Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Right now I'm training for entrance PT's, and I had a question about running. I'm about a year away from actually applying, but I want to be sure I'm in the best shape I can be for when the time comes. I've read a number of threads mentioning how treadmills can give you a false sense of accomplishment because they don't actually simulate propelling your body forward. I was wondering:

1) Is this the consensus?
2) If so, is there any way to configure a treadmill's incline settings (or something similar) to approximate the increased difficulty of running on a track?

The reason I ask is that my school doing construction on the stadium, and the track will be torn up until the spring. Running on pavement seems hard on my knees after a few weeks, and using the treadmills seems to be the most convenient alternative.

Thanks for your input.

1) Yes. Treadmill is a lot different than the track.

2) Inclining it will help but it's still not the same.


You might as well get used to running on the pavement. Most academy's still run on asphalt.

I like a treadmill for a couple of reasons. One is that you can't slow down when you get tired. Two, they are alot easier or your joints. That being said I am getting ready to start training on asphalt because that is what I'll be doing in the academy. Better get used to it.

I hate running on a treadmill. I really hate running outside. I just hate running regardless of where it takes place.....unless you running from me, then I will catch you:) To answer your question though you should still train on a tread, just up the incline to 2 or 3 and get outside as soon as you can.

A treadmill is fine for beginners. You can even get a great cardio workout . It is NOT good to get ready for a PT test because as you said, you are not actually propelling your body.

When I run for fat loss, I use a treadmill. When I run for conditioning, I run on asphalt.

I guess I'd better start hitting the asphalt. Thanks for the replies.

And make sure you have GOOD running shoes so you don't get hurt!

And make sure you have GOOD running shoes so you don't get hurt!
Amen to that. I went and bought a pair of Saucony running shoes and the difference is unbelievable. Props to Darin for the heads up on that BTW.

I use a treadmill and a Nordic Track on alternating days. But if I was planning on having to pass a PT test I'd be out on the road.

The PT test isn't going to test your overall level of fitness. It's going to test your ability to run. Treadmills are great for staying in shape but they do not do a great job of preparing you to take a PT test.

It's sort of like doing bench presses. They are good for working out, but if you are going to be tested on how many pushups you can do in two minutes then you have to do pushups to prepare.

I often use a treadmill for training. If yours has the setting, the random hills is a good one. Rather than setting it to only 2-3%, I let it vary all the way up to 7. I keep the speed constant and vary the inclines. It's not bad.

I also like to stay off pavement. Try finding some trails nearby. I trail run all the time on some nearby mountain bike trails. It's kind of like doing free-weights vs. nautalus. You have to slow down, but there are hills and a lot of stabilizing on the uneven terrain. It is a great workout!

I used to use both the treadmill and road running at leat 5 times a week. After I got shin splints so bad I couldn't walk, I had to stop all running for about 8 months to heal up. I used an eliptical trainer during those months to keep up my cardio.

Now I use an elipitical trainer two days and two days of road running during the week. The way I figure it, my "routine" is never routine. I still maintain the ability to road run for the next training class without all the drawbacks or long build up of running on pavement required when using just the eliptical trainer. My cardio doesn't suffer form the change up either.

I alternate outdoors with my treadmill WHEN I exercise -- LOL.

Outdoors EVERY time the weather's nice - take advantage of it. Then, treadmill when I'm STUCK indoors (or I have the girls w/me by myself), or if something good is on TV & it'll help me stay w/it.....

I just found out that using a stepladder to take down the “popcorn”, retexture and paint two coats on large living room ceiling is one hell of a workout.

My buttock cheeks are still on the sore side.

Note for Term and the Chode Man; Cheeks, buttock cheeks!

Now try spraying a knockdown on it. you butt and your shoulders will be very sore.

I personally do about a mile on the treadmill twice a week, and do the the rest of my running on both cement and track conditions. Treadmills are waaaay easier to run since the floor is running for you. Once you transfer from treadmill to cement/track/terrain, you'll totally feel the difference.