that, maintenance costs add up. Just like a car, as parts break down, replacements are necessary. When you consider the upfront and ongoing cost of purchasing a treadmill, consider whether or not your purposes are worth the cost or if your money is better spent on a gym membership.
Reduced Calorie Burn
Treadmill running or walking doesn't provide some of the benefits provided by running or walking outdoors. Indoors, you don't have to battle the wind or rain or varying terrain that often arise when you're exercising outdoors. While negligible, running or walking outdoors burns slightly more calories than running or walking on a treadmill. This shouldn't be the primary deterrent to purchasing a treadmill, but it is a factor to consider when also considering the treadmill's safety and price.
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