Treadmill vs outdoor running ??

iWaffle

The treadmill is much easier on your feet and joints but I enjoy running outside so much more. I know it takes more out of you to run outside because I never get sore legs just running inside. I find that a quicker pace is easier to maintain outside because you're not just staring at the numbers on the display. You're just running faster because it feels good.

gshoemaker06

if you're running the exact same speed and incline, outside will burn more. You'll have wind resistance (very minor but still counts) and the treadmill kinda pushes you forward, there's more resistance outside.

CarsonRuns

A friend who is a doctor pointed out something is should be obvious.
One must run 2 miles on a treadmill to equal the effort on the ground.
Two factors. Wind resistance increases the faster you move and you are moving yourself over the ground versus the tread moving under you. Calculators that claim the same burn per mile for both are wrong. It is simple physics.

Not being snarky but could you show us the math? I can see the effect of wind resistance etc but 2 for 1?

There was a very detailed study done on wind resistance compensation on the TM, the results were discussed in Running Times. They determined that, until you get to about a 6:00 mile, the effects of wind resistance are completely negligible.

PJ64

Treadmills vs outdoors: there's no comparison. Treadmill assists your run, you're not "running" 5 miles, the treadmill is rotating 5 miles worth of distance. Outside,you have to deal with Terrain, weather and you are moving your body with nothing assisting you

jamszy

A friend who is a doctor pointed out something is should be obvious.
One must run 2 miles on a treadmill to equal the effort on the ground.
Two factors. Wind resistance increases the faster you move and you are moving yourself over the ground versus the tread moving under you. Calculators that claim the same burn per mile for both are wrong. It is simple physics.

Not being snarky but could you show us the math? I can see the effect of wind resistance etc but 2 for 1?

I'd like to know this as well. I've heard numerous times that a treadmill at 0.0 incline is actually the machine moving you, while a 1.0 incline represents outside factors.

Mrguti228

I stick to the outside too. Treadmill gets a little too boring for me and I feel like a hamster on a running wheel. More importantly, I just FEEL better running outside, if you are running just to exercise you are missing a lot of what makes running great! Also running outside makes it easier to push yourself. My longest runs don't always happen on purpose, sometimes I just get further from my starting point then I expected...and then I have to run back!

Jbarbo01

Running outside should technically burn more calories. It is more difficult and youll build more muscle than you will on a treadmill. A treadmill doesnt have wind resistance, heat, hills, or slants. However, treadmills can be still a good tool for speed work but running outside is definitely a better workout since the treadmill belt does some of the work for you.

kittybear86

I have a treadmill at home and used to use it.But I like running outside because its more of an adventure and I feel more free.On the treadmill however I knew how many calories I was burning.But it's boring for me because I'm on a machine the whole time,and running outside is more fun.But who knows,I may use the treadmill again,but for now I like to run outside.

JonClaw

I used to use both, but now that I've upped my pace, I will always choose outside running before treadmill.

Outside I get less shin splints too, a huge plus over the treadmill.

Being able to change your pace immediately versus waiting for the treadmill to play catch-up is another one.

leelavic

Apologies, have not read every reply.... but here in my 2 cents:

You have to actually think when you run outside: curbs, cars, other people, sidewalk cracks, hills, uneven ground... on the treadmill, I can basically close my eyes and be lulled into a run. I can run waaaaay longer on the treadmill, but feel like I get a better work out outside. And it is nice to be outside. Save the treadmill for icy days, when it is dangerous. In my opinion.

I am not a doc/run coach.. just a runner.
Have fun. No matter where you are running, you are getting more done than anyone sitting on the couch (credit to Pinterest for that quote). Leah.

Strongisthenewskny

I live in Texas, so the weather is always nice! Don't get me wrong, it's usually hot, but that just means more calories burned! I hate the treadmill!! They say running outside is hard on the joints, but running in general COULD cause joint problems. I use the outdoors as my gym, I don't have a gym membership or anything! I LOVE the outdoors, and I use anything for gym equipment. (Ex: picnic tables for toe taps).

clouxles

Don't run but love my bike... With winter somewhere in the near future a spinning (indoor) class may be in order. Nothing better than fresh air.

beccabur

A friend who is a doctor pointed out something is should be obvious.
One must run 2 miles on a treadmill to equal the effort on the ground.
Two factors. Wind resistance increases the faster you move and you are moving yourself over the ground versus the tread moving under you. Calculators that claim the same burn per mile for both are wrong. It is simple physics.

Not being snarky but could you show us the math? I can see the effect of wind resistance etc but 2 for 1?

Here is a chart that quantifies the difference on a treadmill based on pace/incline. It is not a 2 for 1 or even close, but it is different. For instance a 5.0 pace (12:00 mile) on a treadmill with 0% incline is more like 12:30 min mile. But increase the incline just a degree or two, you are quickly at the equivalent of a 9 or 10 minute mile!

http://www.hillrunner.com/training/tmillchart.php

maspicantexfa

I am a nerd, so outside and I do not really get along. Texas heat, wind, no sidewalks, humidity, bugs, creepy people in vans ... and since I'm just a newbie to running I prefer the consistency of the treadmill. I can watch the time just by looking down and not having to rely on a stopwatch, and I know exactly how far I am running. From the amount of sweat I generate and the heart rate average of 170 I think that the machine is NOT doing the work for me. Maybe when I am thinner and more fit I would have a different answer ... but damn I hate being outdoors in general. I'd like to be an "active person" but I would rather not interface with nature any more than necessary.

CarsonRuns

...but running in general COULD cause joint problems.

This myth has been completely debunked. Studies show no increase in joint problems in life long runners compared to non runners and it some cases have shown improvement to joint conditions in life long runners.

CarsonRuns

A friend who is a doctor pointed out something is should be obvious.
One must run 2 miles on a treadmill to equal the effort on the ground.
Two factors. Wind resistance increases the faster you move and you are moving yourself over the ground versus the tread moving under you. Calculators that claim the same burn per mile for both are wrong. It is simple physics.

Not being snarky but could you show us the math? I can see the effect of wind resistance etc but 2 for 1?

Here is a chart that quantifies the difference on a treadmill based on pace/incline. It is not a 2 for 1 or even close, but it is different. For instance a 5.0 pace (12:00 mile) on a treadmill with 0% incline is more like 12:30 min mile. But increase the incline just a degree or two, you are quickly at the equivalent of a 9 or 10 minute mile!

http://www.hillrunner.com/training/tmillchart.php

Changing the incline is changing the incline. A 2% grade outside is going to be the same as a 2% grade on the treadmill. They will both have the same impact on pace or exertion.

vienna26

Thanks again everyone your inputs has been very helpful, i dont just run for exercise as i do geniunely enjoy a good run have done since my teens, when id head to the fields and run round them and being at one with nature!!

As ive got older just gotten into a habit of jumping on the treadmill as i have two lil girls so was easier for me, im definatley going to start going outside more as often as i can though reading all your comments just reminds me of how i used to enjoy it myself!! :-)))

tracy63janis

I used to run outside, but then I blew my IT band and my achilles. After the required break, I started on the treadmill then tried outside. My Achilles would not hold for long outside, but on the treadmill I can go go go! I look at it as at least I am moving.

tamtamzz

I like and use both, but to me, running on the treadmill is somewhat easier.

Where I run outside there are slight inclines, uneven payment, sometimes I have to run in the street if someone is taking up the whole sidewalk, or if I decide to cross the street if I see a rather ominous looking pet. There is a part of my run where I actually have to do a little bit of prancing and ducking. The treadmill keeps my pace steady. That's not so easy outside, at least it isn't for me.

I live in the northeast, so the treadmill will always be a part of my repertoire. While I can run in the cold, (well, reasonably cold) I can't run when there's snow on the ground, with an inch of ice underneath it.