Treadmill vs outdoor run

steph2strong · July 2015

I love the treadmill because I can push the intensity and the incline, performing multiple intervals that keep me engaged. I run outside once a week for a slow steady state run, to change it up a bit. However, when I run outside I can never get my heart rate up the way I can on the treadmill.

cchill68 · July 2015

My wife and I don't use a treadmill as we own an elliptical machine. But I feel the same way is a tad boring even with some good music blasting. My only remedy to mitigate this is to put on a TV show I'm really into, I tend to binge watch my favorite shows like this to compensate.

ffbrown25 · July 2015

Running outside with an app like Map My Run is more challenging and interesting for me than the treadmill. I can manage my pace with the app and set goals to get faster/run longer. Plus, I can't control the hills when I'm running outside, which is probably for the best.

ETA:

Pie319 wrote: »

I think the muscles used are a little different also. The treadmill - because it's moving - helps you in your stride a bit. But outside it's all you, so I think you get a big more ham/glute outside. At least that's how it feels to me.

Yep, I've experienced the same. I definitely get more muscle burn when I run outside.

SweetPeasMom55 · July 2015

I love my treadmill but I think it's because I can zone out and not worry about getting run over or hit by anything. I do go outside but I need a buddy cause if I zone out I have my back being watched and them saying hey where'd you go.

shaypearl · July 2015

I can't run from Zombies on a treadmill. At least in my mind I can't. I absolutely hate running so down loading Zombies, Run really helped get me moving. I'm sure anyone watching me on the streets would think 'What the heck is wrong with that fool, stay away from drugs kids', because when I hear the words 'Zombies approaching!', I get to flailing my arms like a chicken with its head cut off. I don’t care if folks laugh while driving but imagining seeing that in a gym, oh heck no!

edack72 · July 2015

Ditch the treadmill and get outside I'm so much better outside I use the dreadmill as a last resort

MeanderingMammal · July 2015

PikaKnight wrote: »

I believe (for #2) it's because the treadmill has less of an impact on joints versus the pavement.

That's more a function of running form than surface. A dreadmill can encourage a shorter stride, rather than over striding.

sabrinacrandall · July 2015

I do a lot of both. On gym days I use the treadmill, other days I run outside. I generally find that I can run further and with a lot less effort on the treadmill than outside, at about the same pace. But I enjoy running outside more, even if I get tired faster and have to walk for a bit, because it's prettier and more challenging. I also realized that I run better if I don't have any distractions from music, tv at the gym, if I just look straight ahead and keep to my thoughts. However, I have to say that the place I do my best running is at the treadmill while on a cruise. There is something about looking out at the water that makes me run longer and harder than normal. I've been on two cruises, and this has been the case both times!