The one mistake that most of us make is to think that running on a treadmill is the same as running on an outdoor track. Much as it may have the same effect, treadmill running should be taken as very different from track running. If this fact is taken up, a lot of difficulty can be avoided in treadmill running. There are a few basic techniques you need to know in order to fully utilize your treadmill.

First, avoid leaning forward too much as you run on your treadmill. The fact that on an outdoor track you find yourself leaning forward is purely due to your body going against the wind. This however does not apply on a treadmill. Here, all you need to do is let your legs move as they are moved by the treadmill. This avoids you expending unnecessary force and bending your back. Also, to avoid the feeling of needing to lean over, ensure your treadmill is inclined to 1 to 3 degrees. This will make your body feel comfortable enough to follow the belt’s movement.

The whole point of the belt on the treadmill is to help your feet move. You therefore do not have to lift them too high and move them forward making you hit the belt too hard when your feet come back down. In some cases, people end up having aching ankles. To enable you shift support from one leg to the other with ease, try and ensure that your feet are always kept under your hips in alignment to your body at all times and not in front or behind them.  On the same topic, to avoid you from tripping while running on the treadmill, move your feet as the belt moves then pace yourself to know when to move the other leg.

The other mistake that some people make while running on a treadmill is running on tip toes. For most, they think this makes them move more softly. In reality, this moves the whole weight of your body to your toes straining them too much. This can end up again causing major damage to your legs, feet and even ankles. What you need to do is ensure that the whole weight is placed on the ball of your foot. Ideally, even in creation this is the role of the ball of the foot so you will definitely not strain your feet. It also gives your body the kind of balance it requires to keep you on the treadmill for long without tripping or getting easily tired.

Using a treadmill is very convenient and is a very practical way of working out from the ease and comfort of your house. However, as illustrated, if it is not rightly used, you may end up causing more damage than good. It can also make you lose interest in working out with it due to the strain of working out with it to no avail.

Indoor workouts have become a very common activity. For most, working out in a gym or even at home is so much more convenient than running outdoors .  This has drawn quite some an argument in relation to which of the two is better and more effective, especially when it comes to treadmill running as opposed to running outdoors.  I would like to offer another drop to this argument.

As opposed to taking any particular side, allow me to simply give pros and cons to both. Then leave the decision purely up to you.

Treadmill Running

To start with, treadmill running has become one very convenient way of working out for most stay at home mums. The argument is there normally is so little time left between juggling the kids and other household chores to go running. The convenience of having a treadmill in the house saves them the time needed to get ready and go running for such a long distance.  It also makes them concentrate on their run since they do not have to keep thinking what could happen in their absence as they do not have to leave the house at all. Their workout therefore ends up being more productive than outdoor running as it is more relaxed.  Also if you find it difficult to get to the gym regularly then owning your own treadmill may be perfect for you as you can work out when it suits you at home.

A factor that some people will look at regarding treadmills is their cost.  A lot of people may not be able to afford a treadmill.  Some treadmills are very costly, but there are vendors who sell discount treadmills or used treadmills which is a handy option to consider.

The weather is another factor that most treadmill runners enjoy getting away from. Whatever the weather, be it rain shine or storm, one can easily get their workout done in the comfort of their own house without worrying about getting wet or fried by the sun.

Outdoor Running

On the other hand, outdoor running enables you to expend more energy hereby burning more calories. How exactly?  See, as you run, your body has to fight against oncoming wind making it sweat more and burning more fats. Also, your feet hit the track harder than when running on the treadmill bouncing you off the ground harder and in some cases faster. Again, more energy is used than if running on a treadmill. On the same note, as you fight the wind, you are forced to breathe faster and deeper. This works very well on your cardiovascular system. See, fresh air is very important in working out that is why you will hear gym instructors insisting on you breathing as you workout. The deeper you breathe, the cleaner your blood becomes as it gets all the oxygen it requires. This enables the lungs work even more effectively and can expend excess fat from your body easier leaving you leaner.

Regardless of your preference, running is enjoyable and a great way to get fit.