I’m not one to (overly) vilify the treadmill. I actually find it a very useful training tool. I wouldn’t want to do every run on a treadmill but it can definitely have its uses when preparing for a race. Here are 6 reason you might consider buying a treadmill yourself.

Easy to use 

Of all the fitness equipment out there, the treadmill might be one of the easy to use. Step on, press start. No need to read through any manual. The best part? You are in total control. You pick the speed, incline and duration of your workout. Want to walk? No problem. Want to run? Not an issue. Want to do high-intensity intervals until you coat the dashboard in sweat? Go for it.

Workouts

Don’t know what you want to do? Don’t want to design your own workout? Still not a problem, most treadmills come pre-loaded with a number of workouts from easy 5k walking loops around a flat, virtual track to more challenging hill repeats up that steep mountain side.

Weight loss

In general, a treadmill will burn more calories in more time than almost any other piece of home fitness equipment. A study by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showed that a vigorous workout on a treadmill burns around 700 calories, compared to 627 for stair climbers and 498 for stationary bikes. Another study done by the Medical College of Wisconsin and the VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, showed that calories burned on the treadmill for 60 minutes averaged 705 – 865, more than a stair machine, rowing machine or stationary bike.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Exercising regularly is a great way to keep the body in good shape and decrease levels of disease in the entire body. The heart is the most important muscle in the body, and it needs to be exercised to be in top shape. Treadmills give a great cardiovascular workout and help improve heart health. Each time you step on a treadmill, you strengthen your heart. In addition, aerobic exercise can also help reduce your bad cholesterol while raising your good cholesterol.

Most experts recommend that people exercise at least five days per week, for 20-60 minutes.

Easier on the joints

The padded deck of the treadmill is better and easier on your joints than running on hard pavement or concrete. This can help me log a few more miles each week without stressing my arthritic knee.

Convenience

Unlike a fitness club with set hours and set time limits on most cardio equipment, a home treadmill allows you to workout when you want for as long as you want. Better yet, you can wear what you want. Who cares if your t-shirt doesn’t match your shorts. Only your dog will know. If you prefer to run in spandex without a shirt, go for it. The cat won’t mind. He already thinks you’re crazy.