Treadmills were first invented in 1875 and used for animals in order to provide power for farm and other machinery. In 1952, Robert A. Bruce incorporated the treadmill into a medical stress test. This was the first time humans walked on a treadmill. It was not until the 1960's that treadmills were used for exercise. Since then treadmills have become popular in-home exercise machines used for both walking and running.
Training Programs
Most treadmills will allow you to set a program for a specific training goal. For instance, if you want to run three miles, you can program the treadmill for a three mile run. Additionally, if you desire to run in order to burn a specific number of calories, treadmills typically have programs that will estimate your calories burned. Often treadmills have other programs that allow you to vary the speed and incline at which you are running throughout your run time.
Speed Training
If you are training for a race, the treadmill is a great tool for speeding up your run pace. They allow you to do interval runs, where you gain speed for a specific short interval and then slow again. Treadmills allow you to run at a specific set speed and distance, whereas when running outside you are less likely to accurately judge these elements.
Injury Prevention
Treadmills provide a softer surface on which to run than concrete and asphalt, where most people run. Giving your joints and connective tissues a rest can help prevent overuse injuries. Likewise, if you are already recovering from an injury, the treadmill is a good tool to help you gently rebuild your muscles and stamina. The surface of treadmills varies in the softness of the surface and some machines even allow you to adjust the level of shock absorption.
Convenience
Another advantage to treadmills is that you can run on them no matter the weather. A second convenient feature of the treadmill is that it can fit in your home. An in-home treadmill gives you the flexibility of training at any time of day without traveling to an outside location. If you have a gym membership, you can easily find a number of treadmills there to use for exercise. Also, when travelling, most hotels provide treadmills so that you can still train when away from home.
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