Is Running On A Treadmill Easier Or Harder?

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By Simon Gould

Running on a treadmill is something a lot of runners have to do whether they like it or not. Perhaps the weather is too bad outside or just the convenience sometimes calls for a treadmill run. 50 million Americans choose to do it per year so there are many good reasons out there. But how does it compare to running outside, is it easier or harder?

Why treadmill running is easier

Treadmill running has shown to be scientifically easier than running outside. You do lack the freedom of movement you get with running outside. You can't accelerate, or change your stride and you have to concentrate on a treadmill but it is shown that you use less energy. So what are the reasons for it being easier?

The lovely bouncy treadmill has something to do with it. The deck helps propel you along as each stride gets it's own encouragement from the belt. This means there's less impact on the joints and lower leg. The historic and well written reason is the lack of wind resistance. Personally I've always wondered if we as humans can run fast enough for the wind to have an effect but the science says it does.

How to make treadmill running equally as hard

The same scientific article I pointed to above recommends you put the treadmill at an incline of 1% to equal the energy cost of running outside. That said it's definitely not the same as running outside as the belt moving beneath you utilizes your leg muscles slightly differently. Running on a treadmill does not perfectly imitate running outside.

If you are training for a race then it's best not to do too much of the preparation on a treadmill. The way your feet and leg muscles have to cope with slightly different terrain requirements every time you land and push off, means a treadmill can never really replicate outside running. So use it sparingly.

Summary

That's not to say the treadmill does not have uses for runners who usually exercise outside. I've already covered the weather and safety aspect where perhaps it's dark outside and a treadmill run would feel safer. But a treadmill can be excellent for particular types of workouts for runners. Speed work comes into it's own on a treadmill.

Speed work is good on a treadmill because you have the ability to set your own incline, speed and distance. You can do tempo, fartlek and interval runs to a good standard. You can even do high intensity training. All this makes the treadmill a great piece of equipment to use whether it is easier or harder.

Thinking of buying a treadmill? See my top 3 recommended treadmills for 2021