The Treadmill Controversy
The question of the effectiveness of a treadmill workout has been the subject of many a debate among sports scientists. Most of the controversy revolves around the effectiveness of treadmill training for professional athletes, specifically competitive runners. However, these are non-issues for the sedentary population. For these folks, any type of activity is better than nothing.
Treadmills and Exercise Compliance
The treadmill provides a no-excuses workout. Even if it's too hot, too cold, raining or snowing, you can always perform a treadmill workout. Additionally, treadmills can be used while performing other activities. Some fitness centers have recently added video screens, thus allowing you to watch television while on the treadmill. Others like to use treadmill time as an excuse to chat with their friends, or put on headphones and listen to their favorite music. Treadmills are also a viable choice for people who do not feel that they have the coordination for group, dance-oriented aerobic workouts. As excuses for not exercising are eliminated, the chance for compliance is enhanced.
Energy Costs of Treadmill Compared to Outdoor Running
The 1965 studies performed by Dr. L.G. Pugh in London showed that the lack of wind resistance in treadmill running made it significantly easier, thus decreasing its energy costs. However, you can compensate by placing the belt at an incline, or increasing the duration of your workouts.
Treadmill and Balance
Balance is a buzz word in the fitness industry, which explains the popularity of balance devices such as the stability ball. In May of 2009, the "Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise" published a study that was performed at the Asian Medical Center at Seowan University in Seoul, Korea. The researchers studied the effects of stability ball and treadmill training on the balance and gait of post-stroke patients. Balance was improved for both groups.
Incline Treadmill Training for Strength and Power
Two studies indicate that incline treadmill training can increase strength and power. In May 2003, the "Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise" published a study that was performed at the University of Kentucky. The researchers compared sprint running on the ground and sprint running on an inclined treadmill. After six weeks, the ground running and the treadmill running group were asked to perform a variety of plyometric exercises. The incline treadmill group showed greater improvements to speed and power than the ground group. In May 2002, the Journal published a Norwegian study that was performed at the Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, Norway. When placing mice on a five-week incline treadmill program, the researchers saw significant improvements in VO2 max and running efficiency.
Conclusions
While not as effective as outdoor running, treadmill exercise can help burn calories while lowering the resting pulse and blood pressure. It is therefore an effective workout for most people.
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