I keep reading accounts of pitchers and other athletes who attribute their better throwing and getting in shape to the treadmill. They are not unique in this since many athletes also use the treadmill as their main work out . They believe that it is most effective in comparison to other commonly used methods.
To get in shape, they usually work out 3-4 times a week on the treadmill. After a while however, some have to cut back on the running to relieve stress on on the lower back. As they continue their treadmill workouts, they state that in addition to losing weight, they get improved leg strength and more flexibility in the midsection. According to them, it enables them to be more efficient in the delivery, move more quickly on the field, and play better all-round.
But, can running on a treadmill produce all of these benefits? There is no questioning the fact that you can lose weight by increasing your running. But you do not gain more flexibility and strength of the legs and midsection from running. You may gain a little initially as you adjust to the running but then it levels off and you maintain.
For true substantial increases you need strength training not treadmill running. Treadmill or any other kind of running does not make the legs stronger with the exception of uphill running. In addition, the midsection in running is for the most part static as you maintain the same posture. Thus, how can it get more flexible? The only way this can happen is for him to lose inches around the midsection so that he would be be able to bend over more freely.
We keep hearing stories about how many athletes get in shape for the upcoming season. This is typical of how baseball and other sports are basically well behind the scientific sports community. They are not using the latest knowledge on how to improve ones physical abilities and player performance. “Getting in shape” should not mean getting ready to play high level ball Getting in shape only enables you to begin serious training.
Sadly, most baseball and other players never get to this point. This may be one of the main reasons why there are no so many foreign players in baseball and other sports. Many of them go beyond “getting in shape”.
For more information on what it takes to become a high-level player, read Build a Better Athlete. It covers not only the need for better technique and an explantion of what constitutes good technique in the basic skills, but also the physical qualities needed as they relate to the technique.