Tips for the treadmill....

[Podge123]

Hi everyone, I graduated from the C25K a few weeks ago and have done a couple of post graduation runs since. I preferred to go out jogging to a quiet area running along a breakwater as I have been too conscientious to jog where others can see me (overweight issues!)

As the weather is changing and the mornings/evenings are getting darker, I took the plunge and bought a second hand treadmill (hoping it would encourage me to continue jogging over the winter.)

However, I have been on the treadmill twice now and feel like it is a big struggle compared to jogging outside. Is this normal? I'm also finding that I feel unsteady on my feet whilst on the treadmill, feeling that I'm going to lose balance, again is this normal? Is it something that I will get used to or is it a case that some people just don't find it easy because of the motion of the treadmill? (I hope this makes sense?!)

[misswobble Graduate]

Oooh I felt seasick reading that 😕

I don’t think humans were designed to run on machines I’d rather take my chances outside. Gear on and go. Rain, snow or blow 💪👍😃

Save it for the most extreme of circs. Icy conditions, deep snow, gales

I suppose like everything else these things get better with practice

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

I did my C25K entirely on the treadmill having not run outside for 20 odd years. It was fine and then I 'transitioned' to outside but I still use the treadmill for interval work.

Treadmills *can* be hard ... I find it's the heat (no wind or passing air to evaporate your sweat and cool you down) and associated increasing heart rate that makes it tricky. Balance-wise I've never had a problem.

My tip - make yourself comfy by walking on it first - increasing the speed slowly and then change to v slow jogging. Give yourself time - you'll be fine.

[Garden17]

I try the treadmill but can not stand it best why to run is outdoor in the fresh air it was one long struggle for me I keep try but I give up on it

[GTypeR Graduate]

I had to practice on the treadmill before I started the C25K. I literally had to hold on the front bars because of balance issues. After a few walks and runs I was fine though. You will get better each time and it’s just putting some miles on it that’s needed. The only tip I would give apart from that is don’t imagine the tread moving your feet, imagine you are pushing the tread.

[Woggle Graduate]

Like you I have just acquired a second hand treadmill. I agree it does feel strange but I am determined to get use to it. Twice isn’t enough it took us 9 weeks to run for 30 mins. I would be interested to see your progress. My biggest problem is the speed setting. Don’t give up better the treadmill than not running

[KayBee1000 Graduate]

I suffer from motion sickness, and I really struggled on the treadmill for about the first 3-4 sessions. I would still feel like I was moving when I finished, and felt quite sick! But I persevered, and now only get a slight momentary wobble when I stop.

It just takes time to get used to the change. Some people say running on a treadmill feels too ‘easy’, others says it feels harder, it’s just different.

I think if you get the speed control right so you’re in a nice steady rhythm, any wobbly issues should lessen. Have you checked the belt is not too loose? That can make it a bit too bouncy?

Good luck!

[Woggle Graduate in reply to KayBee1000]

What speed do you use

[Podge123 Graduate in reply to Woggle]

Hi Woggle, I've only tried up to speed number 4 so it's pretty slow to be honest!

[Woggle Graduate in reply to Podge123]

Likewise. Did try 4.5 for a bit. Still onwards and upwards

[KayBee1000 Graduate in reply to Woggle]

I think I started at around 4mph, now that I’m on Week 8 I start at around 3.9 and reduce to around 3.7 as I tire! I am very slow though...

Some others on here said they found it too easy even going 6mph (which would be 5k in 30 mins). I never find it too easy... 🤣

The trick is to find the speed that works best for you - it’s just trial and error.