Treadmill vs. walking outside

saundts

I was curious, what is better, walking/running on the treadmill or going out on the street to walk/run?

amtyrell

The one you do. Both can be great depending. You don't want to skip working out in bad weather or when can only walk at night thats tteadmill time. On a lovely day get outdide and walk or run.

Lillymoo01

The one you enjoy the most. For me that isbwalking outside. I love being in the great outdoors as it is very therapeutic. Spent a lovely 3 hours today walking along the beach. Hardly felt like exercise.

TavistockToad

Walking/running outside is harder so will burn marginally more calories.

jenilla1

Whatever you like. I am bored by the treadmill, but at least it's in the shade and it's convenient. It's also pretty easy on the joints. I do that when the weather isn't great or if it's dark out. Running and walking on the street is like a nightmare to me, between the wear and tear caused by the hard surfaces, the noise and road pollution, potential hazards from idiot drivers, and the perverts screaming and hooting at me (and occasionally stopping to chase me down.) I don't do the whole street thing anymore. Running out on the street was always emotionally/spiritually draining to me. It took me a while before I could even enjoy running on dirt roads (even ones with no car traffic) because I had such negative associations.

But I trail running! In fact, I just did 13 miles today in the hills. It's peaceful, beautiful and meditative. It's an absolute stress killer. And, because it's so pleasant, I can go on and on forever, racking up the miles. I can't go very far on the treadmill before my motivation dies. Dirt isn't as hard as cement, so it's easier on the joints. The air is fresh, so you can breathe. Birds are singing, flowers are blooming and breezes are blowing - yes, it's very "Disney" out there! Other runners and hikers wave as you go by, and nobody's honking or hollering. I look forward to my runs/hikes in the hills. (I've only crossed paths with one creeper in the 20 plus years I've been out there, but nothing bad came of that, thankfully.)

Just figure out what you enjoy, and that's the one that's ultimately the best way.

ruqayyahsmum

I use both.
I have 2 kids. Ones disabled and the other is a high needs baby so running outside the way i was before i fell pregnant isnt an option.
I use the treadmill afternoon/evening but i look forward to our weekend hikes in the great outdoors

senor_jeff

Like Jenilla above said, running outside on concrete paths at least is hard on the joints without proper running shoes. Running/walking on trails is much easier. I can run barefoot on the treadmill but after 30 mins I have to stop as my soles start to get hot, so the treadmill is easier on the joints. On the flip side, the treadmill doesn't require you to push like running on the road, so it's easier and I assume burns less calories?

Francl27

The advantage of the treadmill is that you can adjust the incline.. so I typically burn 30-80 more calories an hour on the treadmill vs outside. I can't run though, but I'm guessing it would be more calories too (unless you run steep trails or something - which I'm amazed people can do as I always feel I'm going to twist my ankle when I WALK them).

I do both - love my neighborhood walks (suburb with almost no traffic), love hiking, but it's nice and relaxing sometimes to just watch a TV show on the treadmill.

Joanna2012B

I love running outside best! I go on the road early morning before most people are out of bed! I love trail running, the only problem I have is my time. I don't feel comfortable running trails in the dark. I will use the treadmill on occasion, but I bore easily on it therefore a half hour is my max. So it's truly a personal preference!!

TimothyFish

Walking outside is better than walking on a treadmill. Not only is it better exercise, there are health reasons to get outside.

BrettWithPKU

Joanna2012B wrote: »

I will use the treadmill on occasion, but I bore easily on it therefore a half hour is my max.

This. The treadmill is a good alternative to walking outside when it's raining, but I'd rather gouge my eyes out than spend more than 45 minutes on the treadmill.

TavistockToad wrote: »

Walking/running outside is harder so will burn marginally more calories.

For this reason, if you use a treadmill DO take advantage of the incline, making the treadmill session slightly more difficult and thus burn slightly more calories. The Internet appears to suggest setting a 1-2% incline (depending on who you ask) to compensate for factors of walking outdoors.

Kimblesnbits13

I prefer the treadmill due to all the tv shows I get to catch up on and it's easier on the joints. But when I'm on vacation I'll jog outside since I won't have my tv in front of me haha. Outside is therapeutic though.

2011rocket3touring

I use a treadmill. What I like about it:
1. It is cushioned. I can run for far longer stints than I can outside.
2. I'm protected from the weather
3. I can catch up with TV shows via Netflix and Hulu. Holy sweet mother do I LOVE Breaking Bad.
4. No bugs.

mitch16

There are pros and cons to both... I prefer outside because the scenery is better, but the treadmill is nice during inclement weather.

jmormur

I prefer the treadmill. No worries about weather cancelling my exercise, no cars or pedestrians to dodge, and I can just concentrate on my music and run.

allisonl6

I really like to run barefoot, so the treadmill is a safer option for me lol. I'm also very introverted so I have to push harder to convince myself to go outside where the people are. I find I run more when I can be alone in my space.

trigden1991

I hate walking or running on the treadmill so I would be unlikely to stick with it. Thankfully I love walking/hiking so go outdoors and always have motivation to do so.

Calorie-wise I would say it doesn't make that much difference unless you are really pushing yourself.

AngryViking1970

2011rocket3touring wrote: »

I use a treadmill. What I like about it:
1. It is cushioned. I can run for far longer stints than I can outside.
2. I'm protected from the weather
3. I can catch up with TV shows via Netflix and Hulu. Holy sweet mother do I LOVE Breaking Bad.
4. No bugs.

Yep. I HATE bugs.

coreyreichle

BDonjon wrote: »

Joanna2012B wrote: »

I will use the treadmill on occasion, but I bore easily on it therefore a half hour is my max.

This. The treadmill is a good alternative to walking outside when it's raining, but I'd rather gouge my eyes out than spend more than 45 minutes on the treadmill.

TavistockToad wrote: »

Walking/running outside is harder so will burn marginally more calories.

For this reason, if you use a treadmill DO take advantage of the incline, making the treadmill session slightly more difficult and thus burn slightly more calories. The Internet appears to suggest setting a 1-2% incline (depending on who you ask) to compensate for factors of walking outdoors.

A caveat. The best study I've seen on the subject shows the difference between the two is marginal, until one hits ~7mph. Only then would you need the incline to compensate for lack of wind resistance.

Sassafras106

Personally I would find a track or go outside...
Running excessively on either sidewalks or treadmill surfaces however will eventually cause injury

H_Ock12

Whatever works best for you. I get horrible shin splints on the treadmill, so I train outside.