Machine learning
Forget ‘dreadmill’ – take your training to the belt for a few awesome advantages
1 PREDICTABLE TERRAIN
The constant, steady motion can be a smoother runway for sprinting compared with less predictable outdoor terrain, says Matsuzaki. Also, you don’t have to rely on a watch to tell you how fast you’re going – you get the immediate feedback on the machine, allowing you to more seamlessly switch gears.
2 SELFREFLECTION (LITERALLY)
If your gym has treadmills in front of mirrors, that’s a good opportunity to check for form cues, such as whether your knees are rolling inwards or your arms are crossing your body’s midline. You can also set up your phone to shoot a video of you from the side.
3 PACE PRECISION
Cadence training, like with a metronome, is best done on the machine, notes Matsuzaki, as it controls every step you take. FYI: some studies have shown certain runners have a higher cadence on the treadmill, though other research shows it’s similar to that in road running.
4 QUICK PAY-OFF
Strapped for time or restricted by the weather? Hop on the treadmill for 10. Doing a single treadmill endurance session – running at an increasing intensity until you’re tired, which usually takes nine or 10 minutes – may improve inflammation, immunity, blood sugar and more, posits a study from Stanford University.