The treadmill is a wonderful invention. It has allowed millions of runners to obtain a solid workout even when there is two feet of snow outside. Treadmills mimic outside running better than any other piece of gym equipment, including the elliptical and stationary bike. However, it is important that runners do not rely solely on treadmills for their workouts. While running on a treadmill mimics running outside, it is not the same thing.
The main problem with a treadmill is found in the moving belt. When we run outside, the sidewalks and trails that we run on obviously do not move. Therefore, our leg and foot muscles must pull back when we impact the surface to generate movement. However, when running on a treadmill, the moving belt moves the foot back.
Therefore, the muscles that runners use when they run are not exactly the same muscles that runners use when on a treadmill. The treadmill essentially gives a runner’s quadriceps, hamstrings, calves a boost in creating the running motion. These muscles do not have to engage in the “pulling” motion that drives the body forward when running.
So what does this all mean? Well, if you choose to run on nothing but a treadmill, you could be in for a rude awakening if and when you ever try to run outdoors. Your hamstrings, glutes, and calves simply might not be conditioned well enough to propel the body forward. This could lead to some pretty serious soreness and even injuries.
Therefore, try to mix in some outdoor running if you like the treadmill. If this is impossible, at least try to incorporate some hamstring, calf, and glute strengthening exercises to ensure that those muscles are activated. The bottom line is that the treadmill is a wonderful invention, and is fine to use, but you must make sure that it does not cause problematic muscle imbalances.
