Running

[NikkiACGW]

Is running on the treadmill a good cardio exercise?

 

[Tatyana]

Yes, there are a few things you need to consider.

1. You have good running shoes, and I don't mean going to NikeTown etc and picking up what they consider to be good running shoes. Go to a proper running store and get on a treadmill with the trainers you are considering buying. Running shoes also expire within six to nine months.

2. Get a really good sports bra. GET A REALLY GOOD SPORTS BRA. I can't emphasis this enough. Actually, you are better getting two. There is no point in getting fit if you are going to do tremendous damage to your breasts, as running will do this. And no, it doesn't matter if your breasts are small.

3. If you have any issues with your knees/ankles/hips, it may not be the best for you. It is also advisable to rotate to different cardio training as running is quite hard on your joints.

4. Running for more than 45-60 minutes at any one time is going to suppress your immune system, so unless you are training for a marathon, keep your sessions to less time than this.

 

[Thandie]

yes, there are a few things you need to consider.

1. You have good running shoes, and i don't mean going to niketown etc and picking up what they consider to be good running shoes. Go to a proper running store and get on a treadmill with the trainers you are considering buying. Running shoes also expire within six to nine months.

2. Get a really good sports bra. Get a really good sports bra. I can't emphasis this enough. Actually, you are better getting two. There is no point in getting fit if you are going to do tremendous damage to your breasts, as running will do this. And no, it doesn't matter if your breasts are small.

3. If you have any issues with your knees/ankles/hips, it may not be the best for you. It is also advisable to rotate to different cardio training as running is quite hard on your joints.

4. Running for more than 45-60 minutes at any one time is going to suppress your immune system, so unless you are training for a marathon, keep your sessions to less time than this.

++1

 

[MsBeverlyHills]

Is running on the treadmill a good cardio exercise?

personally, i would not recommend running on the treadmill because of the hardness of the surface...esp if your prone to injuries.

Go to the track. the newer synthetic track material has a pretty forgiving surface- much easier on knees, ankles & hips.

if you dont have a track close by, i would recommend beach running, dirt trails or grass.

 

[Tatyana]

personally, i would not recommend running on the treadmill because of the hardness of the surface...esp if your prone to injuries.

Go to the track. the newer synthetic track material has a pretty forgiving surface- much easier on knees, ankles & hips.

if you dont have a track close by, i would recommend beach running, dirt trails or grass.

I have a beach/seafront a block away.

Running on the sand surface nearly killed me the first few times, now I prefer it.

The only issue some women may have with outdoor running is safety.

Depending on where you live and when you run, don't use an ipod, train up your dog to run with you, or see if you have a neighbour that wants a running buddy.

 

[needtogetaas]

Running is sooooo good.

 

[vixensghost]

I'd rather have a root canal than run. However, I DO run the stairs at U of T once in awhile to mix it up. It's a killer workout! Great for the butt and leg areas!

 

[Thandie]

I'd rather have a root canal than run. However, I DO run the stairs at U of T once in awhile to mix it up. It's a killer workout! Great for the butt and leg areas!

Same here! I wouldn't run if my life depended on it. Well, in that case I might make an effort, Lol!

 

[vixensghost]

You'd think I'd enjoy banging the pavement to enjoy the outdoors---Nope! I get so darn bored and my mind wonders.

However, IF you give me some stairs--I feel that I have a goal to achieve in making those stairs my bitches. lol I guess to each their own, right?

 

[nangiggles]

I use eliptical machines, low/no impact is my way to go, not so fond of treadmills due to past calves injury....

 

[OMEGA]

Tats advice on Length of Runs is so spot on

 

[trex74]

I love running, but I get really bad shin splints that last forever, so i can't do it often. I stick to the elliptical and bikes

 

[OMEGA]

you have to keep running till shin spits go away

it may take MONTHS

 

[trex74]

you have to keep running till shin spits go away

it may take MONTHS

uh uh no way not doin it

 

[OMEGA]

I did lol

took 6 months

 

[musclemom]

I use eliptical machines, low/no impact is my way to go, not so fond of treadmills due to past calves injury....

+1 for some reason even walking on a treadmill tore my knees, ankles and feet up.

Running is out of the question when you have spine problems, too.

 

[trex74]

I did lol

took 6 months

and they really went away for good?
i have flat feet and get them almost every time I run or even walk fast-ouch...

 

[musclemom]

and they really went away for good?
i have flat feet and get them almost every time I run or even walk fast-ouch...

You should see a podiatrist and get orthotics for your shoes.

 

[trex74]

You should see a podiatrist and get orthotics for your shoes.

http://www.orthofeet.com/images/Photos-550/517-550.jpg

 

[musclemom]

http://www.orthofeet.com/images/Photos-550/517-550.jpg

Naaaaa,

Something you can wear in regular shoes. Flat feet aren't fun.

 

[DJ_UFO]

I only run on the steet. At the gym, walk, maximum inclination (15.0), speed 2.4 for 45 minutes. Sweat a gallon.

 

[OMEGA]

and they really went away for good?
i have flat feet and get them almost every time I run or even walk fast-ouch...

YES they went away for GOOD

One day they just never happened again, it was that simple

now.... Everyday before that day was excruciating, so much so I went to hospital 2 times to see if I had nerve issues or something.

Shin splints are usually because the muscle in front of the tibia is Weak , relative to the calf muscles

 

[musclemom]

YES they went away for GOOD

One day they just never happened again, it was that simple

now.... Everyday before that day was excruciating, so much so I went to hospital 2 times to see if I had nerve issues or something.

Shin splints are usually because the muscle in front of the tibia is Weak , relative to the calf muscles

This article has some interesting information: Shin Splints and Shin Splints Treatment

This section of the article highlights the two main causes of shin splints:

Overload (or training errors): Shin splints are commonly associated with sports that require a lot of running or weight bearing activity. However, it is not necessarily the added weight or force applied to the muscles and tendons of the lower leg, but rather the impact force associated with running and weight bearing activities.

In other words, it's not the running itself, but the sudden shock force of repeated landings and change of direction that causes the problem. When the muscles and tendons become fatigued and overloaded, they lose their ability to adequately absorb the damaging shock force.

Other overload causes include:

* Exercising on hard surfaces, like concrete;
* Exercising on uneven ground;
* Beginning an exercise program after a long lay-off period;
* Increasing exercise intensity or duration too quickly;
* Exercising in worn out or ill fitting shoes; and
* Excessive uphill or downhill running.

Biomechanical Inefficiencies: The major biomechanical inefficiency contributing to shin splints is that of flat feet. Flat feet lead to a second biomechanical inefficiency called over-pronation. Pronation occurs just after the heel strikes the ground. The foot flattens out, and then continues to roll inward.

Over-pronation occurs when the foot and ankle continue to roll excessively inward. This excessive inward rolling causes the tibia to twist, which in-turn, over stretches the muscles of the lower leg.

Trex falls into the second category and if she tries to run her shin splints off she could very likely end up in worse shape, orthopedically, than she is now. Flat feet don't get better with time or age, they need proper support. Both of my stepkids have really bad flat feet (my stepson's ankles, when he is barefoot, nearly touch the ground). They've been seeing a podiatrist and getting prescription custom orthotics for years.

As far as I'm concerned, women are already at a biomechanical (and gravitational) disadvantage when it comes to running. I think there's plenty of other low/no impact options that have the same if not better results with less potential for joint stress, boob bounce and stretch, or bone depletion.

As an aside, Omega, I think you should count yourself lucky you dodged a bullet. Continuing training that aggrivates shin splints can potentially cause muscle or tendon damage. I believe in encouraging people to pay attention to their bodies, to learn to know the difference between normal/acceptable soreness and muscle aches so that they recognize the type of pain that may signal something being really wrong.

 

[trex74]

This article has some interesting information: Shin Splints and Shin Splints Treatment

This section of the article highlights the two main causes of shin splints:Trex falls into the second category and if she tries to run her shin splints off she could very likely end up in worse shape, orthopedically, than she is now. Flat feet don't get better with time or age, they need proper support. Both of my stepkids have really bad flat feet (my stepson's ankles, when he is barefoot, nearly touch the ground). They've been seeing a podiatrist and getting prescription custom orthotics for years.

As far as I'm concerned, women are already at a biomechanical (and gravitational) disadvantage when it comes to running. I think there's plenty of other low/no impact options that have the same if not better results with less potential for joint stress, boob bounce and stretch, or bone depletion.

As an aside, Omega, I think you should count yourself lucky you dodged a bullet. Continuing training that aggrivates shin splints can potentially cause muscle or tendon damage. I believe in encouraging people to pay attention to their bodies, to learn to know the difference between normal/acceptable soreness and muscle aches so that they recognize the type of pain that may signal something being really wrong.

wow, cool article. actually I roll to the outside, so much that i usually find myself standing of the outside edges of my feet. always have. have to really concentrate to fully put my inside edges on the ground.
makes skating a bit of a bitch, and the shin splint thing, but otherwise no probs. maybe I'll look into getting some dress orthotics (thin ones). i know what the regular ones look like, i worked in a store that sold shoes for orthotics, and they suck the bag.

 

[musclemom]

wow, cool article. actually I roll to the outside, so much that i usually find myself standing of the outside edges of my feet. always have. have to really concentrate to fully put my inside edges on the ground.
makes skating a bit of a bitch, and the shin splint thing, but otherwise no probs. maybe I'll look into getting some dress orthotics (thin ones). i know what the regular ones look like, i worked in a store that sold shoes for orthotics, and they suck the bag.

My step son is the opposite way, the inside of his ankles will touch the ground, his arches are basically nonexistant. It's unfortunate because the kid really would have liked to have joined the military.

When you're talking about that much over-pronation/supination you need to see a foot doctor. You've got canadian healthcare, c'mon girl!

What they have to do is take a mold of your feet and make the corrections according to your abnormalities. You'll be able to wear them in most regular shoes (you can't use them in shoes that you can't take the insoles out of).

As skating, you're not alone. I've got weak ankles, I've never skated or roller bladed, my ankles will just fold on me out of the blue.

 

[DJ_UFO]

I remember having flat feet when I was a kid, but never cared about it. Never had problems either. But growing up, with hard exposure to this planet and military training, my carbon unit adapted itself to this dimension of time and space.

 

[OMEGA]

I remember having flat feet when I was a kid, but never cared about it. Never had problems either. But growing up, with hard exposure to this planet and military training, my carbon unit adapted itself to this dimension of time and space.

i'll have 2 of whatever your having lol

Muscle Mom thanks for the informative info!
and time it took to share it.

I appreciate it