Treadmill?

[BobDylan67]

I’m starting Wk6 today. I’m lucky enough to have a treadmill and am going to use that rather than going out in the ice and snow. Do you think treadmills are as effective as going outside for building up the programme?

Thanks x

[Hidden]

Whether you run outdoors or on the treadmill, running is running.

I personally prefer running outside because I run more naturally outdoors. My body slows or speeds up almost imperceptible depending on the ground, how I feel, etc. And I don't have that on the treadmill as it has a fixed speed, because of which I don't run naturally and always ache a bit afterwards (plus running on the dreadmill feels so much difficult and heavy). That said, I do have a treadmill and I very very occasionally use it when weather is really bad outside. I used it 1 time when it was storming and there was risk of falling branches and flying debris. Yesterday (and today) it has snowed a bit with freezing temperatures, making it outside rather unpleasant. Snow is ok, but this snow is frozen hard and slippery. I am going to go outside today after work, just to have run in this situation at least 1 time. I'll run when I can and walk when I have to. But then I have experienced it and if it remains the same the coming days and I find it not pleasant enough outside, I can and will jump on my dreadmill.

[BobDylan67 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. I too prefer to be outside, but too slippery for me today.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

I did the whole of C25K on a treadmill - that was 6 years ago and havent looked back since. When treadmills are available I do around 30% of my running on them.

They are an invaluable tool has far as I'm concerned - even more so in Covid-times!

[BobDylan67 Graduate]

Good to know!