Legs hurt while running on treadmill, but not outside?

dreamer183
dreamer183 Posts: 4
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I've always had weak ankles, so I understand why my ankles hurt while running on the treadmill (although I did get an ankle support). But lately whenever I run on the treadmill, my hamstrings have been in agony, and lately my calves. Running outside doesn't bother me, though, and I prefer outside running to inside, but when it's raining I use the treadmill. However, my workout is usually horrible because I can barely run for 20 minutes (on good days). I usually walk for a few minutes before running, and lately I've been trying to stretch beforehand to see if that helps. I usually run at 5/5.2 mph at an incline of 1. I'm not overweight, I have a normal BMI and I've lost a few pounds over the last couple of months.

Any tips? Reasoning behind this?

Replies

  • timboom1
    timboom1 Posts: 762 Member
    My guess is that your form on the treadmill is much different than when you run outside. Treadmills you pull yourself along to keep up, outside you push yourself forward. On the next couple of runs pay attention to how your feet hit the ground (heel first, toe first...) and how you roll through and push off, as well as if you're feet are landing in front of you on the TM and more under you outside.
  • dreamer183
    dreamer183 Posts: 4
    Thanks for the tips! Today while I was on the treadmill, I tried to watch my form, making sure I wasn't slamming my feet and that my feet weren't out in front of me.
  • jamie31
    jamie31 Posts: 568 Member
    I have this same problem. My legs get sore when i run on the treadmill but are completely fine when I run outside. Sometimes i notice if I lower the speed on the treadmill then I am fine. When you run outside you make the pace as opposed to the treadmill making it for you
  • kkmarie11
    kkmarie11 Posts: 114
    if you run on the treadmill with an incline lower it so there is none and also I'm not sure if your treadmill has this but on mine on the bottom side is something to adjust the hardness of the belt if you make it harder or softer it could help before you touch it i would look it up to see if that could help or pull out the treadmill handbook to see if it could help
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