Why treadmills are not just for runners
Treadmills are a great way to stay in shape and improve running skills. But they're not just for runners. Anyone who wants to get a great workout will enjoy running on a treadmill. So if you enjoy running, or are looking for new ways to strengthen your body, running on a treadmill might be right for you. Here's why treadmills are not just for runners.
First, since running on a treadmill is done indoors, you never have to worry about the weather or time of day. Whether it's raining, snowing, blazing hot, or icy, you don't care because you don't have to run outside. You have the pleasure of running in a temperature controlled environment. You can run in any season, at any time of day. If you're a woman, you may worry about being attacked if you run outside at night. With a treadmill, that worry is gone. You're safe and sound inside. If you like running in the early hours of the morning, but hate running in the dark, you don't have to worry about it with a treadmill- it's never dark with a treadmill. So basically, a treadmill gives you freedom of choosing when you would like to run, regardless of external conditions. Many other sports require you to be outside. But running on a treadmill gives you the option of exercising whenever you want.
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Next, a treadmill can record your progress and your preferred programs. You can choose from a wide variety of running "routines" that will help build strength or endurance, depending on what you'd like to focus on that day. Or you can do a mixture of both. For example, you might decide to do a high intensity run one day, alternating the difficulty and grade on the treadmill, and then an easier run the next day. So if you're interested in monitoring your exercising progress, running on a treadmill may be a good option for you.
Third, if you're looking to strengthen your muscles or improve your endurance, running on a treadmill is a great option. A treadmill allows you to change your altitude or difficulty at a whim. One day you may decide you want to go through "rolling hills" while the next day, you might prefer "hill climbs." Or maybe you'd like to do both in one day. The possibilities are endless. So even if you're not a hard-core runner, you can find ways to strengthen your legs and get a great cardio workout. You might opt for this kind of workout:
"Foothills"
This training run is designed for more experienced beginning runners and intermediate runners that are new to hill training. After your warm up, elevate the treadmill 1 percent and run at an easy pace for 1 mile, then raise the elevation to 2% and run for 3/4 mile. Raise the elevation to 3% and run for 1/2 mile then raise the elevation to 4% and run 1/2 mile. This is the "top of your hill". Now lower the elevation to 3% and run 1/2 mile; lower it to 2% and run 3/4 mile; and finally lower it to 1% and run 1 mile. Your total distance run in this workout is 5 miles.
Even if you're not a runner, it's good to always surprise your body with a new and different type of workout. So if you're a cyclist, maybe you should include 2 days of running with your 3 days of biking. Or if you usually swim, you can throw 1 day of running into your workout. Running is good for everybody and it can be simple to do. So get out there and get moving! The treadmill is waiting.
