A gymnasium isn't complete without treadmills. Some people use it at home for exercising nowadays. Have you ever felt a difference between walking on a treadmill and walking on the ground? Which one works better for you?
A well-known fitness expert Chandra Gopalan, Director, Contours International, who is a marathoner too, has reviewed this cardio equipment for us. Let's check out the benefits and disadvantages of a treadmill...
The positive side
A treadmill is one of the easiest cardio equipment one can adapt to, as walking is something that everybody can take to, irrespective of fitness level. The treadmill is also used for running and interval training.
One of the main advantages of a treadmill is that it has a predictable even surface that is easy to walk/run on, compared to the road or a trail. Another great advantage is that the user can control speed, incline, warm-up & cool down period, etc. Many users prefer watching television or reading while using the treadmill to make the exercise interesting.
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Treadmill v/s Regular running
However, the treadmill's primary disadvantage is that it moves you in a different way than regular running.
The running movement involves -
- Impact on the ground ( muscles used - quadriceps & calves)
- Swing through the back leg to the front (abs and hip flexors)
- Pulling back of the planted leg to drive the body forward ( hamstrings and butt muscles)
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On a treadmill, as your left foot lands, the treadmill drags it behind, and you land the right foot before the left foot gets dragged too far back. Hence constantly, you are cushioning the impact with your knees, without needing to pull the leg back. This develops imbalances in your running style and muscular development which in turn increases the risk of injury.
Besides, it is common knowledge that moving on a moving surface is far easier than using your muscles and body weight to create momentum.
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In conclusion....
While a treadmill is easy to work out on and can be used indoors, the efficiency and calorie burn are not as high as jogging / walking outdoors.
So, whenever you have the opportunity to walk, jog or run outdoors, use it!
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