Treadmills Are Easier Than Running

!±8± Treadmills Are Easier Than Running

Running on a treadmill seems just like running outdoors, except maybe easier on the joints, right? But if that is true, why does it feel so different? Why do some people love one and not the other? It turns out that the movement in running on treadmills is actually significantly different from that in running on hard surfaces. Running outdoors seems harder because it is.

A study by Elliot & Blanksby in Medicine and Science in Sports examined stride length and stride rate. The study recorded no significant differences in stride length or stride rate between running on a treadmill and outdoors when running between 3.3 and 4.8 meters per second. However, at higher speeds, stride length decreased, while stride rate, and the length of time the leg on the ground, increased. The authors didn't conclude further, but their findings regarding higher speeds suggest the answer we are looking for. When running outdoors, our legs are propelling us forward. However, when running on a treadmill, we are simply staying in place, trying to keep up with the moving belt. In so doing, our leg muscles are working mostly at staying upright and moving at the right speed. This certainly seems like less work than moving forward, regardless of the speed at which we are "moving." The calves and hamstrings seem particularly less burdened in this way by treadmill running.

By requiring less use of these muscles, running on treadmills expends less energy. If you're trying to lose weight or increase your cardiovascular health, easier may not be better. However, the reality for most people is that it the toughest part is starting. If what you're starting is easier, it's easier to start. Once you get going, it's easier to keep going. The Journal of Sports Science (1996) reported that running outdoors on a hard surface is most closely approximated by adjusted a treadmill to a 1º incline. Conclusion: Get on your treadmill, get going, increase the incline, and just keep going!

Treadmills Are Easier Than Running

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How Do You Find the Best Treadmills?

!±8± How Do You Find the Best Treadmills?

The best treadmills on the market offer an unparalleled cardiovascular workout, and are an essential part of any commercial or home gym. With so many makes and models to choose from, it is difficult to find the ideal treadmill for your particular situation. As such, it's important to learn about what is available and how to choose the unit that's right for you.

Before you even consider a purchase, you must make sure that your space can accommodate a treadmill, and if you're living in an apartment building, if you're allowed to have one and if the power source is there. Once you're sure you can buy one, then you should begin the process.

You can read reviews of the best treadmills in exercise magazines and publications such as Consumer's Reports. There are dozens of top manufacturers, and each one offers a variety of models to choose from. When browsing the selection keep in mind what your budget is, what you will be using the treadmill for, e.g. long distance running or short, slow walking, and what features you are looking for, e.g. heart rate monitor, incline, program variety, etc.

While researching and reviewing the home equipment industry, we discovered that a higher price doesn't necessarily mean a better exercise machine, and also just because a treadmill is popular, doesn't mean it's good. So look beyond price and popularity when it comes to your selection.

Some of the best recommended treadmills are not very expensive at all, yet top-of-the-line models with all of the available options and features can be pricey. For home use, however, unless money is no object, you don't need to purchase a commercial model, as those treadmills are built for excessive usage. Unless everyone in your family runs 20 miles a day, every day, there is no need for such a model for your home gym.

So what should you look for when it comes to the best treadmills for your home?

Start with a top manufacturer. Look for a company that has been in the business for a long time and one that is known for the quality of their equipment. Even with casual use, your machine will experience wear and tear over the years, so you want to buy a machine that will last: solid construction, durability, high-grade materials.

Any reviews of the best treadmills will discuss the motor, a key component of any unit. It should have at least a 2.5 HP continuous duty motor, which will provide the power you need for a long period of time. Anything less is insufficient.

If you can, try the treadmill out before you buy it. Test the feel of the machine, the ease of use of the features, the different workouts, inclines, speeds. Make sure you enjoy using the machine so you won't come up with any excuses not to work out.

As far as speed and incline, the best treadmills will go up to at least 10 mph, and at least 10 levels of incline. Transition from one speed to another or one incline to the next should be smooth and seamless, not clunky. There should also be an ample footprint (running area) and various programs to choose from.

Last, but not least, the best recommended treadmills will always come with a good, comprehensive warranty. If the company is not willing to stand behind its product, then you know the quality will be subpar. Also, read testimonials and customer satisfaction ratings, which usually are part of the reviews of the best treadmills on the market.

How Do You Find the Best Treadmills?

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