It’s easy to write a Valentine to running, but treadmill running? What is there to love about a piece of workout equipment many refer to as a dreamill?
It may be hard to believe, but after four weeks of running in my basement gym, I’ve come to realize there are reasons to love treadmill running.
Five Reasons To Love Treadmill Running
I am writing this post with my fingers crossed while I’m knocking-on-wood because whenever I sing the praises of my treadmill, I worry about jinxing my luck with its reliability and durability. I’ve had my treadmill since October 2001. It’s survived two moves and only needed service once. Clearly, it’s the best $2599 I’ve ever spent.
It even loves me back!
I got my treadmill early in my running career so I could run in the morning while my children slept. My treadmill usage waxed and waned over the years, but I always appreciated it as a back-up option if it was too rainy or windy or cold to run outside, or as an easy way to do speed or hill workouts. In fact, I’ve got a whole collection of treadmill workouts I shared back in the day.
When I got hooked on Orangetheory Fitness, the treadmill blocks were my favorite. Since the pandemic, my own treadmill has gotten more use than it has in a long time. While the idea of a treadmill run isn’t as motivating as planning a run on my favorite trail, there are more than a few reasons I love treadmill running.
1. I don’t have to decide what to wear on the treadmill
Running outside, especially in the fall, winter, and spring, requires a decision on what to wear. Do I need layers? Do I need gloves? Will I be too cold when I start? Too warm after I warm up? Running on the treadmill presents no such dilemma—and cuts down on laundry. I’ll be comfortable in a sports bra and shorts no matter what the weather is like outside.
2. I can run in all weather on the treadmill
Many runners use a treadmill as a backup option during inclement weather. I don’t mind running in light rain or cold weather, but heavy rain, wind, or icy sidewalks are a no-go. Being able to run in all weather is a main reason I love my treadmill.
3. I can run faster on the treadmill
I’ve always enjoyed doing speed intervals on the treadmill, and find I can run faster than I am able to run outside. Since I don’t have to worry about uneven sidewalks or potholes, I can focus on my running and go all out.
4. Treadmills are perfect for hill workouts
My neighborhood has two good hills for hill workouts, but I prefer doing incline intervals on the treadmill because I have more control over the grade and recovery time. If I want to work my way up from a gentle incline to steeper inclines, the treadmill is the best way to do that. If I want to alternate incline intervals with speed intervals, the treadmill really is the only way to go—at least where I live.
5. Treadmills are a great for guilt-free binge-watching
Before I got hooked on the Peloton app, a treadmill run was my chance to catch up on tv shows or movies my husband wasn’t interested in watching. I think I only watched Devious Maids on the treadmill! Now that I’m doing more treadmill running, I may have to find a new show to watch on my own.
Join me for the Fit Five Friday Link-Up with Darlene, Michelle, Renée, Jenn, and Zenaida.
What do you love about treadmill running?
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Treadmill and love in the same sentence? Um, not for me, lol! But you do make a compelling case for the treadmill. This winter, my treadmill has gotten a lot of attention. For better or for worse…
Hey, at least it’s there when you need it, even if you’d rather not need it!
Thanks. Still not convinced. Ha ha.
All good reasons. Not enough to buy one but I have used one when gyms were open
LOL, I tried!
Yes to all! I always thought treadmills got a bad wrap. They’re a wonderful tool with many benefits. I’m very grateful to have one.
Me too! I am so fortunate to have the option.
Hmm I still cannot get myself to head to the treadmill. I run faster outside and I think I run with a different stride. It is fantastic though how you are able to switch back and forth and love them both
I could see the tread affecting your stride.
Just when Milly & I we’re “getting along,” she blind-sided me with a frustrating get-together this week. She was better this morning, but she’s pretty fickle. That said, I kind of like doing intervals on the ‘mill because they break up the monotony.
Oh, no, Milly can’t betray you!
I think running on a treadmill is awful. But I don’t have the weather issues you have either so maybe I would reconsider if I did.
You do make it seem less horrible though.
I actually love the treadmill and am so thankful I have one! Running is already so time consuming and the treadmill makes it so convenient!
It really is convenient if you have one at home.
Although I’m a dedicated outdoor runner, there have been times in the last few weeks where I wished I had a treadmill.
It would have been handy during our quarantine. And today, with all the ice on the trails, it would have been nice to just knock out a few miles on a cosy treadmill and watch Outlander (I fast forward the violent bits).
What treadmill brand are you using?
Mine is a LifeFitness! My husband watches Outlander but I can’t take the violence — he doesn’t fast forward.
You make a compelling case though as Wendy said, I’m not ready to say love and treadmill in the same sentence LOL. I think my appreciation for mill running has grown since I got mine – easier to “love” when you can quickly hop on in your own house vs heading to the gym 🙂 I do need to find a show to binge watch to mix in with the Peloton runs.
LOL, maybe if you had a Peloton tread?! 🙂
I actually love the treadmill!! Well when I have it at home! I love the convenience of it and the mindlessness of not having to plan a route!
Oh, not having to plan a route is another good reason to love treadmill running.
I definitely appreciate having a treadmill! However, I don’t think I run faster on it than outside. I do well keeping my easy runs really easy on there though! I need to figure out a way to watch shows on there. I don’t have a TV in that area of my basement and my ipad is really ancient.
I have a hard time running easy on the treadmill because I prefer intervals to beat boredom.
I am very glad I have a treadmill now and these are all good things to keep in mind. I still struggle to get up the motivation to actually run on it!
Well, yes, that first step up on the mill can be the hardest!
I’m very happy that I have a treadmill too — and it’s just as old. It’s only been moved once, and it’s had to be resuscitated more than once. In fact, it doesn’t really incline & decline anymore, which is sad, but I’m too afraid of it dying to have Mr. Judy work on it!
Especially with the potential for a LOT of snow next week . . .
I also turn to it kind of for #1 — it doesn’t take me as long to get ready, because I don’t really have to think much about what to wear and I don’t have to wear a gazillion layers — which actually makes running feel easier.
Yes, the ease of just pulling on the basics and getting going can’t be beat. I’m with you on being wary of repairs. I was worried when we just moved it around to put down the new mats.
Mine hasn’t been moved in the 13 years we’ve lived here, so I can definitely empathize.
I love that you love the treadmill. It just hurts my hips so much. Fortunately, I live somewhere were I don’t really have to worry about weather or conditions. I might have to reschedule once or twice due to bad lightning or a hurricane, but that’s it.
I am on team treadmill too. 🙂 As much as I enjoy running outside, I think a treadmill is a great backup. I do wished I had one now. I’ve had some great runs on it when I was marathon training a few years ago and it was too hot to run outside.