Treadmills are available at pretty much every commercial gym. But is it healthy to use a treadmill for exercise? We think so! Find answers and learn about the many benefits of running on a treadmill today.

The Benefits of Treadmill Exercise

Sure, you’ve spotted it at every fitness center or home gym you ever visited…but what does a treadmill do for your body? 

The treadmill is a classic—and there is a reason for its longevity in athletic circles. Folks love how accessible and customizable it is; athletes can choose a pace, workout, and even machine style that works for their unique fitness levels. Furthermore, the treadmill is famous for delivering a pumping cardio workout—and that exercise has a long list of physical and mental health benefits!

If you want to learn more about the benefits of treadmill workouts, you’re in luck. At Jack City Fitness, we are experts on this classic piece of equipment, and we’re here to share our take with you. 

Are Treadmills Bad for You? 

Before we get into the benefits of treadmill workouts, let’s address a common misconception about this machine. Are treadmills bad for you? No, treadmills are not inherently dangerous or unhealthy. Not only is running on a treadmill good for you, but it can also be great for your health. 

However, it is important to choose the right machine for your needs, use proper form, and follow a workout that suits your goals and athletic ability. The best way to do this is with the help of an experienced fitness trainer or coach, who will ensure that you’re using the right machine and engaging in the best workout for your body. 

Is the Treadmill Good for Weight Loss? 

Yes, definitely! A treadmill is a fantastic tool for those hoping to shed a few extra pounds. When you run on a treadmill, you’re engaging in cardiovascular exercise—and cardio is a winning ticket to weight and fat loss. 

Now, any type of treadmill can be a great tool in a weight loss journey, but there is one type that stands above the rest: the Woodway. 

For those not yet in the loop, the Woodway is an extraordinary make of treadmill initially developed in Germany. Designed to meet more athletic needs, the Woodway’s unique, curved bottom shape allows athletes to use proper form and enjoy a full-body workout. In fact, Woodway treadmill users have been shown to burn up to 30% more calories than athletes using an old-school treadmill. 

Athletes also prefer the Woodway because it can work with their chosen pace—if you move faster, so does the machine. If you slow down, so does the Woodway belt. This makes the machine more accessible for less experienced athletes who want a more active lifestyle or to drop a bit of weight.

The Best Treadmill Benefits

Ready to learn the many benefits of walking on a treadmill? We’ve pulled together some of our favorites.

1) It Offers Consistency

Love running? You’ve probably noticed that not all jogs are the same. For athletes who run or jog outdoors, all types of elements affect their workout (and results). After all, when running outside, you can’t control things like terrain, wind, or incline—you are at the mercy of your surroundings.

Enter one of the most important treadmill benefits. With this machine, you control your running experience; you choose everything from incline to speed. This creates a consistent workout experience you can rely on.

2) It Is Cardio Royalty

Looking to make the most of your cardiovascular endurance? The treadmill has you covered. It’s one of the most famous forms of cardiovascular exercise available to athletes!

Cardiovascular (or aerobic) exercise is defined by its ability to make your heart rate go up, and is associated with all kinds of health benefits. By regularly engaging in a cardiovascular workout like the treadmill, you can help manage and protect against several medical conditions, enjoy more energy, better skin, less pain, and even improved mental health.

3) It Is Customizable and Accessible 

A treadmill is not a one-size-fits-all type of machine—and that’s a good thing. Treadmills allow athletes to customize their settings to suit their preferences and needs. Most machines let you select your preferred incline and pace and input your stats (like height, weight, or even heart rate) to customize your workout. Some machines, like the Woodway, even do some of this intuitively.

Customizing a treadmill makes it much more accessible, particularly to athletes without much experience. Additionally, most machines have handrails, making the treadmill ideal for post-injury or rehabilitative exercise. 

4) The Treadmill Is a HIIT Champion

For athletes hoping to add some more spice to their High-Intensity Interval Training routine, a treadmill may be the answer. This machine is a fantastic addition to HIIT workouts—its customizable nature makes quick, intense routines straightforward. 

5) You Can Run Any Time, or in Any Weather

It’s not always a beautiful day for a jog. Even if you prefer running outdoors, your gym’s treadmill can make for a great alternative when the weather gets rough. 

This same school of thought applies to running in the dark. Although some athletes prefer working out or jogging after the sunsets, they may not feel safe doing so. This can be especially tricky during the dark days of winter! If that struggle sounds familiar, we recommend searching for a gym that stays open 24 hours. You can still have your nighttime run on your schedule without any anxiety or stress—plus, the gym will be nice and quiet.

6) It’s a Fat-Burning Machine

As we mentioned previously, the treadmill is an excellent piece of equipment for athletes looking to lose weight. This is due to its power as a cardio machine. Some athletes even calculate their heart rate to find their optimal fat-burning zone on the treadmill. Your fitness coach will be able to help you with this!

7) It’s Enjoyable

Lots of athletes look forward to their time on the treadmill simply because they enjoy it! For some, it is a great way to unwind and have some peace and quiet after a long day. For others, a treadmill and a pumping playlist are their tickets to a great morning. Some athletes even say that a treadmill sesh is the perfect time to sweat while catching up on their favorite show! 

Reap the Benefits of a Treadmill With Expert Athletes 

There are lots of gyms with treadmills, but you must know that not all fitness centers are made alike! Don’t waste your time (or hurt your back) running on an obsolete or poorly maintained machine. Instead, join us at Jack City.

At Jack City Fitness, we offer our Partners all the latest athletic equipment—including the renowned Woodway treadmill machine. Ready to get started? Our fitness coaches are waiting to meet you and help get you started. Call (208) 999-1111 today to get in touch with our team! We’ll invite you to our Boise gym for a FREE fitness consultation and a chance to tour our facility and see the treadmills we offer. 

Once you sign up to be a Jack City Partner, you’ll have immediate access to our 24/7 gym, rotating schedule of classes, one-on-one sessions, and plenty of custom options! We have everything the athlete needs to succeed…and we get RESULTS! Come and join us—we can’t wait to meet you.