Extra benefit of running outside?

blueboxgeek

Other than fresh air and changing scenery are there any other fitness benefits of running outside over running on the treadmill.

I know lots of people hate the treadmill and only do it when they have to and can’t run outside, but I honestly don’t mind it. If at home I stick some tunes on my mp3 player and it’s fine. At the gym they have screens so you can watch something or listen to music.

But is it actually better for you to run outside? I like the convenience of being able to go on the treadmill no matter what the time is, or what the weather is like. But I’ve never really tried running outside.

KristiRTT

As far as a health, weight loss benefit for running, I believe treadmill and pavement running to be pretty similar. The benefits for taking your run outside are the differences in elevations ie hills and getting your tendons stronger by running on roads that constantly change. If you are planning on running in races, outside running is essential, so you learn how to pace yourself and how your body feels in different weather. I ran mostly treadmill miles last winter and once spring came around took my runs almost all outside. I will probably keep 80% outside even in the snow because I now find the treadmill very boring!

workout_ninja

i hate the treadmill - only do it if its absolutely necessary. Everyone is different though and as long as you are not planning on running any races, then continue to run on the treadmill. If you are planning to run races though, you have to get outside as you go have different elevations and uneven road surfaces and of course you have trail running aswell

KANGOOJUMPS

yep, I am outside, rain or shine, plus 30 or minus 30!
its just so much invigorating
I breathe better!

bigcle82

When I first started, all I did was run on the treadmill but after getting a few 5Ks under my belt. I enjoy running outside alot more. After about 2 miles on the treadmill, I get bored but being outside is far more different. I agree with if your going to run some races make sure to get outside and there is a difference. A treadmill helps you throughout the run but being outside its all you with no help. I think being outside is more of a motivation to push yourself a little harder vs being on a treadmill where you may not push yourself or just stop after running on an incline for a short period of time vs being outside and want to conquer that hill or incline

hmaddpear

All the above, plus Vitamin D (if it's still daylight outside). Symptoms ofVit D deficiencies include muscle weakness, fatigue, and depression. There's an increased risk of deficiency the more fat you are carrying and though more Vitamin D won't help weight loss directly, stronger muscles and less fatigue will definitely help to boost the willpower to get running!

RunnerElizabeth

All of the above. Also because it isn't natural, I end up with back pain if I run on the mill but not if I run outside.

KinoM

It's also harder to run outside as you have to work against wind resistance and you don't have a belt helping to pull your feet backwards. Those forces add up over time, believe me!

Personally I find running outside gives me a sense of freedom that I don't get on a treadmill; being able to slow down, speed up or stop without having to ask a machine to change it's settings; you can't run a race with people or run with friends on a treadmill; and I've only ever managed to get that endorphin rush from pushing it an extra 5% in the great outdoors.

blueboxgeek

Thanks for your thoughts everyone, you may just have convinced me to take it outdoors lol. I think I'll put couch to 5k on my phone and try doing that outdoors.

_Zardoz_

The main benefit is your actually running. On a treadmill your lifting your legs up on a moving surface. Running outside your propelling yourself forward so using your muscles differently and building more strength.

rduhlir

Don't fear the treadmill. If that is how you -want- to do it then do it that way. Personally, I like outside better. I can change the route whenever I want to so that I don't get bored, I get plenty of Vit D, etc...

But the treadmill has its benefits too. The treadmill can never get rained out or stormed in (unless power goes out, then you are SOL). You have the benefit of hills at your finger tips, stuff like that.

In the end it is all about preferences. Just a tip though, it might be best to go outside in the end simply because if you go to a gym; extremely popular gyms usually have a time limit to their treadmills and how long you can be on them...which can vary from 30-60 minutes.

crackur

I'm going to run to the bridge, tree, bench and walk to here..........does not feel the same .....I'm going to run for .25 of a mile here.


breath control another reason to run/walk outside.

jr235

I have a personal preference for running outside. I enjoy it more, will do it more, and for each time will go for longer. So in that way its a healthier alternative because I will get up and DO IT.

I don't hate the treadmill, in fact I think its great for interval workouts because you can set an incline, but outside is so much more fun.

Saree1902

I'm an outdoor runner usually, but icy weather will drive me to the treadmill (I'm not naturally blessed with grace and coordination as it is...)

Since treadmills don't undulate like paths do, I tend t always put in a 1-1.5% incline to ensure that I'm putting in approximately the same amount of effort. I also use intervals (e.g. 2miles at 5.7mph, then 1 at 6, then 2 at 5.5, then 1 at 6.1 or vary inclines...) since otherwise, 8-10 miles on a treadmill (damn spring races!) would drive me completely insane!

blueboxgeek

Well considering how everyone seems to prefer outside I will give it a go this coming weekend and let you all know how I get on with it Thanks everyone

scorpio516

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/06/health/06real.html?_r=0

Outside burns about 5% more calories than treadmill.

wilsoje74

I think it's harder outside, but more rewarding. Plus any race you might do is outdoors and training should be outdoors.

StuKP

Personally speaking I find it easier to run outside than I do on a treadmill, however, the wife prefers the treadmill so each to their own.

Running outside is a damn-sight more interesting and challenges you more and I can definitely run for longer periods as the air is fresher and you can regulate your speed with ease. I plug my music into my head and start running. Sometimes I find that I couldn't name the song I just listened to as I was away in my own little world.

It's very therapeutic, plus, if you've never read it, read this: http://theoatmeal.com/comics/running . It's a must, very insightful, funny and oh so true.



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MinnieInMaine

All the above, plus Vitamin D (if it's still daylight outside). Symptoms ofVit D deficiencies include muscle weakness, fatigue, and depression. There's an increased risk of deficiency the more fat you are carrying and though more Vitamin D won't help weight loss directly, stronger muscles and less fatigue will definitely help to boost the willpower to get running!

FYI, just being outside won't necessarily cure you of a Vit D deficiency. My doc has 2 patients, one being me, who spend quite a bit of time outdoors yet still have low Vit D levels. If you (general you, not directed at quoted poster) are concerned about low Vit D, talk to your doc about it and don't assume you can improve things just being being in the sun more.

Re: the OP, I can't quote any scientific facts but having tried both TM running and outdoor running and noticiting how my body responds differently, I'd say you probably use more muscles (stabiliziers especially) when running outside. As far as cardiovascular health benefits go, I'd assume they're the same.

yamsteroo

I can't run with my dog on a treadmill ...