A major advantage of running on treadmills, instead of a track or other hard surface, is the cushioning that treadmills provide. Do you know anyone who has been running consistently for more than twenty years? They’ll likely tell you about their joint pain. The jarring effect of running can take its toll on the runner’s knees and feet. Most treadmills provide a cushioning mechanism that reduces the effect of running on the runner’s joints by cushioning the impact of each step. Studies have shown that running on treadmills can reduce joint impact by up to 15% over running on hard surfaces.
Simply taking time off between runs can often allow joint damage to heal and for the joints to actually strengthen. However, the conditioning of running can be so beneficial, and the act of running itself can feel so good, that the runner wants to do it every day. It’s human nature to ignore, or want to work through, the discomfort.
Treadmill cushioning also can reduce the amount of energy expended, compared to running on a hard surface. When running on a hard surface, a certain amount of effort is required to propel yourself forward with your calves and to absorb the impact of the landing of your feet. Treadmill cushioning reduce this effort. In place of this effort, the treadmill runner can exert more effort with the larger quadriceps muscles and thus burn calories more efficiently.
Many brands of treadmill proclaim the superiority of their form of cushioning. Trade names further the impression that that company’s cushioning is unique and superior. It is difficult to determine the truth behind these claims and impressions since manufacturers typically give few details on how their cushioning mechanisms actually work. Most of the mechanisms do provide an adjustment that allows the user to choose a lever from rigid to very soft. On more expensive machines, this adjustment can be made while using the machine. On others, the user must make this adjustment while off the treadmill.
Fortunately, this is one instance where consumers are not hurt by what they don’t know. Virtually all cushioning systems tighten or loosen the treadbelt by increasing or decreasing the tension of a form of spring that applies pressure against the underside of the belt. Many experts suggest that runners adjust the treadbelt tension to a level where they can feel the spring, but footing remains sure. This level of comfort should allow the user to run safely and efficiently for many years.
