There is always a misconception that running on a treadmill is bad for you. The truth is it's all about convenience, and I am here to discuss the Pros and Cons of running on a treadmill at home.
Pros and Cons of Running on a Treadmill at Home
Pros
Convenience
Safe Terrain
Climate Control
Difficulty Level is the same
Easier on Joints
Stimulate Environments
The convenience factor is the biggest because waking up in the morning and walking to where your treadmill is stored, and begin running is easier than dressing up to run outside. Safer terrain is important because you won't have to worry about any obstructions in your course, compared to outside where there are a lot of factors that could put you in jeopardy of injury. Climate control is a big factor because in the winter or summer mornings it could be very hot or cold. Running at home in a control climate you will not have to worry about that. The level of diccuifty is also better because you are always set to run the same amount in the same place. There is no uphills or downhills that you encounter running on a treadmill. Running on the treadmill is also easier on your joints because the belt is softer than the concrete you are running outside. If your knees are not used to running outside the impact shock could injury you.
Cons
Price
Marathon Training
Not all muscles are worked
Boring
Depending on the model that you get a treadmill can range anywhere from 500-5000 dollars. For many people spending 500-5000 dollars on a treadmill is not in there financial handbook. For those who want to train for a marathon a treadmill will not do it, training for something would mean you would must have the agility and the ability to adapt to your surroundings. Running on a treadmill will not because you are in a control environment. Another con is that it can get boring because you don't have a destination to run to, compared to outside. You don't have the motivation to stop running outdoors because you know you are not at your destination. Running at home the second you feel unmotivated you can stop running because you know that you are already in your destination.
Here is a video by Olympian Joanna Geiger discussing indoor running tips:
Reference:
Chock, C. (2012, October 29). Indoor vs. Outdoor Running: 3 Things to Know About Treadmill Training. Retrieved March 22, 2018, from https://www.active.com/running/articles/indoor-vs-outdoor-running-3-things-to-know-about-treadmill-training
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