Runners tend to have very strong opinions about treadmills. Some runners swear by them and are loyal treadmill runners, whereas others feel that “real runners” would never run on a treadmill and avoid them at all costs. What matters more, of course, is that people are actively taking care of their bodies and are getting in regular physical exercise, regardless if they’re running outside, exploring nature, or if they’re staying in the same spot and running hamster-wheel style.
Treadmill running is inherently different from outdoor running, however. Particularly if you’re coming from a background that has been beset with injuries, you may worry that running on a treadmill will be deleterious to your health, particularly your knees. So if you are sure you want a treadmill and are on a budget, you could find treadmills under 300 that are available in the market.
Is running on a treadmill bad for your knees?
The answer: inherently, No. However, there’s more to this simple response than meets the eye.
Typically speaking, when runners run on a treadmill, they’re experiencing different types of shock absorption than what they’d be getting if they were running outside. Treadmill belts can effectively absorb the shock that comes from each footfall during a run, and in fact, some people think that treadmill belts are actually more shock-absorbent — and thus, better for your body — than running on pavement outside.
On the other hand, purists will say that the very best running surface for your body is not pavement or treadmill belt but instead, dirt, a la trails.
Another tricky thing about treadmill running is the complete lack of elevation. Users have the option to adjust the treadmill “terrain,” so to speak, by inclining or declining the treadmill belt to mimic downhills and uphills. Running at 0.0 incline on a treadmill isn’t comparable to what you’d run outside, save for (perhaps) on an all-weather track. Sometimes treadmill runners find that if they don’t adjust the treadmill incline, at least periodically, they will be more disposed to overuse injuries because their bodies aren’t changing gears at all, so to speak, to account for differing terrain as they would if they were running outside.
Finally, one last aspect to treadmill running is the speed factor. Oftentimes, runners who go out on a treadmill like to “set it and forget it.” They choose the pace they want to run, and then they go out and do it. In real life, when you’re running on roads or trails, your body is constantly calibrating and adjusting for the terrain and weather variances. Some people suggest that staying at the same speed, at the same terrain elevation, as you would on a treadmill might actually predispose you to injury due to a heightened risk of overuse injuries.
With all of this in mind, we can say that no, treadmill running is not bad for your knees. However, do be sure to take extra caution when you run on treadmills. Adjust the pace and terrain elevation frequently so to as mitigate your injury risk.
Some running is better than no running, so if treadmill running is what you enjoy, then by all means, happy trails!
AUTHOR’S BIO:
JANE GRATES – Hiking addict and a certified triathlete. Operating at the intersection of design and intellectual purity to give life to your brand.
Source : Photo by Jonathan Colon
