Outside running or treadmill

margaretsandford3

Trying to figure out what is best, I have been running for about 2 months now, at first i just ran outside then someone told me to do HIIT on the treadmill, so i decided to give it a go, it was hard work and I seemed to burn up more of a sweat with this, however I enjoy outdoor running more but I know doing the HIIT will probably give better results... Is this the case or will I still lose the same amount of weight running outside!!! Helppppppppp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

_Zardoz_

Weight loss is down to the calorie deficit so it's what works for you how you create it (be it food or exercise). I run outside because I love to run. I personally cannot think of anything worse than running on a treadmill. If you just want to burn calories you can find other ways that will burn more in a shorter period of time than running outside. I personally work on the theory that the only exercise that will work is one you enjoy and you will stick to.

Grumpyanon

If you enjoy running outside then keep doing that. If you dont enjoy something you will probably stop doing it. What ever you do on a treadmill can be done outside anyway. If you want more of a workout then run somewhere more challenging like the beach.

Lilylee757

I don't know about the different calorie burn. However, what I was told by 2 doctors is when you run on a treadmill you are always putting the same shock and pressure on you knees throughout the entire workout as the platform you are running on does not change. Outside the ground has various plateau with each step therefore the wear and tear on your knees as well as other joints is not constant and repetitive. Also on a side note. If you enjoy running outside, do what you enjoy.

mlh37214

If it's just about calories, I agree...do what you find to give you the most burn. If you are training for a race, I would recommend outside, b/c a treadmill, even on HIIT workouts is not going to simulate the outside environment and grades that you encounter. Have fun with whatever you are doing!!! Much more likely to stick with it that way!!!

usmcj80

Run outside if you like it. Get off road and hit some trails somewhere, hiking and biking trails are good for this. Running on trails activates muscles not usually trained in normal road running and you get the whole being in nature thing. Also you can do HIIT training outside.

Wiltord1982

I'd run outside. Muuuuuch more fun, plus it's free. You can do HIIT outside you know (e.g. sprint 100m, recover 200m).

Kaitlyn811

If you want to do HIIT training outside - DO IT! There are a ton of apps that you can use while training outside

horndave

outside is better and you can do HIIT outside. I save the dreadmill for days when it is to ****ty outside to run.

mhotch

I do both. Outdoor running definitely burns more calories, and is more interesting. But on inclement days I do like to run intervals on the treadmill. Its easier to specify speed and timing on the treadmill.

Smokey705

Try doing HIIT on hills outside, way better than a treadmill. Just buy a stopwatch...

Kargicq

I certainly sweat much more on a treadmill... but only, I think, because I don't have a breeze cooling me off! Living in England, I often get a free shower during outside runs, too.

kar328

I'm a beginner. I did C25K last year, first on the treadmill, then made the switch to outdoors and find I can no longer do the treadmill. Too long and too boring. I slacked off for a while, and am now back to trying to incorporate running into my daily walks. I started using the C25K app and doing HIIT on the parts that say run - although my body's idea of High really isn't :laugh: What I'm doing now is run a mile (trying to get back endurance and work on speed), then do some interval tenth of a mile runs over the next two miles or so on my usual route. It's my idea, it's working for me and I enjoy being outside so I am keeping with it. If it's not the best calorie burn out there, whatever. I like it.

Linli_Anne

I do both.

When I don't have someone to watch the kids in the evenings so I can run, I'll run on the treadmill. Also, nasty windchills and knee deep snowfall will force me inside too.

But, I love it outside way more - probably because I actually have a sense of accomplishment from going from point A to point B etc. that the treadmill doesn't offer.

ninerbuff

As many mentioned, do HIIT outside. I do mine by "blocks". I'll sprint one block, then jog the next, for at least 8 cycles. Then jog/walk the rest of the time with a final sprint at the end.

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joannadalina

I only run on treadmills when it's too cold to run outdoors. But now that it's warm out (Georgia) I run outdoors.

I like to do interval running. I use an app called RunKeeper. You can set up your own intervals and plug in your headphones, listen to music, and then the app will speak over your music telling you to switch to the next interval.

For example, run fast for 30 secs, walk for 1 minute, and you can repeat that for however long you like. You can create your own intervals and run outdoors that way.

Best of luck,
Joanna

kristinegift

I vote outside! I personally detest the treadmill. Part of the reason you sweat more is probably due to stagnant air and warmer temps because it's indoors. I prefer to run outside where I feel like I'm actually going somewhere. And if you are training to do any kind of race, you DEFINITELY want to run outside; the "ground" of a treadmill is much different (and softer) than outdoors. If you run only on a treadmill and then try to do a race outside, you're bound to get shin splints, if not much worse.

KyleB65

Why one or the other?

Personally, my preference is to run outside. I work in an office and running is my chance to get outside and move around. And, there are a variety of different outside running workouts. Speed/sprints, tempo, hill repeats and long runs are all part of a good training plan.

This is not to say I do not hit up the gym.

Running is hard on the body and cross training of some sort is key to avoiding injury. So, I try and get in a weights/resistance workout a couple times per week. This can be weights, yoga or just simple body weight calisthenics.

If you enjoy running but getting out side regularly does not fit. Do both! Most treadmills have pre-set programs that will give you a real workout.

The one critical thing is to do what you can to make your workouts fun. It is way easier to maintain an exercise regime if the experience is positive.

So what ever you chose. Have fun!

margaretsandford3

Thanks everyone, its just so difficult, I do the c25k and use it outdoors and on the treadmill but I defo seem to burn more off on the treadmill, or maybe its just because I dont have the outdoor breeze???!!!!... But I always feel very awkward sprinting out doors esp when i have to pass people but much prefere this to the treadmill!!! However if I can accomplish the same weight loss by doing either then i'd rather stick to the great outdoors!!!

sfbaumgarten

Do what you enjoy! No need to stick with one or the other...

Ainar

What prevents you from doing HIIT outside? I personally hate running indoors for some reason. Maybe it's boringness. I could prolly beat it by watching a movie or something but even then it does not feel the same and as fun.

Yes, of course you can lose same weight outside. It does not matter where you run. And will HIIT give better results is also not a strict rule. Our bodies are genetically different so you need to check and see if HITT or steady cardio does better job for you. For me personally it's steady cardio. I can do a hour of slow jog and my fat would come off way faster than if I would do 30 min of HIIT instead. And I can't do more than 30 min, that just takes too much energy while hour of slow jog takes almost nothing and gives better results. That's just how my body works. So you need to experiment with that a little.

jwhmke

I personally hate the treadmill. I'm bored just looking at them. But sometimes it's necessary. I try to run outside as much as possible. I believe the thing that matters is energy exertion, not how you do it.

jkwolly

I'd run outside. Muuuuuch more fun, plus it's free. You can do HIIT outside you know (e.g. sprint 100m, recover 200m).

This!

dortilolma

I don't know about different burns but I much prefer running outside. Other than the exercise I need it also gives me a good dose of fresh air and I find it a great way to start the day.

During the winter I did run on a treadmill and found myself a lot less motivated to do it. So, whatever works for you.

4Pick

do them both

martinel2099

Do what makes you happy. The important thing to focus on is burning calories to achieve your weight loss goals, and no matter the exercise the intensity is what determines how much calories you burn. I personally find that the elliptical helps me burn more calories.

I like the Treadmill/elliptical because I can hook up my phone and watch TV or listen to music while I workout. I like running but typically I use this time in the afternoon to watch TV and relax after work. My workout time is also my relaxing time.

I've started using the elliptical more in the last few months because I was worried about my knees and other joints and wanted to reduce the impact from the Treadmill. The Treadmill isn't bad, but maybe it couldn't hurt to mix it up with different cardio machines. If you ever want to run in a 5 or 10k I'd highly recommend mixing in some outdoors running time into your routine, even if you only do it 1 a week or twice a month. Running on a Tredmil vs running outside is totally different.

One caution I'd like offer against outside running. It takes some discipline to adjust your speed / intensity to make sure you are getting in a good workout. Running outside isn't bad, but on a tredmil you can select the speed which stays constant and most machines even have heart rate monitors attached. I suggest using a heart rate monitor when your running outside to 1. keep you honest about your intensity but so that you also don't burn yourself out by going too fast.

BlueBombers

My treadmill is broken right now so I've been hitting the pavement and I prefer it to the treadmill now that the weather is getting warm again.

Treadmill is good for the winter days when it's stupid cold outside.

Hellbent_Heidi

Weight loss can be done without exercise...its almost all about what you eat. Calories burned are just more you get to eat.

That being said....ALWAYS chose the thing you enjoy doing more, because you aren't going to keep up with something you don't like :happy:

Stoshew71

How do you know you burn more on a treadmill? because the treadmill told you? Are you positive the treadmill is set correctly to display an accurate calorie burn? Unless you specifically enter in your gender, current weight, and age for your workout; treadmills automatically assume you are a 35 year old guy weighing 180 lbs and display the calorie burn accordingly. I assume your phone app also has your settings set correctly as well?

MeanderingMammal

Trying to figure out what is best, I have been running for about 2 months now, at first i just ran outside then someone told me to do HIIT on the treadmill, so i decided to give it a go, it was hard work and I seemed to burn up more of a sweat with this, however I enjoy outdoor running more but I know doing the HIIT will probably give better results... Is this the case or will I still lose the same amount of weight running outside!!! Helppppppppp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HIIT has some benefits that are complementary to your moderate intensity and higher intensity sessions, there is no ONE TRUE WAY(tm)

HIIT is time efficient, but if you don't have a solid base then it's not going to make the same gains that it will do if used in conjunction with steady state moderate intensity and tempo sessions.

Notwithstanidng that the wider benefits of running outside far outweigh the purgatory that is the dreadmill. I do my highest intensity sessions on pavement, loathe running on a machine.

Grumbers

Treadmill in the winter/bad weather just for exercise.

Running outside is for the soul! (burns a few calories too)