Is running on the treadmill worth it?

00Mia
00Mia Posts: 9
in Fitness and Exercise
I run at 5mph for an hour a day. I'm just starting but my plan is to eventually work up to being able to run every day, 6 days a week. At this point I'm a bit embarrassed to go running in my neighborhood and my endurance isn't good. But a friend of mine said running on the treadmill isn't going to do nearly as much as running outside would. Is this true? Will I get in shape still if I run on the treadmill? I'm new to this, I have no idea what is considered "good exercise". I don't want to just lose weight, I want to get fit, stronger, and better! Any help?
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Replies

  • VelociMama
    VelociMama Posts: 3,119 Member
    Pavement running will burn more because of the resistance you get from the road, but I love my treadmill too. You can definitely work up your endurance on a treadmill.
  • summergirl73
    summergirl73 Posts: 70 Member
    your just starting so I would say it is a good start, Go with what feels good for you, YOU are the one who matters It certainly wont hurt.
  • wkrd
    wkrd Posts: 45
    If you do it consistently and also get your nutrition on track it will do wonders for you.
  • carolemack
    carolemack Posts: 1,276 Member
    WOW...if you are just starting and can run at 5 MPH for an hour...that is IMPRESSIVE!! I don't care if it is on a treadmill, it is still very impressive. Way to go!
  • Alice_H
    Alice_H Posts: 58 Member
    Any exercise you do is more exercise than the dude sitting on the couch.

    Pavement running is a bit harder work, but if you're more comfortable in your home (to the point where the embarrassment might deter you from running on a low motivation day) then by all means, use your treadmill.
  • cindyhoney2
    cindyhoney2 Posts: 603 Member
    Interesting topic, I'm new to running and have been doing it on a treadmill as well. I hope to be able to run outside once I build my endurance a little. I don't have a paticularly safe place to run where I live so the gym is my best option. Best of luck to you!
  • lachesissss
    lachesissss Posts: 1,298 Member
    Depends on what your end goal is. Cardio in any form will burn calories. Personally, I find the treadmill deceptive. I can run 4 miles on the treadmill, but on pavement it's a feat for me to run 1.5 miles straight through. That being said, I always feel like I experience a good work out on the treadmill, but I notice muscle fatigue more on the road because of the pavement, etc.
  • NeeNeeD2
    NeeNeeD2 Posts: 6
    I usually run on a treadmill but the most I can run is usually half a mile before i need to fast walk, re-catch my breath and then run again. I tried running outside a few weeks ago and I wore out much quicker...probably only made it 1/4 of a mile. That being said, after 2 and half months of working out on the treadmill 3-5 times a week but legs are now VERY toned.

    I would suggest running every other day and give your legs a break. They need time to rebuild, especially since you are just starting out. I learned the hard way when I was going to the gym 5x a week and going on the treadmill everytime. Now I have backed off to going on the treadmill just 3x a week and doing aerobics on the other two days so that my legs don't get overworked.

    Best of luck to you!
  • zpb0892
    zpb0892 Posts: 2
    I personally love running on the pavement. I feel that I get a better workout then when I run on the treadmill. However, as long as you are exercising is what matters most.
  • AmberJo1984
    AmberJo1984 Posts: 1,067 Member
    I'm also embarassed to run in my neighborhood. But... also embarassed to do this in the gym on a treadmill. For me, I think it's just fear of doing something new. Whatever gets you started, though.
  • Keleyjohnson
    Keleyjohnson Posts: 2
    My brother is a personal trainer and part of his exercise plan for me includes moderate continuous cardio and high intensity intervals....he is also a runner and uses treadmills a lot for prep and when weather permits him from running out doors. You may have more resistance from pavement running and wind but you run the risk of more ankle and knee injuries from the pounding, not to mention embarrassment, loose dogs and bad drivers that may run you down. I walk and run outdoors when I can because I love the scenery and fresh air and it seems easier and I end up covering a longer distance when I am outside, but early morning when the kids are getting ready for school I can hop on the treadmill and still bark orders from across the room. After dinner when its dark and late I can hop on and watch a TV show and I'm done. Both have benefits. Unless we are training for competitive marathons I think the difference in calories in not so much.
  • shinkalork
    shinkalork Posts: 815 Member
    I can do a lot longer on a treadmill...
    The problem with the pavement is the high impact on your shins,knees etc...
    I cannot run as long, not because of my cardio.... but simply because my legs can't support it anymore.

    Still, for a cardio workout...Both are good.
  • Elzecat
    Elzecat Posts: 2,916 Member
    Pavement running will burn more because of the resistance you get from the road, but I love my treadmill too. You can definitely work up your endurance on a treadmill.

    Totally agree with this.

    If you plan to do any races or anything like that, definitely get outside too...but there's nothing wrong with the treadmill. I run with groups twice a week outside, and do treadmill runs twice a week on my own...I get something different from each of those experiences.
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    WOW...if you are just starting and can run at 5 MPH for an hour...that is IMPRESSIVE!! I don't care if it is on a treadmill, it is still very impressive. Way to go!

    ^^ THIS^^

    You run for an hour? I find that hard!
  • heybales
    heybales Posts: 18,842 Member
    If they have different treadmill models in the gym, note the claims on the side of them regarding shock absorbing.
    There may be some older models and newer ones claiming "The Absorber II", which would imply the older one is the absorber I before they numbered it.

    There may be one with none. Don't jump right to it, you may regret it. Your pace will go higher, you'll think you are flying fast. And the pounding could take it's toll.

    1 % incline is figured to match level outdoor running resistance. But use a hill routine and get variety, just like you would outside.

    As to burning more calories, that really depends on your effort. If the less shock on treadmill allows you to run faster and farther and with higher HR, then you are burning more calories.

    But 6 days a week? Hopefully those are not all out as fast as you can go runs. That is very counter productive, you'll never get better as fast as you could with some rest days, or at least walking days.
    It's the rest that allows your body to get better, stronger. It can't get that if you run everyday, at least not what it could get.
    You'll make slow painful progress, perhaps literally, if you do it wrong. You'll make great improvements to the body and performance if you do it right.
    If you are doing the Maffetone method, even he suggests not everyday, though it's not as injury prone.
  • Beastette
    Beastette Posts: 1,497 Member
    I'm most drawn to the bit where you said you're embarrassed to run outdoors. Shuck that fit.

    You're running. You're a runner. Anyone not running is not even allowed to gaze upon your magnificence as you prowl across the savannah, lest you mistake them for prey.

    The vast majority of people who will see you running will be proud of you. You may inspire someone, someone you don't even realize or may never meet.
  • LordBear
    LordBear Posts: 239 Member
    hate the tread with a passion.. it is so uncomfortable..i would rather do walking outside and not stare at a wall... how ever they are usefull when it is nasty out... u dont what u need to do.
  • ixap
    ixap Posts: 675 Member
    But a friend of mine said running on the treadmill isn't going to do nearly as much as running outside would. Is this true?
    No that's not true. It's virtually the same calorie burn and cardiovascular benefit.
    If you are training for a race you will want to spend at least some time running outdoors; otherwise do whatever is most convenient and fun for you.
  • Elzecat
    Elzecat Posts: 2,916 Member
    I'm most drawn to the bit where you said you're embarrassed to run outdoors. Shuck that fit.

    You're running. You're a runner. Anyone not running is not even allowed to gaze upon your magnificence as you prowl across the savannah, lest you mistake them for prey.

    The vast majority of people who will see you running will be proud of you. You may inspire someone, someone you don't even realize or may never meet.

    I love this! :heart: :heart: :heart:
  • VelociMama
    VelociMama Posts: 3,119 Member
    I'm most drawn to the bit where you said you're embarrassed to run outdoors. Shuck that fit.

    You're running. You're a runner. Anyone not running is not even allowed to gaze upon your magnificence as you prowl across the savannah, lest you mistake them for prey.

    The vast majority of people who will see you running will be proud of you. You may inspire someone, someone you don't even realize or may never meet.

    :heart: this post.
  • ubermensch13
    ubermensch13 Posts: 824 Member
    I hate road running. I've run 5k's, 10k's and the like, but I still hate it. I always train on a treadmill. There is usually more calories to be lost running on the road, especially here in San Fran with all the hills, but you need to do what you WILL DO consistently. If that means running at 5mph on a treadmill, then do that.
  • Elzecat
    Elzecat Posts: 2,916 Member
    I hate road running. I've run 5k's, 10k's and the like, but I still hate it. I always train on a treadmill. There is usually more calories to be lost running on the road, especially here in San Fran with all the hills, but you need to do what you WILL DO consistently. If that means running at 5mph on a treadmill, then do that.

    Just curious, have you had any injuries with doing most of your training on a treadmill but then doing road races? I have a friend who severely injured himself because he did all his training for a half marathon on a treadmill...his first ever outside run was the day of our half marathon and he got a stress fracture. Personally, I like the treadmill a lot but try to do half road and half treadmill or track training...because I like to race. Well, rephrase that: I like to run in races. I don't exactly "race," 'cause I'm still pretty slow...
  • Elzecat
    Elzecat Posts: 2,916 Member
    If they have different treadmill models in the gym, note the claims on the side of them regarding shock absorbing.
    There may be some older models and newer ones claiming "The Absorber II", which would imply the older one is the absorber I before they numbered it.

    There may be one with none. Don't jump right to it, you may regret it. Your pace will go higher, you'll think you are flying fast. And the pounding could take it's toll.

    1 % incline is figured to match level outdoor running resistance. But use a hill routine and get variety, just like you would outside.

    As to burning more calories, that really depends on your effort. If the less shock on treadmill allows you to run faster and farther and with higher HR, then you are burning more calories.

    But 6 days a week? Hopefully those are not all out as fast as you can go runs. That is very counter productive, you'll never get better as fast as you could with some rest days, or at least walking days.
    It's the rest that allows your body to get better, stronger. It can't get that if you run everyday, at least not what it could get.
    You'll make slow painful progress, perhaps literally, if you do it wrong. You'll make great improvements to the body and performance if you do it right.
    If you are doing the Maffetone method, even he suggests not everyday, though it's not as injury prone.

    I agree with him, I missed the part about you wanting to run every day. Rest days are valuable, especially when you're just starting out--if you run every other day you will give your body a chance to recover...and you can always just walk on those days...

    Good luck!
  • ubermensch13
    ubermensch13 Posts: 824 Member
    I've had issues with shinsplints in the past, but using good running shoes has stopped that. I haven't had any injuries by training the way I do. However, I only do 5ks/10ks, i'm not sure I could translate that training into a half marathon.
  • Toshiana123
    Toshiana123 Posts: 72
    Outside is better to me, but do what's good for you. At least you're running...some people don't do that! ;0)
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    it has it's merits. running on the pavement is MUCH harder but treadmill running will help. i think part of why it's harder is that the treadmill keeps you an unnatural stride and pace. i know for me i have a naturally longer stride that i can't get on the treadmill, so when i run outdoors i end up running faster even though keeping the same foot pace.

    not sure if you get what i mean but i timed my half mile outdoors run today and it was at a 6+ MPH pace even though on the treadmill with my shorter stride i would have run it at a 5 or 5.2 mph pace
  • Elzecat
    Elzecat Posts: 2,916 Member
    it has it's merits. running on the pavement is MUCH harder but treadmill running will help. i think part of why it's harder is that the treadmill keeps you an unnatural stride and pace. i know for me i have a naturally longer stride that i can't get on the treadmill, so when i run outdoors i end up running faster even though keeping the same foot pace.

    not sure if you get what i mean but i timed my half mile outdoors run today and it was at a 6+ MPH pace even though on the treadmill with my shorter stride i would have run it at a 5 or 5.2 mph pace

    I totally get this! I can run at a faster pace...but I have more breathing issues when running outside--I think I have exercise-induced asthma which seems to be aggravated when I run outdoors...
  • Elzecat
    Elzecat Posts: 2,916 Member
    I've had issues with shinsplints in the past, but using good running shoes has stopped that. I haven't had any injuries by training the way I do. However, I only do 5ks/10ks, i'm not sure I could translate that training into a half marathon.

    that's good to hear. I've managed to stay injury-free thus far in my running experience (1 1/2 years) but I run pretty slow...and I agree that good shoes definitely helps!
  • heybales
    heybales Posts: 18,842 Member
    Just curious, have you had any injuries with doing most of your training on a treadmill but then doing road races? I have a friend who severely injured himself because he did all his training for a half marathon on a treadmill...his first ever outside run was the day of our half marathon and he got a stress fracture. Personally, I like the treadmill a lot but try to do half road and half treadmill or track training...because I like to race. Well, rephrase that: I like to run in races. I don't exactly "race," 'cause I'm still pretty slow...

    Great balance suggestion.

    I'd even say make the slower recovery runs on the road, the faster pounding ones on the treadmill.
    The only potential problem there is the slower is usually longer, which may negate that whole benefit.

    And you are racing! Against your self.
  • MarlinWil
    MarlinWil Posts: 119 Member
    I was housebound for a few months this year because of my little girl's ill health. The treadmill kick-started my weightloss journey, and gave me sanity in the midst of days where I thought I would go a little mad (well, madder than I alreay am, anyway!). I had my thyroid removed in February, and put weight on after that while I got my new meds right.

    Now I combine running on the treadmill with running outdoors.

    To start with, I found it a heap easier to run on the treadmill, but realise now that this was an emotional thing rather than a physical one. I was embarassed to run outside, and quite honestly didn't think I would be any good at it. I was convinced that pounding the pavement was more concussive than running on a treadmill, and that my legs and joints would suffer.

    Once I started to run to school with my eldest daughter (she was on her bike, and my youngest was in the pram), I realised that it was actually much easier than I had thought it would be. I thank the months I spent on the treadmill for that. I always had speeds that would be what I thought was my limit on the TM, but outdoors, I was doing those distances much quicker. Funny. Without the speed and times there in front of me, I suddenly started to perform more efficiently.

    Food for thought.

    I also haven't had trouble with my legs or my joints since starting to run outdoors. I love where I live, it is safe to run here, and the bike path I use follows along the side of a conservation park and a lake, so it is super pretty. I make sure to stretch before and after my runs, and always allow a few minutes on either side of my run to warm up and cool down. Another thing that a friend of mine suggested is to use compression socks. I haven't, yet, but have read in various running mags that they are very beneficial, and do seem to reduce shin splints and any discomfort.

    I still use my treadmill, but am 1,000x more confident and capable outdoors, now. I am sure that this will happen for you, too, but if not it doesn't matter. I am still a fan of the treadmill and say use it as often as you want. There are so many functions included in them to make them more challenging and great as a tool in weight loss. Try interval training, add inclines now and then, and just have fun. It DOES make a difference, and like others have said, it has to be an improvement on sitting on the couch!!

    Wil

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