Using a gym treadmill sometimes

[Christo262]

A question can you do couch25k with a gym treadmill? I mean as part of the course when weather is too grim for outdoors? Has anyone done that? We would have to go to a gym as we don't have a treadmill at home and don't want one

[Kallyfudge Graduate]

Yes you can, treadmills are very useful. Highly recommend going outside when you can, even if its cold and raining, Once you get going the weather doesn't matter. Running outside is better to enjoy the running, if you don't want it to be a punishment. I also enjoy running on the treadmill sometimes, and allows you to add hills, control speed etc.

Running on a treadmill is easier speed wise than running outside, but aside from recognising that your going to slow down a little when you transition to outside running... so what?

Going to the gym to do it is good too, they have much better treadmills. I avoid gyms that have a tv mounted on the treadmill as i find it too much in my face, but some don't mind.

In summary, there's absolutely nothing wrong with running on a treadmill but don't get caught up in a loop of only running at the gym (like I do every few months), go outside whenever you can and enjoy running and the sights and the rain and discovering new places to run.

[Christo262 in reply to Kallyfudge]

Thanks Kallyfudge that is helpful. I don't think I will overdo it as I hate gyms 😻

[Kallyfudge Graduate in reply to Christo262]

No problem! I don't mind them, I really like using the cross trainer when I cant run (for injury sake or on rest days), and get tempted on to the treadmill instead. Or sometimes its raining and I want to listen to music and not have my phone/earphones break so I go to the gym, my gym is only 10 min walk away so its pretty convenient.

For the best chance of getting to love running, outside is the way to go that's why I encourage everyone run outside when possible and safe. But there's nothing magic or cheating about treadmills, just don't hang onto the rails some people do that... And I enjoy using treadmills every now and then

[Shivani05 Graduate]

I've done the entire programme on a treadmill and continue to run on it because that's what works for me for many reasons. It's perfectly fine to do so, and I love running despite popular opinion about treadmills 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Shivani05]

Go you, my friend!!x

[Christo262 in reply to Shivani05]

Thank you Shivani05 that is very good to know

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Take note of our wonderful Shivani05 !!! She is one heck of a runner and a real inspiration on the forum!

Many have done C25K on the treadmill, from choice or because there is no other choice... you are making this journey, your journey! You can do all or some runs on it. Better than no runs ever!

I did not use one when doing C25K, but have used my elliptical cross-trainer when on the Injury Couch ( recovering from broken ribs) and when the weather has been too icy to go out. I use it to keep me supple and to keep the old body moving!

There are some good offers out there for a home one... but if the cost of the gym is not an issue then go for it

[Shivani05 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks floss

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Shivani05]

xx

[Christo262 in reply to Oldfloss]

Ouch broken ribs x thanks

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

PS

As Kallyfudge says.. inside and out is so, so different! This is an interesting article, if you have a moment to read it.

bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-353...

[Christo262]

Thank you all very much. I saw how divisive this topic was somewhere else. One comment from a lady and one really agressive one from a hater of treadmills! I knew I would get sensible and generous advice here. What a lovely lot you all are.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Yes. Apart from a few weeks I did the whole programme on a gym treadmill and loved it. Then when I moved outside I loved it more 🙂 but I have very fond memories of my treadmill runs 🤗

Running is running and it doesn't matter where you do it.

[LeeU Graduate]

I use a treadmill, mainly because I can sometimes work odd hours and having a treadmill at home saves me having to go out at 9-10pm or as early as 4-5am.

I would say to always use at least 1 degree of incline but the link to the report above states that too, supposedly better on the knees as well.

[Christo262 in reply to LeeU]

Thanks LeeU