Although you may get a slightly better workout running outside, there are plenty of advantages to running on a treadmill, in addition to the usual physical and mental benefits of running. Here are some benefits of treadmill running:
1. It’s easier on your body.
Treadmills offer better shock absorption, resulting in less stress on your feet and knees, as compared to running on asphalt and concrete surfaces. The extra cushioning and smooth surface also allows for easier runs. Although you get the strength and endurance-building benefits of running hills, you don’t have to run downhill, which can be hard on your body.
An added bonus is that your shoes won’t wear down as fast as they do when you run outside, so you can extend their life and not replace them as quickly.
2. You don’t have to worry about the weather.
Indoor running means that you don’t have to run in bad weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or icy conditions. You also don’t have to run outside when it’s extremely hot and humid. Running in the comfort of a temperature-controlled environment also means that you don’t have to worry about overdressing or not wearing enough for your runs.
In addition, one of my favorite benefits of treadmill running is that you don’t have to worry about putting on sunscreen before your run.
3. You can simulate race courses.
If you live in a very flat area and you’re training for a hilly marathon, you can still run hills on the treadmill. You can even program your treadmill to have the exact elevation changes you’ll encounter during a race, so you can better prepare for race day. Even if you’re not training for a race, you can reap all the benefits of hill running without having to find a suitable one outside to run up.
4. You can simulate race conditions.
If you’re training for a warm weather race but you live in a cold climate, you can run on a treadmill to get acclimatized to a warm environment. You can also try out a race day outfit that’s suited for warm weather conditions.
5. It’s safer than running outside.
Running indoors on a treadmill means you don’t have to deal with potential hazards of running outside, such as falls, cars, cyclists, dogs and other attackers. If you don’t have a running partner or group to run outside with, running on a treadmill is a safer alternative than running alone outside.
6. You can control your pace.
When running outside, some runners have a hard time maintaining a consistent pace and end up running faster or slower than they wanted to. The treadmill makes it easy to track your mileage and pace.
More: Boredom-Busting Treadmill Workouts
7. You can multi-task.
Unlike running outdoors, it’s safe to listen to loud music, watch television, flip through a magazine, or completely zone out while you’re running on the treadmill.
More: Beat Boredom on the Treadmill
8. You can run with a buddy you normally wouldn’t run with.
If don’t usually run with a friend because you run different paces, that’s not a problem with treadmill running. Get two treadmill next to each other at the gym and you can run together, each at your own pace.
9. It’s convenient.
Treadmills offer more convenience than running outside. You can run inside when it’s late at night or pouring rain. Moms and dads of young children can run at home without having to pay a babysitter. You also get the convenience of not having to carry a water bottle or phone, since there’s plenty of room for them right on the treadmill console.
Read more about the pros and cons of running on a treadmill vs running outside.
