Treadmill or Outside

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Replies

  • Hellbent_Heidi
    Hellbent_Heidi Posts: 3,669 Member
    Absolutely depends on what your running goals are and when and where you workout.

    Treadmill doesn't depend on daylight or weather and is lower impact on your body. Its also safer than running outside on the side of the road, etc.. The downside is that it can be very boring.

    Outside is a lot more physically challenging and you can choose to do different interesting routes. The downside is all the extenuating circumstances. Personally, I live on a nasty dirt road out in the boonies and have to consider mud, fast cars kicking up rocks, ankle-twisting potholes and mean dogs that don't stay in their yards (I carry pepper spray for those!). I also tend to work out early in the morning and would not run outside on dark country roads, but I do wish I could run outdoors more conveniently. If your goal is to do organized road races, you'll want to train outdoors as much as possible, because its a lot different than the treadmill.

    I guess its nice to have both options if you want to keep a steady running schedule.
  • rubyjune27
    rubyjune27 Posts: 87 Member
    I run with my dog and I doubt she would be allowed inside a gym.:smile:
  • Hellbent_Heidi
    Hellbent_Heidi Posts: 3,669 Member
    I run with my dog and I doubt she would be allowed inside a gym.:smile:
    Awww, not to hijack a post, but I used to run with my dog during the day when I was laid off and when it rained and I would head to the gym, she'd see me getting the iPod and shoes, and start whining and bouncing at the door...always broke my heart when I couldn't take her!
  • suzzann666
    suzzann666 Posts: 334 Member
    my anatomy likes the treadmill much more, but i would rather be outside...the treadmill can get a bit dull after awhile
  • arc918
    arc918 Posts: 2,037 Member
    outside > dreadmill > not running

    In running over 17,000 miles, I've been on the dreadmill exactly three times. All were when checking out injuries and/or with my physical therapist.
  • carld256
    carld256 Posts: 855 Member
    I'm a treadmill guy all the way. Walking outside is nice, when it's not 90 degrees, or freezing cold, or raining, but we haven't had all that many "nice" days in Ohio this year.
  • runfatmanrun
    runfatmanrun Posts: 1,090 Member
    Outside

    3) Id rather look at stuff outside than a crappy little TV screen or whatever other sights are in my gym.


    This. Even in the rain this.
  • sneckerdoodle
    sneckerdoodle Posts: 69 Member
    do you wear an hrm on the treadmill because before i bought my hrm i wasn't using just going by
    the treadmill readings, once i got my hrm, i was really burning 70+ more calories at the same
    speed and distance than the treadmill was telling me.
  • HMVOL7409
    HMVOL7409 Posts: 1,588 Member
    I use to treadmill run but started outside when I started training for my first 1/2 marathon. Totally not the same. I've had to learn pace and endurance all over again but I'm in love with running now bc it's my time to myself and I live in the country in Ohio so the scenery and fresh air is such a stress reliever. I was too bored on the treadmill; hell I even love running in the rain now.
  • kbmnurse
    kbmnurse Posts: 2,484 Member
    Treadmil running can easily bother your knees. Plus outside you are getting in your Vitamin D.
  • donrdon
    donrdon Posts: 216 Member
    When I first started running last fall it was on the treadmill. I enjoyed it. Started running outside in February and now I don't even like the thought of running on it. I'll take running outside no matter what the weather is (maybe not -35'C) over the treadmill now.
  • nwhitley
    nwhitley Posts: 619
    Outside only. The treadmill is too boring!! If it's too hot, I will resort to an indoor track at the gym. But NEVER the treadmill. Can't do it!!
  • Alex_is_Hawks
    Alex_is_Hawks Posts: 3,499 Member
    I feel clumsy and uncoordinated on the treadmill.

    I feel like I push myself more and like I can keep going when I'm outside.


    I say outside is better in general, but inside on the treadmill is good if you need to fall back on it.

    T^^^ This
  • Napjeeper
    Napjeeper Posts: 36
    I like the treadmill with a TV. I get to catch up on shows and get the workout.
  • Cait_Sidhe
    Cait_Sidhe Posts: 3,150 Member
    I definitely like outside better. I get really bored on the treadmill and watch the clock and it just seems to TAKE SO LONG.

    Outdoors, I love the scenery. I use city blocks as goals. I get lost in my thoughts whereas on a treadmill I'm just concerned about HOW MUCH LONGER.
  • RunningMannn
    RunningMannn Posts: 135
    I used to prefer outside, before I was comfortable running on the treadmill, but now I prefer the treadmill. wait, I prefer one type of specific treadmill at my gym - freemotion incline trainers. they are THE BEST to run on, hands down.
    Plus then I don't have to worry about bugs, cars, construction, holes in the ground, and other distractions.

    I always liked running a the local high school track. It was easy on the feet and legs .With winter here. That's not a choice..I've joined two gyms in the last 5 years..Neither was a long term contract..I new better..The first gym. I didn't go once..Cancelled that after two months..The 2nd gym I went down to play some hoop..Got shin splits. That ended after about 3 visits..So about 3 months ago I decided to get a treadmill..Looked for 2 months. Nothing caught my eye until I saw the Freemotion mountain climber..40% INCLINE...I was like, no way...That sold me..It also had a 3% incline..Didn't think I would use the decline..But it's great for cooling down..I've had it a month now and have no regrets..

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