Here comes the truth, treadmills suck. They're boring, they're dangerous, they're expensive, they're big and heavy - WORST OF ALL: They are NOWHERE as good as an exercise as running. But that's not all...
running on treadmills is a terrible way to get in shape.
Running on a treadmill is alot like jogging in place. Have you ever ran around the block, and then like you ran into a red light or stop sign and then you started jogging in place to keep yourself in motion while waiting for a chance to run across the street? If so, then I'm sure you will be quick to agree with me that running forward is a hell of a lot harder than jogging in place.
Running on a treading really is just jogging in place. There is no emphasis on moving forward, in fact, you're jumping up...and trying to spend as much time in the air as possible while the tread turns below you. There is no force required to pull yourself forward when really running. You see, in real running, you actually have to reach forward with a foot, and then use that leg to pull the rest of your body forward. Then you continue pulling body OVER that leg and then you push OFF that leg. That pulling and pushing is a tough workout, and running on a treadmill takes out that aspect of the workout. The only muscles used when running on a treadmill are the ones used to keep you upright.
Don't believe me? Run two miles around a track, and then run "2 miles" on the treadmill, and tell me which one is WAY harder. Or, wait till the next day and for each workout and tell me which one leaves your legs feeling more sore.
So what else is bad about a treadmill besides the fact that it cheats you out of a real exercise? It's expensive, treadmills aren't cheap to buy. They cost alot to buy, to fix, and to assemble. They're big clunky and take up space. Most treadmills sooner or later become a $500 conveyor belt toy for children's golf balls, tonka trucks and anything else that rolls. Next to happen is that the darn thing breaks and you don't feel like chucking out $150 to fix it.
The ultimate crime that a treadmill commits is that it won't get you in shape. That's the truth. Treadmills are boring, BORING. You WILL QUIT sooner or later. A treadmill is made for impulse buyers who go to Sears and decide on the moment that they want to be on shape and that they will force themselves to run. WRONG! A treadmill won't motivate you to get in shape. You might very well believe so if you think that by putting it by a TV will help - it won't.
The only way to get a real running exercise is to run outdoors, outside...and with a partner. That partner will motivate you, and keep you company, and make working out a fun part of life. A treadmill will burn your money, bore you, leave as out of shape as ever, and worst comes to worst - it might even trip you and give you a bloody nose.
Save your money, and just go outside.
