A Popular Cardio Staple
Treadmills are among the most commonly used pieces of fitness equipment, both in gyms and home settings. One of the key reasons for their popularity is their simplicity – walking or running on a treadmill closely mirrors natural movement, making it an accessible and familiar form of cardiovascular exercise for most people.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started with fitness or an experienced runner aiming to maintain consistency, a treadmill can be a highly effective training tool. It allows you to walk, jog, or run in a controlled environment, regardless of weather or time of day.
Safety First: Using a Treadmill Responsibly
While treadmills are generally safe when used correctly, they do come with risks – especially if safety instructions are ignored. Children should never be left unsupervised around treadmills, as accidents can and do happen. In fact, high-profile cases like the tragic death of Mike Tyson’s daughter on a home treadmill serve as stark reminders of the importance of vigilance. While such fatalities are incredibly rare, minor injuries – such as trips, slips, or strained joints – are far more common.
To minimise risk, always start the machine at a low speed, and never jump onto a moving belt. You should be standing on the side rails before starting the treadmill, then step onto the belt once it reaches your chosen pace. For example, if you select 5mph, you’ll need to keep pace with the belt moving at that speed to avoid being thrown off.
Best Selling Treadmills by Type
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
NordicTrack Commercial LE Treadmill |
£1,499.00 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
NordicTrack T Series 9 Treadmill |
£1,299.00 |
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| 3 |
|
NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill |
£1,899.00 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
NordicTrack T Series 5 Treadmill |
£699.00 |
Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
NordicTrack T Series Treadmills |
£650.97 |
Buy on Amazon |
Benefits of Treadmill Training
One of the biggest advantages of using a treadmill is the convenience it offers. You can run or walk in the comfort of your own home regardless of the weather – ideal when it’s raining heavily, snowing, or dark outside. This level of accessibility helps remove common barriers to exercise.
In addition, most treadmill belts are cushioned, providing a softer landing than outdoor surfaces like concrete or tarmac. This can help to reduce the impact on your joints, which is particularly beneficial if you’re prone to knee or ankle issues.
Treadmills allow you to tailor your workout to your needs. You can adjust speed and incline at the touch of a button, offering flexibility whether you’re aiming for a gentle stroll or an uphill sprint. Many machines come with built-in training programmes that vary the pace and incline automatically, helping to keep your sessions interesting and effective.
What’s more, treadmills often display real-time data such as heart rate, calories burned, distance covered, and time elapsed. This makes it easy to track progress and stay motivated – a feature that outdoor running doesn’t always offer unless you’re using a fitness watch or app.
If you have a treadmill at home, you can even incorporate light activity into otherwise sedentary tasks. For example, walking on a treadmill while watching TV is a great way to stay active without changing your routine too much.
Potential Drawbacks
Despite the many benefits, treadmills aren’t perfect. One common criticism is that running on a treadmill doesn’t quite replicate outdoor conditions. The movement of the belt can encourage a shorter stride and less natural running form, which over time may affect your technique or even contribute to injury.
Treadmill workouts can also feel repetitive or uninspiring, especially during longer sessions. Even machines with entertainment features such as screens, Bluetooth speakers, or virtual running routes may not completely eliminate boredom for everyone.
Another factor to consider is cost. Purchasing a treadmill for home use can be expensive – a decent model usually starts at around £400, with high-end machines costing well over £1,000. In addition, treadmills tend to be bulky, take up significant floor space, and can be quite noisy due to repeated footfall, especially in upstairs rooms or flats with wooden flooring.
Treadmills are also not ideal for sport-specific training. If you’re preparing for a cross-country race or athletics event, running outdoors on real terrain will provide better preparation and help train your body for uneven surfaces, weather elements, and natural inclines.
Should You Buy a Treadmill?
If you prefer to exercise at home, want to avoid running in poor weather, or like the idea of walking while watching television, investing in a treadmill could be a great option. They offer convenience, versatility, and the ability to get a solid cardiovascular workout without stepping outside.
However, before you commit, it’s worth thinking about your available space, budget, and how much you’ll realistically use the machine. Treadmills are a significant investment, both financially and in terms of space, so make sure it fits your lifestyle and training goals.
Final Thoughts
Treadmills are a fantastic way to build cardiovascular fitness, improve endurance, and stay active year-round. Used correctly and consistently, they can be a valuable addition to any fitness routine. Just be sure to weigh up the pros and cons, and always put safety first.
Would you like help comparing different treadmill models or recommendations based on your space and goals?
