10 Reasons the Treadmill Can Really Rock
| January 11, 2011 | Posted by Lauren under Running |
When I think about running and all the things I love about it, I think about moving along quiet streets or tree-lined trails, with the wind in my hair, beautiful scenery all around me, and the sensation of flying in my legs and arms (because every run feels that amazing, right?) What I do not picture is my tired self slogging away in a hot smelly gym on a machine that doesn’t move anywhere.
Although it doesn’t quite compare to running outside, the treadmill can be great in its own way. I’ve written before about using the treadmill as a tool (Part 1 & Part 2) and Jen recently wrote a post about making peace with the treadmilla. But despite all this, I realize that some of you are still skeptical about the value of this machine. So for those of you who still aren’t convinced that the ‘mill is anything more than a modern torture device, here are 10 reasons why I think the treadmill can really rock.
10 Reasons the Treadmill Can Really Rock
1.) Safety First
Now that it’s winter, not only do runners have to contend with the normal hazards of traffic and distracted drivers, but we’ve also got to fight darkness, snow, and ice. Here in New England, we’ve got piles of dirty frozen snow lining the shoulder and the sidewalks, leaving us without any good places to run. So sometimes, no matter how hardcore you are, it just isn’t safe to run outside.
2.) Healthy Competition
I am a very competitive person. So much so that even though I’m not always running a race, it doesn’t mean I don’t always race. As Susan explained in an earlier post, I love to race…on all my runs. When I see someone up ahead of me, I just can’t help it — I set my sights on my target and try to reel them in. But cold dark evenings mean less runners on the road. Which sadly means less competition. Fortunately, competition is never in short supply at the gym. The fact is — whether you’re a man, woman, or small child, if you get on a treadmill next to me, you are committing yourself to a race (and I like to win). It doesn’t matter that you don’t know we’re racing, or don’t even want to be racing. As long as you’re running, the race will go on. And don’t worry about the fact that I might be stealing side-long glances at your screen from the corner of my eye. It’s all in the name of staying motivated. 
(Source)
3.) Keeping the Pace
Despite number 2, I do realize that I need to be better about pacing myself. The problem is, I’m not only racing others on my runs — I’m also racing myself. And if I did a loop at one pace one day, there’s no reason why I shouldn’t be able to run it at the same pace the next. I realize this is a ridiculous way of thinking, and it certainly doesn’t help my recovery. So that’s where the treadmill comes in. When I’m on the ‘mill, I can set it to a certain pace, and don’t have to worry about my body just switching to autopilot and running faster than I should. It can also help me start off slow and relaxed, and focus on running negative splits (when the second half of your run is faster than the first).
4.) Be a Speedster
On the flip side, the treadmill can also be an awesome place to do speedwork. Especially now that snow and ice has made running on many tracks near impossible. Unless you have a flat, open stretch of road to run on, it can be really tough to simulate a track workout. A treadmill fixes all that. The best part about it is that all you have to do is set the machine to the pace you want to run, and focus on keeping it there.
5.) Entertainment Value
I think people’s number one complaint about the treadmill is that it’s boring. But really, if you look around you, entertainment shouldn’t be in any short supply. For starters, just look around. People watching at the gym is probably one of my favorite past-times (oh admit it! You all do it too!) There are definitely some interesting folks in there.
If people watching isn’t really your thing, maybe TV is? I’m lucky in that my gym has individual TVs for every machine. Where else would I be able to catch up on the latest music videos, watch crappy reality shows like Real Housewives of NJ, or play along with game shows like Cash Cab all while running?!
6.) Get In the Zone
When you’re running outside, you need to be at least remotely aware of your surroundings — so you don’t trip, run into people, or worse, get hit by a car. But the treadmill removes all those issues, and allows you to fully zone out. I love being able to completely block out my surroundings. I stare off into space, blast my music and lip synch along (what can I say, T. Swift really tugs on my heart strings). Sometimes I even close my eyes for a minute. It’s a very zen way to run.
7.) Bathroom Breaks
Let’s be honest here. I’m a runner. And runners (typically) drink a lot of water. Which also mean lots of trips to the restroom. As much as I’ve tried to avoid it, there have definitely been runs where I’ve had to take a quick break. This is much easier to do inside at the gym than when you’re running around in a million layers, desperately looking for a gas station or some nice store owner who will recognize your plight and take pity on you.
photo via loved88
8.) It can just be easier logistically (and doesn’t leave room for excuses)
I workout in the evening, and sometimes going straight from work to the gym is just easier. I pack my stuff with me, get there, change, and before I have time to even think about what I’m doing, I’m starting my workout. Not only does this mean that I reduce my chances of going home and coming up with some excuse to not work out (I’m tired/hungry/cold/grumpy/would rather walk my dog/etc), but it can actually be quicker and less complicated. You see, I have a small pup who happens to spend a lot of his day in his crate. And although he’s gotten used to it, I can’t say that he really LOVES spending all that time alone.
So everyday I go home for lunch and take him for a walk. And then as soon as I get home from work, he goes out for another walk. Which means by the time I’m ready to run, it can be close to 6pm. Not only that, but it also means that I have to put him in his crate three separate times during the day. The first two times are no big deal. He has a routine, and I may use just a bit of bribery to convince him that he really wants to go in there. But by the third time — he is pretty displeased, and isn’t afraid to show it. The way I figure it is, he doesn’t have a great sense of how long he is in there, but he does have a general sense of when he’s supposed to go in. So if I go home for a late lunch, get my stuff together, and then head straight to the gym before coming home again, I really don’t think he’s all the wiser. He’s not in the crate for a longer interval than normal, and we save going through all the rigamarole of letting him out and getting him re-settled before I head out again.
9.) Forced Stretching
I am notoriously bad at stretching. You’d think that with all the injuries my tight muscles have caused me over the years I’d be better about it. But I just hate doing it. When I come home from a run, the first thought on my mind is to get out of my cold, wet clothes and into a warm shower (after I walk the needy puppy of course). The second thought — to eat. I put off stretching until it’s time to go to bed, and then tell myself I’ll just do it next time. I’m sure you can guess how that works out.
When I’m at the gym, however, I step off the treadmill to find the stretching mats staring me in the face. I’m usually hot and gross, and making my way over to the mat for a few minutes can be a great cooldown before I hop into my car and head home. There’s just something about already being at the gym that makes me more likely to continue my workout by stretching than when I’m already at home.
10.) Dog training
If you’ve gone through all the above reasons and still aren’t convinced then I can’t help you there’s one last reason why the treadmill can be pretty amazing: dogs love it! According to Cesar Milan, any dog can be trained to walk on the treadmill. He actually recommends it for peole who have very active dogs or who can’t get out to walk their dogs enough. It sounds like a pretty good deal to me — you put the pup on the ‘mill and go about your merry way, coming back after a half hour to find a tired, happy dog. If that isn’t a good reason to invest in a treadmill, I don’t know what is.
Just look how happy these little guys are (I want the little one that keeps falling off):
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So there you have it, 10 reasons why the treadmill is (sometimes) pretty awesome. I wouldn’t recommend trading in all your outside runs for the safety of the ‘mill, but it’s really not so bad if you just give it a shot.
What are your thoughts — hate the ‘mill? Can’t live without it? Got another reason why you think it’s awesome? Please share below!
I like the treadmill for the safety and pacing reasons. I wish mine had individual tvs though. My gym really needs to get with the program! It’s a major nationwide gym too.
Lee´s last post ..Once Upon a Time- I Ran a Marathon
Agree with so much you have written… but I do have to say I enjoy running outside in the cold (not snow) so much better than the heat so I’ve been trying to get outside as much as possible. During summer training I did 90% of my runs on the tmill (crazy I know!) But doing speed and tempos on the treadmill is the best. I also do competitions with my neighboring treadmill runners and I love running people off the treadmill. Having individual tvs makes a huge difference. I recently ran on the treadmill at two gyms that weren’t mine(on Sunday and last nite) and neither had individual tvs. Its amazing how much harder it is for me to run without the distraction even when you are running next to a friend. Sometimes without the distraction, people watching can only get you so far! Also getting to the gym forces me to stretch too!!
Lizzy´s last post ..Cod & Mussels!
This is true. You can only keep yourself entertained by watching others for so long…or before they start getting creeped out.
I also prefer the cooler temperatures to the heat/humidity. But I have a hard time running in the cold AND the dark AND the wind. That’s when I go hide in the gym.
I love this! You know how I feel about the treadmill. I (not so) secretly love it. Nothing replaces running outside in the Fall, Spring, and Summer, but the treadmill has become a faithful friend this winter. I always race everyone around me. I try with all my might to see their screens and go get ‘em! While I was running the other day, I accidentally took my T. Swift love to the new level and sang a couple lines out loud. Oops. The weird looks reminded me I was in a gym, with other people, and singing was not appropriate. Haha!
The one other thing about the treadmill that I have at my gym is company. Training alone when it’s slightly dangerous can be scary. When I’m on the treadmill, I’m usually surrounded by people I know. Time passes so much more quickly when I have people to chat with.
Becky´s last post ..A New England Runner
ha! The thought of you busting out T. Swift while running at the gym had me laughing out loud! I can totally picture it. And I wish I belonged to your gym.
My dog is the same way about us leaving her for a 3rd time. I hate that for Friday nights if I want to go out, as I’m sure you can relate to.
Great post! I am back on the treadmill bandwagon for now
Liz´s last post ..The Motivation List
I hate making plans on Friday night for that very reason!! It’s awful how much my life revolves around that little guy
I actually really like treadmills and would love to have one, for the convenience factor and also I work so much harder at speedwork on a treadmill than I do outside. I would also love to have one for Maizey. But she is such a sissy (hates weird noises) that I think it would take a while for her to get used to it. That video on the boxer pups on the treadmill is adorable! seriously, are boxers the cutest dogs or what?? I wish ours could play together!!
Teri [a foodie stays fit]´s last post ..My Mom’s Famous White Bread
Koli is afraid of everything too. Such a wimp. But I’d like to think that with some coaxing and a lot of treats, he could be convinced to run on one.
And I’m pretty much obsessed with the cuteness of boxers. I wish ours could play together too! He needs a boxer friend in his life!
I hate the treadmill, but I have accepted it is part of my life in the winter and sometimes it is easier than sprinting around on icy roads during the last shred of daylight.
I honestly have not stepped on a treadmill in over a year, but lately I have been reading more positive thoughts about them. Your reasons are fantastic, but 3, the first 4, and 6 really speak to me. It may be time for me to give it another shot at least for a speed workout once a week.
Really? I’m actually super impressed by this fact. I can’t imagine getting through the winter (or some of those super humid summer days) without one.
Also, thanks for alerting me to the fact that I had two #4s! Oops! Going to fix that now.
I seriously detest the treadmill, but you are right, it does have a few redeeming qualities. I laughed at your race bullet point. I am always THAT girl that peeks over at my neighbors mph-age. And I also, do not lose.
Emily´s last post ..My Big- Fat- Sweaty News
So glad to hear I’m not the only one who does this!
Oh my goodness, those Boxer puppies are ADORABLE! Oreo hates the treadmill. Like really hates it. I guess because it makes such a loud noise (to him)? Anyway, he always tries to attack it so he usually isn’t allowed in the room when I work out. Also, we have that exact same crate for Oreo with blankets in the bottom as well! Though we couldn’t put a stuffed animal in there because he would eat it… really. He destroys anything that has stuffing in it that we give him (which was very unfortunate for his first toy “Rexie”).
Also, your #2 really cracked me up!
Rach´s last post ..Snow Day!
The crazy thing is, Koli is the same way with every stuffed toy except for that bear! It’s weird. Nothing else with stuffing has lasted more than 10 minutes with him. But I put that bear in his crate when he was a really tiny puppy and he used to snuggle up with it. So even though he likes to grab it by the neck and shake it these days, he hasn’t tried ripping it apart yet. I think it still brings him comfort.
dogs on the treadmill!!
http://www.runnersrambles.com/2009/01/at-least.html
They have used it more than I have
Aron´s last post ..Saturday vs Sunday
oh my gosh! That is amazing!! I want to get a treadmill, just so I can teach my pup to run like that on one (and so that I can leave him there exercising while I go about my day, haha). How long did it take to train your dogs to do that? Did you start them as puppies?
It was a gradual process, we started short and slow and would have to stand in front of the TM feeding them treats occasionally. They were hooked up by a leash and we put up a border on the side (cardboard box or something on those lines) so they didn’t see the “out.” Eventually we were able to go no leash, no border and could even leave the room! Just takes practice
We started them around 2 years old.
Aron´s last post ..Saturday vs Sunday
Thanks so much! I’ve seen people using treats and leashes at first. I really would love to train Koli to be able to run on the TM since he has SO much energy. But I guess my first step would be to actually buy one (minor detail).
Thanks for these. I am not a huge fan of the treadmill so its good to have a list of positives in my head when I head to the gym.
Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans´s last post ..Ok Jillian- put your where your mouth is!
I used to hate the treadmill but it’s come to be my saving grace (especially when I’m snowed in and we have one conveniently located upstairs). And ohh my goodness boxers are adorable!!
megan´s last post ..just desserts
I love this! I’m so happy I have grown to love the treadmill because these perks are awesome. Especially proximity to the bathroom. Not going to lie though- Nati would freak out if I put him on a treadmill!
Jen´s last post ..Cabin fever
thanks for the reminders. i know i need to be more thankful and appreciative of the treadmill that i have in my house, but sometimes i feel so terrified to step foot on it.
my ‘mill though…it has a slide bar for the speed. and it never stays at one pace. so that’s a little frustrating with the intervals. but i’m happy to say that i got through my first speed-treadmill workout.
the dawn´s last post ..long weekend!!!
I have a total love/hate relationship with the treadmill, but you make some good points. I mostly use the treadmill for speedwork, and having a treadmill at home is just convenient.
This cracked me up, mostly because it’s SO accurate. I am so competitive, and definitely turn into the jack ass who’s trying to cycle faster than the 80 year-old next to her.
I like the treadmill and going to the gym, because if I’m at the gym I’m less likely to stop running/cycling/busting my ass on the stairmaster for fear of someone seeing me slack off.
haha that’s a great point!! As if anyone is really paying all that much attention to you.
But I definitely have more motivation to push hard at the gym surrounded by people than if I’m doing a workout in my own living room. Peer pressure at it’s finest, I guess?
Love this! It’s nice to hear someone else admit that they sing along with their music. I get so into Elton John sometimes, I’m almost audible when running. I also occasionally shut my eyes on the treadmill and then remember I’ll probably fly off.
Great post!
Sometimes I worry that I’ve accidentally sung a few lyrics out loud, haha. And I may or may not have almost fallen off the treadmill countless times from keeping my eyes shut too long.