What Does Running On A Treadmill Do?

Treadmill running offers a variety of benefits. While some may argue that its moving belt makes running easier, a treadmill can still have advantages that running outside does not. On a treadmill, you can run at a variety of paces and increase the incline setting in order to simulate running up hills. Running on a treadmill is good for your health and is likely to help you easily fit exercise into your schedule.

Health Benefits

Running on a treadmill is an effective form of cardiovascular exercise. Treadmill running can help you meet the recommended 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week as indicated by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Treadmill running can help you burn calories, which is an integral part of any weight loss program. Regular exercises is also beneficial for reducing your risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke. The use of a treadmill can also help increase your bone density, which is important for preventing osteoporosis. Treadmill running is also beneficial for your mental health status. Running on a treadmill can help reduce your stress levels and boost your energy levels.

Lower Impact

Treadmill running is ideal if you are worried about placing excessive stress on your joints. Running on a treadmill is easier on your hips, knees and ankles. Treadmills have a spring board and thus are much more shock absorbent than running on pavement. By running on a treadmill, you are less likely to experience pain or overuse injuries. While running on a treadmill, you are also safe from any outdoor elements that may lead to injury -- including uneven pavement, slick surfaces, rocks and pot holes. Treadmills can also be used to help rehabilitate injured runners.

Challenge Yourself

Running on a treadmill provides an easy means of varying your workout. You can change the incline on your treadmill if you are looking for a more difficult workout. Increasing the incline simulates running on hills. This is ideal for runners who live in areas where the land is predominantly flat. If you become tired, you have the option of changing the incline and continuing with your run on a flat surface. Many treadmills also have pre-set training programs in order to help you develop and stick with a routine. Treadmills also offer you a way to see how far you have run and how many calories you have burned. This is beneficial for people who are looking to lose weight.

Consistent Pacing

While running outside or on a track, you may subconsciously begin to slow down when you become fatigued. You may not even realize that you have slowed down. An unintentional slow down in your run can decrease the effectiveness of your workout. When using a treadmill, you choose your pace. You can slow down the pace or speed up the pace while still keeping track of your progress with the built-in tools on your treadmill. You will know the exact distance you ran, how many calories you've burned, and how long it took you to run a certain distance.