Many people are now aware of the benefits of regular exercise and healthy eating, here we take a look the health benefits of running on a treadmill. The usual mode of exercising is running outdoors; however, for people who are limited in space or area to run or who is recovering from a physical injury, treadmill training is the way to go. Just beware that Treadmill training should probably not be your sole training from.
This article has been updated to reflect our latest opinions and views on running and health.
Last updated: 09/21/2017 (added new links, and updated old broken links) – Eric P.
Treadmills are one of the many indoor exercise options that can provide a venue for walking or running. Treadmill training health benefits are of a wide range, especially if you’re not able to exercise outdoors.
Different Health Benefits From Treadmill Training
Even if running on a treadmill is your sole fitness routine, your health benefits are excellent. These are some of the most commonly discussed health benefits that comes from a solid running routine.
1 Friendly to the Bones and Muscles
Many perceived that running wrecks your joints; however, the biggest risk factor for osteoarthritis besides age is your body weight.
Running or walking on a treadmill adds density to your bones. It supports the cartilage; therefore, increasing the flow of oxygen that flush out toxins. It also strengthens the ligaments around your joints without putting too much strain on them than running on hard pavement or the road. Furthermore, adjusting the treadmill to an incline position will help improve toning of your legs and buttocks.
2 Good for the Heart (According To Sole Fitness)
Treadmill running lets you move the major muscles in your hips, arms and legs, which will make your heart rate and breathing increase, every decent treadmill, such as the Sole F85 treadmill should have a clear display of your current heart rate. Just keep in mind that a higher heart rate is not always what you should strive for, in many cases you should actually aim for a medium-low heart rate. A medium-low heart rate will make your recovery much quicker and will enable you to put in more miles without increased injury risk.
The flow of your blood will also increase between the muscles and the lungs. Regular and long-term aerobic exercising will lower your resting heart rate and strengthen your heart. Your circulation will also improve, as well as your arteries will be clear, reducing the risk of heart attack. Some treadmills such as the Sole F85 treadmill have a running machine heart-rate control option that will calculate your recommended target range using your age.
Even regular treadmill walking can help in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol level.
3 Cancer-proof Your Body
Many studies have shown that regular running or walking can greatly decrease the risk of many types of cancers such as breast, lung, colon and endometrial.
A recent study from the British Journal of Cancer shows people that are most active are 24% less likely to develop a colon cancer than those with sedentary lifestyles. The time that you have spent on the treadmill may not be for just losing weight anymore.
4 Emotional and Mental Health
Aside from its physical health advantages, treadmill training offers benefits for your mental health as well as emotional well-being.
Since aerobic exercises prompt the release of endorphins, it helps to alleviate the symptoms of depression as well as effective in reducing anxiety. Many runners have also proven that the stress-busting powers of their regular sessions are worth it. It is now even used by mental health experts to help treat psychological disorders, including alcohol and drug addiction. If you are on the lookout for treadmills, look for models with built-in speakers that will allow you to hook up your MP3 players such as the Sole F85 treadmill for a more enjoyable workout.
5 Is Weight Loss Your Sole Purpose of Training?
Clearly, this benefit cannot be questioned. By walking or running on a treadmill, you are keeping your metabolic rate up as well as burning excess calories. Most treadmills now have a calorie counter as one of the features that can estimate the calories you have burned during your sessions.
The information can then be used in diet planning which can also aid in weight management.
More Benefits of Treadmill Training
Aside from the health benefits brought by running or walking on a treadmill, there are other advantages that you can take into consideration:
- Whatever the weather. When you run outdoors, you may be able to miss your regular running schedule if the weather is bad. With an indoor exercise equipment such as a treadmill, you can do your running sessions anytime of the day. You can even do it while watching your favorite TV show in the comforts of your home.
- Low impact workout. This is essential for people who have health concerns and need supervision when exercising, including but not limited to heart disease, morbid obesity or seizure disorders.
- Security. Depending on your environment, some people may not have the privilege of staying in a healthy environment where they can run or walk without fearing of being mugged, robbed or even hit by vehicles running along with them. If the safety of the environment is your concern, it is best to get your own treadmill and do your walking and running sessions at home.
- No need for a running buddy. Sometimes, people are too lazy to run or walk by themselves outdoors. They need someone to accompany them to make the session fun. With a treadmill at home, you don’t need a running buddy since you can multitask while doing your sessions. You can even catch up on your reading while walking, watch your favorite shows and movies, or do other chores that don’t require your full attention.
Now that you have learned the different health and other benefits of treadmill training, isn’t it time for you to get into the wagon and start your own walking or running sessions? And, finally, Jamie Miller gives you 7 more reasons to own a treadmill (google it!).
Have a great day! 🙂