Are treadmills good for keeping fit?

Treadmills are often thought of as tools for people who want to get fit or stay fit, but are they really the best way to do it? In this article, we'll be looking at whether treadmills are actually good for fitness and if they're worth the price tag.

The pros of using a treadmill to keep fit

When it comes to staying in shape, many people think that they need to go to the gym. However, there are many pieces of equipment at home that can help with fitness. One of these pieces of equipment is the treadmill. While there are some people who believe that treadmills are not as good as going outside, there are many pros to using a treadmill to keep fit.

Treadmills are easy to use

Treadmills are easy to use and can be a great way to get started if you're new to exercise. At first, use the treadmill for walking as you get used to using one. And consider downloading an App which helps structure your journey into the world of treadmill use - a good start is a 'couch to 5k' App that will take you from a non-runner to someone who can run 5k in a matter of a few months.

Treadmills are great for training in the winter

Treadmills allow you to stay in shape without having to go outside. This is especially important in the winter when it is cold outside or during bad weather.

Treadmills may be better for your joints than running outside

Treadmills can often be easier on your joints, the knees in particular, than running on hard road surfaces. Some treadmills have cushioned decks to further help with this issue.

Purchasing a treadmill for home use works out cheaper than a gym membership

Using a treadmill at home can be cheaper than going to the gym. With gym memberships costing from a few hundred pounds a year, into the thousands, the investment you make in a treadmill for your home can return much better value in the long term.

Exercising on a treadmill can help you lose weight

Another pro to using a treadmill is that it can help with weight loss. Treadmills offer a great workout for your entire body and some models have specific fat burning and weight loss programmes to follow.

The cons of using a treadmill to keep fit

There are lots of pros of using a treadmill, but there are also some cons.

Some people find running on a treadmill lonely and boring

If you are the type of person who likes running in groups or at organised running events such as Park Runs then solitary running on a treadmill may quickly become boring and monotonous. Many people find that running on a treadmill can become boring after a while. Some modern treadmills come with built-in displays that allow you to run alongside other runners in virtual races, or you could simply prop an iPad on the treadmill and watch your favourite TV programme, film or YouTube channel to help keep you entertained during long runs.

Some people find running on a treadmill isn't as good a workout as running outside

You may find that the resistance provided by a treadmill isn't to your liking and that you prefer running outside. However, there are ways to make your treadmill workout more interesting and a tougher challenge.

How to keep motivated when running on a treadmill

You may find running on a treadmill isn't motivating enough for you. Here are some ways to make treadmill running more fun.

Try using the treadmill settings to vary your session

You could try increasing the incline on your machine. This will provide more resistance and make your workout more challenging. You can also vary your speed and intensity throughout your workout to keep things interesting.

If you have a heart rate monitor, try challenging yourself to keep your heart rate in a certain zone for a certain amount of time.

Try interval training

Try incorporating interval training into your treadmill routine. This involves alternating between high-intensity and low-intensity intervals, which helps keep your body guessing and prevents boredom.

How much does a treadmill cost?

There is a huge variation in the cost of treadmills. A cheap, no-frills treadmill can be purchased for just over £100, but this will be a very basic model, without many of the features and benefits of more expensive treadmills. At this level don't expect built in heart rate monitors, sophisticated on-board computers with masses of training programmes, or powered incline decks.

If you have ever used a treadmill at your local gym then you are likely to have seen treadmills from the likes of Life Fitness and NordicTrack commercial machines. These are likely to have cost upwards of £3,000 and will feature high-quality motors, shock absorbing running decks, powered incline control and running programmes built in.

What you need to spend on a treadmill is dependent on your requirements, space and intended use case.

Conclusion - Is using a treadmill a good way to keep fit?

In conclusion, using a treadmill can be a great way to keep fit. It is a low-impact workout that is easy on the joints, and it can be done at home or in the gym. Treadmills are also versatile, and they can be used for walking, running, or even hiking. So, if you are looking for a good way to stay fit, using a treadmill is a great option.