Jesse asked:


I normally run outside but it’s starting to get cold and I am wondering if I will lose progress during the winter if I am running on a treadmill instead of outside. I also lift weights and crunches. Plan to join in 1 year.

Katheryn

9 Responses to “Is running on a treadmill a good way to start conditioning for the Marine Corps?”

1. Natasha B(blocked by cowards) on January 31st, 2010 2:05 am

   Yes, you can also elevate it so that it seems as if you are going uphill.

2. Thank you Blue Dogs on February 1st, 2010 2:12 am

   you should be fine its a little different but you would keep your cardio that’s the main thing, keeping your running ability high at all times

3. Veggie Marine on February 4th, 2010 1:43 am

   How old are you? If you’re a Senior in high school you should enlist with the Delayed Entry program to pick your ship out date (you know, like after your graduation or whatnot). Anyway, to get back to your question, yeah running on the treadmill is fine if it’s too cold outside. Usually it’s also easier on your knees because it absorbs the shock, unlike concrete. One year before my ship out I started running too, although I would run every morning from 5-6 come rain or shine (or snow) LOL. I can’t even begin to count how many times I slipped on ice in the Winter LMAO.

4. John B on February 5th, 2010 4:19 pm

   be careful when on a treadmill because there is no cushioning, carry on training outside it’ll benefit from when it gets warm again. is there any indoor tracks for you to run in?

5. john on February 8th, 2010 8:49 am

   both is the answer your looking for. try running on the treadmill bare foot its what I do. when you life weights focus on building your back and as for crunches do what you normally do but do Marine Corps crunches two min three times a week should be enough to max it out.

6. jeeper_peeper321 on February 10th, 2010 8:18 pm

   Actually treadmills do not substitute for running outside.

   The load and forces on your joints are not the same as running outside.

   Why would you lose progress by running outside in the cold ?

   When your in the Marines, your gonna run outside in the cold.

7. Nick on February 13th, 2010 9:14 am

   Im in the Army but we both have to run so I think I can answer your question. While the treadmill will still give you a good cardio workout, the best way to get better at running is by running. Running in the cold sucks and its hard on your lungs but if you can get good running when its cold, it will be 10x easier when it warms up again. Another thing we do quite a bit in the Army that increases your endurance when it comes to running is sixty one twenties. You basically sprint for 60 seconds and then jog for 120 seconds. I did that for an hour, 3x a week for 3 weeks and i took a little over a minute off my 2 mile run which allowed me to finish with a 13 minute and 17 second 2 mile.

8. I love my Marine on February 15th, 2010 9:48 am

   My boyfriend is a Marine and he suggests you continue to run outside. Yes, it’s cold.. But running on a treadmill will slow you down. Believe it or not, it’s not the same thing as if you were to be actually running. Plus, you won’t have treadmills in boot camp.. No matter what the weather is the DI’s will have you guys outside running in it. So don’t give yourself any luxury now, it won’t help you any.

   Good luck with everything. (:

9. Chase L on February 17th, 2010 7:44 pm

   Yes, just keep your self in shape