Debunking Treadmill Myths – Facts VS Fiction

Who does not know about the treadmill? Undoubtedly, they are the first choice when it comes to cardiovascular exercises. Moreover, they are an integral part of any home fitness or gym setup. As with everything popular, the treadmill comes with its sets of doubts and myths. From concerns about whether they are effective or not to whether they make your joints weak or not – there are a myriad of myths circulating about treadmills.

Does working out on the treadmill make you a lazy runner? Does it affect your joints? Let’s debunk these and many other myths in this article today!

1. Treadmill Running is Harder on the Ligaments and Joints

Myth Busted!

There is a general notion that running on the treadmill can put unnecessary strain on your joints and ligaments. However, this is not the case. In fact, it is the total opposite. According to research, they are gentler on the joints because they have a padded belt. This absorbs much of the shock of running and reduces any risk of injuries.

Some of the modern treadmills are equipped with a shock absorption feature. The Xterra Fitness Treadmill TRX3500 has an extra, cushioned shock absorption deck, making it best for you!

This is why treadmill running is mostly recommended to people who are recovering from joint or muscle injury.

2. Running on the Treadmill is Boring

Myth Busted!

Again, this is not true. Majority of the people assume that running in a place can be boring and monotonous.  Firstly, it is not. Secondly, even if you feel that it might be, modern treadmills have a solution for that. Treadmills like the NordicTrack Treadmill Commercial 1750  with a wide-screen LCD to make running fun!

Not only this, treadmills like the Proform USA Carbon T7 Treadmill come with an iFit membership that allows you to enjoy the perks of having a fitness trainer in your house. You can select from a range of fitness workouts and make the most of your treadmill.

3. You Run Faster on a Treadmill as Compared to Outdoors

Myth Busted!

This is not true. It seems that running in a controlled environment, without the resistance of weather and terrain might allow you to pick up speed – this is not true. When you run outdoors, you need to propel your body forward against the wind. Once you pick up momentum, you can run faster outdoors as compared to indoors.

4. Treadmills are Not for Building Muscles

Myth Busted!

Treadmills have long been linked with cardiovascular health. This is why people have started to believe that treadmills can only be used to get your body pumping and heart rate up! If don’t properly, treadmills can be used to increase overall strength, and coordination and build muscles.

The trick is to use the machine properly. You can incorporate strength training while walking or running. Include squats and lunges.

5. The 1% Incline Rule

Myth Busted

The 1% incline rule suggests that when you set the incline of the treadmill to 1% or greater, it will mimic the outdoor running conditions. This is not true. This is a general assumption and is very oversimplified. It does not take into account different weather and terrain conditions.

Final Words

In the end, it is all about which treadmill you buy and how you use it. At Fitness Depot, we have a wide range of treadmills that you can choose from. These range from the most affordable ones to the high-end, multi featured ones. All you need to do is select the one that seems best to you and start your fitness journey today!