Is It Better to Run Outside or On a
Treadmill?
Since treadmills started to be used regularly people have
wondered if it is better to run outside or on a treadmill.
The answer to that question is not as simple as you may
think. In some instances a treadmill is better and in other
instances it is better to run outside. It isn’t a question
of whether or not it is good to use a treadmill at all.
Running on a treadmill is, obviously, better than not
running at all. As with anything, there are pros and cons to
using a treadmill.
Pros
Getting Exercise
When it comes to physical fitness it is better to get some
exercise than none. For various reasons some people cannot
run in their neighborhoods so using a treadmill allows them
to still go running. Running is one of the best forms of
exercise and a treadmill is one of the only pieces of
exercise equipment that gives a full weight bearing workout.
A Treadmill Allows You to Control The Workout and Can be set
for Pace Training
When calibrated right you can set your speed and run a set
amount of time. The treadmill can be set to an incline to
increase your workout and can be set to flat ground to give
an easier workout. This is helpful on days that you aren’t
feeling well and don’t feel up to doing your usual run but
still want to get a workout. This is a great way to do pace
training; as long as the treadmill is calibrated correctly
you can set a specific speed and learn to stay at that
speed.
Available Year Round
You can go running on a treadmill in all seasons and through
any weather, and unless you place the treadmill on your
patio you don’t have to worry about getting rained out. Snow
and other conditions that may make it hard to be motivated
to run aren’t a problem either. Depending on the equipment
you're using, you can even go running bare foot if you want
to; if you tried running bare foot outdoors you are most
likely going to get injured.
Easier On Your Body
A treadmill works as a slight shock absorber versus running
outdoors on the road. This keeps the impact on your body
from running to a minimum. You don’t have to stop and start
for vehicles, pedestrians, barking dogs and other obstacles.
You don’t get chased by dogs and bitten very often either,
and if you do you know it's time to take your dog for a walk
or else get a new dog.
Correct Posture and Form
Running on a treadmill in a gym or at home where there are
mirrors available allows you to see your form and correct
your posture. Runners who are training for an event can use
a treadmill as a learning tool. Watching your form in a
mirror allows you to critique your style and feel what the
proper form feels like. It is much easier to make
corrections when you can see and feel what each change you
make is doing to your overall form.
Cons
Calibration Can Be Off
While it is great to use a treadmill at a preset pace for a
specific distance not all treadmills are calibrated
correctly. Many people mention that they can easily run
eight or ten miles on their treadmill daily but when they
try running outdoors they can’t make it five miles. Another
frequently heard complaint is that it takes twice the time
outdoors to run two-thirds the distance that can be covered
on the treadmill. This is a sign that the treadmill isn’t
calibrated correctly. You can get exercise running on a
treadmill that isn’t calibrated correctly but it is
difficult to tell how good of a workout you are really
getting.
Lack Of Air Resistance
When you run outdoors you have air resistance, this makes it
a little harder to run and increases your workout slightly.
For some people this is a big perk and they really feel as
though treadmills are lacking in this area. The real problem
you will find with the lack of air resistance may not be the
missed workout but the missed opportunity for natural
cooling. Sweat cools the body as the air hits it, running
usually causes a breeze and you cool quickly. Artificial
running doesn’t cause a breeze and you can overheat and
dehydrate by sweating profusely to cool off while running
indoors. If you place a fan in the room it can help you to
keep from getting too hot while working out.
Limited Stride
While you are on the treadmill there is a limited amount of
space and so your stride is going to be limited. The belt
pulls your legs and your job is to move them back into
place. The area you can move along is limited to the belt,
you cannot step anywhere else. This limits your stride. For
people with shorter legs it is possible that the limited
stride won’t be noticed but for taller people this can be a
problem.
Artificially Smooth Surface
When you run outdoors you have obstacles to overcome. There
are a potholes and rocks; bumps and hills; twists, curves
and many other obstacles that you have to overcome. On the
treadmill you have a smooth surface. This surface doesn’t
have any dips, cracks, or deviations at all. You always have
to take the exact same steps; you don’t have to worry about
pebbles. The artificially smooth surface can make it
difficult to deal with other types of terrain if you train
exclusively on a treadmill.
Easily Fatigued
People who train exclusively on a treadmill can easily get
fatigued when they have to deal with the obstacles that are
available when running outdoors. Running on a treadmill is
constant, you don’t have to start and stop for interruptions
such as traffic and stoplights. Changing your stride,
getting used to wind resistance and having to propel your
body on your own instead of just having to move your feet
from behind you back to the front of the conveyer belt can
tire you quickly if you aren’t used to doing all of that
work.
Boredom
The biggest problem with running on a treadmill instead of
running outdoors is boredom. When you run outdoors you have
to pay attention to your environment. Running indoors can
get boring as you don’t go anywhere. The scenery doesn’t
change; it is like moving your feet and getting nowhere.
Whether it is better to run outside or on a treadmill
depends on your personal goals. If you are training for a
race you may want to be exposed to the elements
occasionally. You are going to want to be able to pace
yourself and be able to deal with different types of
terrain. If you are motivated better by changing scenery and
the ability to see other people while you are running you
may want to run outdoors. If you are looking for some
exercise and you aren’t worried about the downfalls of a
treadmill then running indoors could be a great option for
you.
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