We’ve all heard the common reasons why treadmill runs can be beneficial: run safely in bad weather, wear less layers, catch up on your favorite shows, and have a bathroom nearby. Did you know there are a few other (potential) benefits that I have realized as I’ve been running on the treadmill more? Here are 3 benefits of treadmill running that you may not have realized.
3 Benefits of Treadmill Running That You May Not Have Realized
1. It’s easier to truly run your easy runs EASY on the treadmill
Ok, so personally, I run slower on the treadmill. BUT I found that I can really keep a truly easy pace on there. Outside, all my easy runs end up being in the 9:30-10:00 min/mile range. My heart rate is pretty low. But on the treadmill, I will sometimes start at a 10:30 min/mile pace and work my way down to a 9:45 min/mile pace or so. Plus, there’s not elements like wind, hills, or turns, so I am using less energy. My HR stays lower and these runs are much easier on my body than running outside.
If you get bored on the treadmill, try this Lazy Runners’ Short and Sweet Treadmill Hill Workout! (And another benefit of treadmill running is being able to control your pace and incline!)
2. You can trick yourself into paying more attention to your posture on the treadmill
When I run on my basement treadmill I usually end up running in just a sports bra. Do you know what happens? I suddenly become more aware of what my core is doing. I automatically fix my posture and engage my core. When I am running outside (sometimes in multiple layers), I am not usually thinking about what is going on underneath my clothes. If you run at a gym and you are not comfortable in just a sports bra, try to run in front of a mirror to keep yourself honest. I think one of the benefits of treadmill running is you can make adjustments that may be harder to make outside.
New to treadmill running? Try these 3 treadmill workouts for beginners!
3. The treadmill may give your brain a break from thinking about running
When I run outside I pay more attention to my watch, my distance, where I will go next, and of course I am aware of my surroundings. On the treadmill I can zone out. I usually listen to podcasts but I know many runners watch TV. Use this to your advantage and don’t think so much about running. As someone who overthinks everything, it can feel really nice to not think much once in awhile.
Related: The Benefits of a Home Treadmill and Initial Thoughts on the NordicTrack 2950
While the treadmill will never be as good as running outside, I can’t deny that there are benefits to treadmill running. Even 5 years ago I wrote about 5 reasons to run on a treadmill in the winter. That was before I even had my own treadmill!
Did you ever think about these benefits of treadmill running before?
Do you ever run in just a sports bra?
Do you run faster, slower, or the same pace on a treadmill as outside?
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Now it’s time for the Runners’ Roundup! Link up your running and fitness posts below! Join myself, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, and Runs with Pugs to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas.
I don’t have a treadmill but I can imagine that it’s easier to zone out, especially when you can focus on podcasts or a tv series.
What kind of podcasts do you listen to while on the treadmill?
All the podcasts I listen to are about running:) My favorites are Ali on the Run, Some Work All Play, and Running for Real.
I don’t own one and my gym is closed. But I have run on one when it is too icy outside.
If I had one at home, it would be faster than getting on all those layers. I do use my bike with just a bra on. I would never do it in public.
I just like to be outdoors. But thanks for sharing.
It does save time to just hop on the treadmill. I don’t think I’ve ever run in just a sports bra outside, and definitely not in a public gym.
I definitely run slower on the treadmill. I have a harder time zoning out and it feels harder to relax for me. I am sure if I used it with any regularity, this would pass.
It can sometimes be hard for me to relax if I think too much about how much more I have to do. Distracting myself helps alot.
I struggle on the treadmill but that point you raised about being more mindful of your posture is just brilliant. That’s harder to do when you’re running outside. and in full gear.
Honestly I think all the winter gear just weighs me down and makes my posture worse!
My takeaway is that we need to get a mirror for our basement gym ASAP. I do find that it’s more natural to think about activating my glutes and my core when I’m on the TM which might be why I’m able to run faster on the TM than on the road.
That’s great! I don’t have a mirror near my treadmill because there’s nowhere to really put it. Thinking about your posture more is always good!
I think the treadmill is a great option for people who live where the weather can be challenging. I’ll never really enjoy it but it’s nice to have an option.
It’s definitely a good option! I’ve used it quite a bit, even though I prefer running outside.
Like you, I find it much easier to run truly easy on the treadmill. I’ll set the pace to a 10:00/mile and just comfortably cruise along. I actually prefer easy runs on the treadmill; I set a fun iFit course and just keep it easy. I do get a bad habit though of texting while on the treadmill (since I’m running so easy), which I know throws off my gait.
I think its nice to be able to set the pace to something you know is easy so you aren’t tempted to just run faster if you’re feeling good. I can’t text when I run on the treadmill! I’m not that coordinated!
So I’ve run on those treadmills with attached tvs a few times, and wouldn’t you know, there was never anything fabulous on? And then I was mad about running on the mill AND mad at the tv. It was a mess.
There are definitely some pros to it, though. Awesome to find the positive. And no. No running in just a sports bra for me. The world isn’t ready for that.
I never find anything good on TV. I just recently rearranged our basement so now I can see the TV from the treadmill. But we only have a few basic channels down there. The other day I put on the news and also listened to a podcast at the same time, so at least I had something to look at and something interesting to listen to.
Yes, these are all good points. I think you could work on a lot of form issues with a treadmill and a mirror (unfortunately I don’t have this option- I only run on the treadmill very occasionally at my gym and there’s no mirror.) And you’re right- it’s the perfect way to really run your easy days easy.
I don’t have anywhere to put a mirror near my treadmill. But I have recored myself running a few times just to see how my form looked!
Since my treadmill sits right in front of a French door (with the window acting as a simulated mirror), I do notice my posture. I’ve started focusing more on my foot strike and arm swing, too, since I don’t have a TV screen to distract me from the “here and now.” I really struggle with easy runs, though. Even though I always seem to run slower than outside, trying to run a true easy pace really feels awkward and very uncomfortable. I blame my long legs…
Sometimes running slower feels weird to me too. I find that changing the pace and incline often seems to help.
These are good points especially right now since most of my runs have been on the treadmill. Overall, I am not a huge treadmill fan but I feel thankful to have one so that I can still do my runs when it’s not nice outside. It’s also nice to watch movies and shows during a run!
There are definitely benefits to the treadmill even though its not ideal!
I’ll try to remember these benefits next time I’m forced to run on the treadmill. I’m usually just trying not to be bored out of my mind. 😂