Outside vs treadmill

dougpconnell219
dougpconnell219 Posts: 566 Member
edited November 12 in Fitness and Exercise
Why is walking outside so much harder than on a treadmill?

Ive been doing 3-4 miles a day on either the treadmill or eliptical, and its getting easy.

Tonight I did an "urban hike" through downtown Nashvile... I was ready to drop after four miles. Granted there were some steep hills, but my legs were about to lock up!

Replies

  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    Because the belt is moving under you. It's the same as walking on the Stairmaster versus walking up flights of stairs. Going up flights of stairs kill me, the stairmaster not so much.
  • meritage4
    meritage4 Posts: 1,441 Member
    Outside the ground is never even and flat. It is usaully going up or down plus you have to stabilize yourself sideways as well. Great job with your urban hike! to get more benefits on the treadmill up the incline.
  • Jonealex63
    Jonealex63 Posts: 9 Member
    Keeping up with the belt moving under you vs propelling your body forward
  • dougpconnell219
    dougpconnell219 Posts: 566 Member
    Good to know. I guess I need to get outside more instead of in the gym!

    I can't wait for spring!
  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    With a moving belt, you’re not really pulling your whole weight. Try it on an 2.5% or greater incline and you’re getting a better feel for what outside would be.
  • dougpconnell219
    dougpconnell219 Posts: 566 Member
    AllanMisner wrote: »
    With a moving belt, you’re not really pulling your whole weight. Try it on an 2.5% or greater incline and you’re getting a better feel for what outside would be.

    So will the pain in my ankles and calves start getting easier? I'm wearing good running shoes I was fitted for to correct over pronation.
  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    It is very hard to answer that question. Are you doing any mobility work? I roll out my feet, shins and calves (lacrosse ball) prior to a long outside walk. I’d also work on the muscle imbalances that are coding the over pronation so that is less and less of an issue.
  • dougpconnell219
    dougpconnell219 Posts: 566 Member
    No... And I need to stretch better too. I'm bad about that.

    Thanks for your help!
  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    http://www.mobilitywod.com

    He has a new book out on running that might be what you need to work on your mobility and imbalance issues.
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