Treadmill Pros & Cons

When we think of cardio we often conjure up a vision of a treadmill just sitting there waiting to be used, we also envision ourselves running or walking our way to our fitness goals.

If you are just starting your fitness journey and considering making walking or running part of your fitness routine there are definitely some things that you should keep in mind.

Treadmill Pros & Cons

Pros:

No Distractions running or walking on a treadmill inside a gym or your home can provide a serious dose of “No Distractions” which really means it’s safe and allows you to be focused on the task at hand….cardio.

Movies & Music if listening to music or perhaps watching a movie is something that you want to do while working out then the treadmill is definitely the way to go it will allow you to safely do these things for the time that you spend on the treadmill.

Run Or Walk It’s Up To You Not everyone wants to run and not everyone wants to walk therein lies the beauty of using a treadmill, it’s entirely up to you.

Cons:

Boring for some people running or walking on a treadmill even with portable entertainment can be incredibly boring and take away the enjoyment that many people feel when they use a treadmill.

Cost, unfortunately, the cost of a treadmill can be expensive. Depending on where you want to do your cardio is going to matter when it comes to your wallet. If you decide that you want to work out at home, the cost of a treadmill can be anywhere between $1,000 to $3,000 not including the cost of installation. Depending on which treadmill you purchase will ultimately dictate how much you will pay. If you decide you are going to work out at a gym while a much more economical choice, you will still have to pay for a membership.

Pro or Con? While the question of whether treadmills are better for your joints is still being answered the fact is that for some people the treadmill is better and easier on their joints. The belt on a treadmill is definitely more flexible and for those who have sensitivity in their joints and are easily injured when running or walking on hard surfaces, this is definitely an option. For some people, however, treadmills are more painful on their joints and they will often tell you that it is better to run outside than on a treadmill.

The treadmill not unlike other gym equipment has its Pros and Cons but which one you should use will ultimately come down to you and your fitness needs. As a CPT, I have always suggested to clients to try out the treadmill first (running or walking) and determine if it is something they really want to commit to and ultimately purchase.

What kind of running do you prefer Outdoor or Treadmill? Please share your comments below.