When thunderstorms make outdoor running impossible, the treadmill is your best friend. But how can you use it most effectively? Here’s a guide to help you make the most out of your treadmill workouts.

Tips for Effective Treadmill Use

1. Vary Your Speed

Many runners follow a simple pattern on the treadmill: start with a walking pace, gradually increase speed, maintain the fastest speed until exhausted, and then slow down to a walk. However, it’s crucial to remember that the treadmill’s belt won’t automatically slow down when you’re tired. This can cause you to unconsciously lengthen your stride to keep up, increasing the risk of injuries to your knees, hips, or hamstrings.

As sports medicine expert Jay Dicharry advises, focus on your body instead of getting lost in music or TV. If you feel the speed is too fast, reduce it immediately. Even a slight increase of 5% over your usual pace can lead to injuries.

Due to the treadmill’s softer belt, experts suggest wearing shoes with softer soles for treadmill training to prevent discomfort when transitioning to outdoor running.

2. Use Incline Settings to Mimic Outdoor Conditions

Unlike the varied terrain of outdoor running, a treadmill offers a flat and soft surface, which can reduce wear and tear but also decreases your muscles and joints’ ability to adapt to rough terrain. This makes transitioning back to outdoor running more challenging and increases the risk of injury.

Fortunately, most modern treadmills have adjustable incline settings. As Calgary University professor Reed Ferber points out, even minor adjustments in incline can help train your muscles and joints to handle varied terrains better.

3. Choose the Right Media

Without the changing scenery of the outdoors, TV shows or music become essential distractions on the treadmill. Research shows that different media can significantly impact your running performance. Experts recommend running at your ideal pace during engaging TV shows or performances and slowing down during commercials. Similarly, choose music with a tempo that matches your running pace to maintain consistency.

By following these tips, you can enhance your treadmill workouts, making them safer and more effective.