running on a treadmill questions

cepmom

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Apr 9, 2004
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In June I started running 3 miles, a few days a week. I started out on my crappy treadmill doing the Couch to 5K, then transitioned to running outside near the end of the C5K program. I've been running outside since then and love it, but being in MA, the roads are less than desirable for outside running right now.

Today I ran on my treadmill again and HATED it! My lower back was killing me! I had been thinking about joining a gym to be able to use the treadmills during the winter months but I wonder if the quality of treadmill will make a difference for me.

I know my treadmill stinks so I didn't expect my run to be great today, but someone I know said she didn't think a better treadmill would make a difference; that if you are used to street running that running on any treadmill isn't going to feel good. Any thoughts? I can't imagine a better treadmill wouldn't feel better but who knows :confused3
 
Why not visit the closest gym where you might wish to join. Ask if they have a one-time visit for free or for a nominal fee. Then try out all of their treadmills to see if there is a difference.
 
Why not visit the closest gym where you might wish to join. Ask if they have a one-time visit for free or for a nominal fee. Then try out all of their treadmills to see if there is a difference.

I did think about that...will call today and see
 
You are not alone OP. I love running on the street, even in the cold and snow, and running on the treadmill is like torture. Even a short 3 or 5 mile run on it is just mentally draining. I'm sure it is part mental and part stagnant gym air but it takes a lot to make me head to the gym. Happily I have not had to resort to it yet this year.
 

You are not alone OP. I love running on the street, even in the cold and snow, and running on the treadmill is like torture. Even a short 3 or 5 mile run on it is just mentally draining. I'm sure it is part mental and part stagnant gym air but it takes a lot to make me head to the gym. Happily I have not had to resort to it yet this year.

I keep going back and forth over this..I don't know why as my health insurance will reimburse the cost of the membership so it's not like I'd be out any money, but I hate to join if I'm not going to use it.

My typical run is mostly on main roads, so I need to either run on the sidewalk or right along the edge of the road. Lots of snow and ice this past weekend so running that route is not really safe right now. I could mix it up and run around my neighborhood on all the side roads I guess, but it would be a lot of running in small circles basically to stay off the main roads.
 
I have a treadmill that allows me to adjust the running surface of the treadmill from soft to hard. I like a softer running surface because I have problems with my feet, so it works great!

Maybe a different treadmill would work better for you.
 
I keep going back and forth over this..I don't know why as my health insurance will reimburse the cost of the membership so it's not like I'd be out any money, but I hate to join if I'm not going to use it.

My typical run is mostly on main roads, so I need to either run on the sidewalk or right along the edge of the road. Lots of snow and ice this past weekend so running that route is not really safe right now. I could mix it up and run around my neighborhood on all the side roads I guess, but it would be a lot of running in small circles basically to stay off the main roads.

I'd still join. Even though I hate the treadmill I use the weights, machines, spin bikes, and pool. Resistance training is an important part of running which a lot of people neglect.
 
OP--I much prefer running outside--but the weather doesn't always cooperate! We have a moderately ok treadmill at home, but I still much prefer the heavy duty treadmills at the Y. I think it makes a huge difference. I will run on the one at home if I have to, but if I can get to the Y I go there. A lot of places will let you try stuff out first before joining. Good luck!

Oh, and I second Frank in that you might find something else you like as well. I take strength class twice a week and often use the ellipticals or bikes to crosstrain. :)
 
Hi! I hear you about the weather. I'm in Connecticut and in the same boat. Training for the marathon, I actually ran 4 hours straight on the tread last weekend. I had no choice, it was too arctic cold up here!

The quality of the tread will definitely make a difference. Gyms will often let you work out a few times as a trial, it couldn't hurt to call one and ask before you commit.

Tricks..i read on the tread. I'm short so i don't bounce up and down too far from the page :). I also make sure I listen to music or watch tv. Doing intervals helps..run for 4 mins/ walk for 1. It moves the time along.

When I run at the gym, time passes better than when i run on my home tread. Good luck :)!
 
Where in Ma are you?

I know 2 great gyms, belong to both. One North Shore - Beverly Athletic club - stellar facility.

South Shore I do the Hanover YMCA - unreal for a Y.

I also get reimbursed and both are on the HC lists.
 
I love the treadmills at my gym since I can watch a whole movie during my runs!! :thumbsup2

How do you find out if your Health Insurance covers gym membership? That is awesome!!

-nat
 
I found it does matter some. I prefer tracks that are rubberized or whatever but the gym treadmills haven't been bad on me. When I had my own it bothered me somewhat.

Right now I know it would be hard and bother my legs because of my weight.
 
Where in Ma are you?

I know 2 great gyms, belong to both. One North Shore - Beverly Athletic club - stellar facility.

South Shore I do the Hanover YMCA - unreal for a Y.

I also get reimbursed and both are on the HC lists.

I'm on the south shore...SS YMCA in Hanover is really nice but I like to get up early and work out before work/getting kids to school and Hanover is too far for me.

I opted to sign up for Planet Fitness since it's close by and really cheap....$99 for 12 months. I really only want it for the treadmills and maybe some of the weights.(I have weights at home that I use)

I don't want or need group classes so PF fits my needs for a great price. My DD signed up too and our insurance will cover up to $150 per family per year so for the two of us it's only costing $48 per year!

natale1980 - call your health insurance and see if they offer reimbursement for gym memberships. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield...they also cover $150 per year for weight loss plans so when I joined Weight Watchers 3 years ago that was covered too!
 
natale1980 - call your health insurance and see if they offer reimbursement for gym memberships. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield...they also cover $150 per year for weight loss plans so when I joined Weight Watchers 3 years ago that was covered too!

I have blue cross blue shield also!! I'm going to call them on Monday.
Thanks!
 
Let's face it--running on the TM just stinks. It's not at all the reason why most of us run or love running or love/hate running. I ran last week in the beginning of a snow (that turned out to be a storm) and just loved it! It was the most invigorating run I'd had in a long time. Unfortunately even socks w/ my Vibrams didn't keep the toes warm enough & I had to bail.

Anyway, TMs are a necessary evil & can even be helpful. I like them for speed work. I agree w/ Frank though, you might want to take full advantage of other stuff at the gym. Strength training, and the core in particular are really important if not essential (so says my PT). The quality of TM absolutely makes a difference.

Another consideration--my gym has an indoor track. If there's one like that near you I'd really recommend it. It's a great alternative.:goodvibes

Shanonn:banana:
 
Let's face it--running on the TM just stinks. It's not at all the reason why most of us run or love running or love/hate running. I ran last week in the beginning of a snow (that turned out to be a storm) and just loved it! It was the most invigorating run I'd had in a long time. Unfortunately even socks w/ my Vibrams didn't keep the toes warm enough & I had to bail.

Anyway, TMs are a necessary evil & can even be helpful. I like them for speed work. I agree w/ Frank though, you might want to take full advantage of other stuff at the gym. Strength training, and the core in particular are really important if not essential (so says my PT). The quality of TM absolutely makes a difference.

Another consideration--my gym has an indoor track. If there's one like that near you I'd really recommend it. It's a great alternative.:goodvibes

Shanonn:banana:

I ran in the snow before the big storm last week too! I saw the storm was coming and had to get my run in before the roads got covered and I couldn't run for a while. I enjoyed it as well. I do use weights at home and do a balance ball workout a couple days a week so I do get the resitance training in at least a little bit. I will be sure to check out the options at the gym I joined though because I'm sure there is more there than what I have at home:goodvibes
 
natale1980 - call your health insurance and see if they offer reimbursement for gym memberships. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield...they also cover $150 per year for weight loss plans so when I joined Weight Watchers 3 years ago that was covered too!

Thanks for the tip. I have BCBS too, and never thought about asking if they cover gym or ww.
 
Hi! I hear you about the weather. I'm in Connecticut and in the same boat. Training for the marathon, I actually ran 4 hours straight on the tread last weekend. I had no choice, it was too arctic cold up here!

The quality of the tread will definitely make a difference. Gyms will often let you work out a few times as a trial, it couldn't hurt to call one and ask before you commit.

Tricks..i read on the tread. I'm short so i don't bounce up and down too far from the page :). I also make sure I listen to music or watch tv. Doing intervals helps..run for 4 mins/ walk for 1. It moves the time along.

When I run at the gym, time passes better than when i run on my home tread. Good luck :)!

I agree. I am an ardent runner (10 miles a day, and coming down for the WDW marathon tomorrow), and a good, COMMERCIAL treadmill will make a difference. The running boards are better, and the cheaper treadmills tend to slip, and not give a smooth run. I have 2 treadmills in my house, and use the Life Fitness one. It is great. I live in the mountains, so running outside is ARDUOUS to say the least. Try the gym - and BRAVO FOR YOUR EFFORTS!!!!
 












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