[Help] Consumer advice - Treadmills/running machines

[dazzer6666]

Treadmill running does have its place in training, particularly in the winter when dark mornings and evenings can limit your opportunities. However, as already mentioned, it can get tedious. The best way to alleviate this in my experience is to do 20-30 minute sessions of intense interval running - eg 2 mins fast, 1 min slow repeated 8-10 times. Again, this would need a treadmill with a bit of oomph to facilitate the fast intervals. Commercials gym treadmills can have speeds of up to 24kph and I don’t think I’d bother with a home one unless it had a top speed approaching 19-20kph.

Agreed.....just about ok for intervals, at least instills discipline in terms of speed and time, and is obviously much better than nothing. I can happily plod for hours outdoors but if I try it on a treadmill I lose all interest after 30 mins max. I did an hour this morning (in a hotel again) but that consisted of a warm up and then 4 x 1 mile intervals with short recoveries, then a cool-down jog.

Although it's physiologically easier, I actually find treadmill running harder. No way, for example, I can match my parkrun pace on a tready.

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[MJsGhost]

I bought a second hand one just over a year ago. I only paid £100. The one I got is nothing fancy and has no incline feature and no bluetooth connection. It just goes on the flat and runs from 0.8 MPH to 12 MPH.

I have used it pretty much every day for 14 months now. I have slowly built up my fitness and I have managed to loose over 4 stone in weight.

I don't think the type of running machine is that important, its more about having the inclination to use it.

 

[5ways]

Be aware that treadmill running is quite different from a physiological perspective as well. In layman’s terms, as the belt moves below you, your running style becomes more one of just falling forward to stay ahead of the belt, and you use considerably less drive from the hips and thighs, compared to road running, as a result. It’s a strange one to describe, but you cannot exist solely on treadmill running, because if you did, when it came to road running you would find it quite tough going because you have not developed the same drive from the waist/hips, and quads.

I guess this is why it feels a little like cheating. I can run and run on a treadmill at a pretty quick pace, I don't know the mph but on about level 15-17 out of 20 and get very sweaty but I don't know if it actually making me much fitter.

 

[timbha]

I guess this is why it feels a little like cheating. I can run and run on a treadmill at a pretty quick pace, I don't know the mph but on about level 15-17 out of 20 and get very sweaty but I don't know if it actually making me much fitter.

I think level 16 is 16 km (or 6 miles) per hour, ie 6 minute mile

 

[Badger]

Although it's physiologically easier, I actually find treadmill running harder. No way, for example, I can match my parkrun pace on a tready.

I think that also comes down to not being able to make the subtle adjustments to your pace you do when you run outside. Being able to slow down or speed up without thinking about, even just for a few seconds, really makes a difference.

 

[pauli cee]

I have a couple of treadmill/ cloth hangers things taking up space, one is very basic which is also a cycling machine, £10, the other is a quite flash one, with all the computer and stuff, but no manual, £30, needs to be collected from Worthing/ Lancing, or can drop off if local, (the flash one is massive...)

 

[Guinness Boy]

I hate treadmills. If they were the only way to exercise I'd rather be 25 stone.

Currently training for Brighton Half and the one time I had to use the dreadmill it lasted 20 minutes, after which I vowed never again.


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[Harry Wilson's tackle]

If it’s safe it’s far better and cheaper to run outside. Lots of us out there at all standards!!

Quite. But if you can't run any more due to knee ligaments that have turned to thin bacon rind, you need to cycle or use a cross trainer. Also if, like me, you have the attention span of a goldfish or small child, you'll get bored pretty soon. The general solution is to join a gym. I did recently and spend no more than 5 minutes on a range of machines, yet in the last few weeks I have become absolutely transformed:

 

[5ways]

I think level 16 is 16 km (or 6 miles) per hour, ie 6 minute mile

Exactly, I couldn't keep that up for very long on the pavement! On a treadmill you just sort of bounce along like Mario.

 

[pauli cee]

Quite. But if you can't run any more due to knee ligaments that have turned to thin bacon rind, you need to cycle or use a cross trainer. Also if, like me, you have the attention span of a goldfish or small child, you'll get bored pretty soon. The general solution is to join a gym. I did recently and spend no more than 5 minutes on a range of machines, yet in the last few weeks I have become absolutely transformed:

View attachment 94438

nice tits

 

[knocky1]

I think level 16 is 16 km (or 6 miles) per hour, ie 6 minute mile

Typo picked up by running stats pedant.

I think level 16 is 16 km (or 10 miles) per hour, ie 6 minute mile

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

nice tits

You're not the first to say that.

 

[timbha]

Typo picked up by running stats pedant.

I think level 16 is 16 km (or 10 miles) per hour, ie 6 minute mile

good spot. school boy error from me

 

[GOM]

I can understand someone may not be happy or confident running the streets on their own. A treadmill is a useful if not perfect alternative.