Swapping the roads for the treadmill is a great way to tailor your workout exactly as you want it - creating a controlled, safe environment that eliminates factors such as traffic, uneven terrain, the weather, and visibility.
Treadmills have some advantages over road running, and can form a key part of your training programme. While you should try not to use treadmills exclusively for your training, since it’s important to let your body adapt to the conditions of the road, you should certainly consider giving them a go!
Up the intensity
Thanks to treadmill controls, you can increase the intensity of your workout with just the push of a button. For example, on a treadmill you can more easily control your speed and also set a gradient using the incline function. When road running you might need to look around for new routes to increase the distance or introduce hills, and use a tracking device or stopwatch to monitor your speed, which can make things more complicated.
Monitor your performance
Treadmills are the most simple, accurate way of measuring your performance during your training. Because there are fewer external factors such as weather conditions, traffic, or route diversions that could affect your run, you get a truer picture of how you’re progressing.
Stay safe and feel the health benefits
Running on the road is quite high impact and can put stress on your joints and tendons. It’s particularly risky in cold weather, too, because you’re more likely to suffer muscles strains or slip on icy and wet roads. Treadmill running can be kinder to your body, and you won’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain, wearing lots of layers or avoiding extreme heat.
If you need to train when it's dark, using a treadmill eliminates the risks that can be posed when running early in the morning or at night - such as visibility and personal safety.
Explore the gym
If you’re using a treadmill in a gym, make the most of the resources around you to enhance and vary your workout. Why not try out the weights, bikes, exercise classes or pool, if available? Most gyms have a thriving community, so they’re also great places to meet new, like-minded people.