Cardio indoor vs outdoor ?

AsrarHussain

I have a fitness test coming up, which is a shuttle run

I do my cardio indoors because when I used to run outdoor, it really bothered my shins and knees.
I found the pain unbearable and had to stop.

Is cardio on the machines as good as doing it outdoors ? If not what can I do

I have maybe 2 months till the test but I want to take advantage of this time

Chelle8070

I added one stretch to my routine and it helped immensely with my shin and calves. Stand up, flex one foot backwards with the top of your toes in the ground. You’ll feel it in the front of your ankle. If I’m running and it hurts, I take a moment and stretch again. It has been a god send.

I recently discovered I like running outside more because I find I go faster if I’m not predetermining what speed I’ll commit to on a treadmill.
Best of luck with your event!

spiriteagle99

If your test will be outdoors, you need to do some of your training outdoors. Indoor training works, but it is different because you aren't learning how to pace yourself or to deal with a variable surface. You might try training on trails or dirt roads, so you have a softer surface than asphalt.

aokoye

It's not about what is better, so much as it's about the fact that you're going to be doing this test outside. Items like it would make sense to gradually add some outdoor running and also probably some calf stretches. It also isn't clear what sort of cardio you're doing inside. If you're not running now, then you should start ASAP.

dewd2

Find the cause of your shin/knee pain and fix it. Running is generally not the cause. Running too fast/too far/too soon can be a problem. Running in shoes that aren't made for your gait can be a problem. Running in old shoes can cause issues as well. There could be issues with your form (over striding) or you may have other muscle weakness or flexibility issues that cause the lower leg pain. Plus many other possibilities.

Unless you already have structural issues (as determined by your doctor), running doesn't have to hurt. Fix the problem and get out side. Machines cannot replicate outdoors.

Good luck.

k8eekins

AsrarHussain wrote: »

I have a fitness test coming up, which is a shuttle run

I do my cardio indoors because when I used to run outdoor, it really bothered my shins and knees.
I found the pain unbearable and had to stop.

Is cardio on the machines as good as doing it outdoors ? If not what can I do

I have maybe 2 months till the test but I want to take advantage of this time

Personally, I'll prioritise conditioning-training in an outdoor space closest to you, which best mimicks where you'll be fitness-tested, once the shins and knees issues are sorted.

Echo dewd2@change your footwear.

Kenda2427

Given a choice outdoors every time. I loathe cardio machines

Sunshine_And_Sand

For me, I have always found that the only thing that ever prepared me for running outside was running outside. Treadmill and running an indoor track are great workouts, but just didn't help me with running outside. They will help prepare you a lot more than sitting on the couch though, so they are beneficial.
You may be different, but for me, if the test is outdoors, I'd have to train for it outdoors.

h7463

I never set foot on a treadmill in my life, but I have plenty of experience, running outdoors. I'm casting another vote for different footwear. I even had to change shoes between runs on the track or cross-country. If the competition is outdoors, training should probably be, too.
Best of luck!

CMKelly65

I have had the same problem with running outside, and on the treadmill I have no problems and could go for hours (well, maybe minutes... but it FEELS like hours!!)
I read that the difference in the work your body does is because there is wind resistance outside that you don't get on a treadmill, so if you increase your incline to 1% it offsets the lack of wind resistance. That's what we've done with our treadmill and have kept up our running all winter.
I also had the problem of going faster outside than on the TM, and that was what was giving me shin splints. I purposely slowed down and that was the solution for me.
Good luck! Whatever you do, it's exercise and it's good for you!

GigiC1130

Try slowly adjusting to doing cardio outside. It’s like night and day when you compare running on a treadmill vs outside. The treadmill is for sure a lot more comfortable on your legs, but running outdoors has a lot more advantages. Fresh air, you don’t feel like you’re on a hamster wheel, and you have control over your own pace. Good luck!