Treadmill or Outdoors

jess031988
jess031988 Posts: 36 Member
edited 12:45AM in Fitness and Exercise
So the debated question, which one is better?

I'm trying to keep my weight in check and had been using the treadmill, but as the weather got nicer the dreaded 1hour+ runs seemed less appealing. I was able to run at least 13 miles at 7.0 and on a 1% incline on the treadmill but recently I got a fitbit and now run outside which I adore and understand why I see so many avid joggers/ runners outside in all elements.

My only problem is I'm a numbers person, so watching my progress on the treadmill makes it seem like I'm getting better (in reality I've been stuck at the same rate for months), when I run outside I can get maybe 11 miles and a lot slower, mind you I take hills..lots of hills but I'm scared the work out isn't as good for me as if I was to slug away at the treadmill...

I mean exercise isn't suppose to be fun right? running outside for me is and i'm afraid I'm going to ruin my efforts.
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Replies

  • DaneanP
    DaneanP Posts: 433 Member
    Which one is better? The one that you enjoy more and/or works best for you. I don't mean to be flippant, but it really just boils down to that. I enjoy running outside more, but it is harder on my joints, so I also enjoy the treadmill.
  • BigLifter10
    BigLifter10 Posts: 1,153 Member
    A couple of years ago I read that running outdoors forces you to use your hamstrings more than on a treadmill. You have to work harder to propel yourself outside, whereas on the treadmill, the belt 'does the work' for you as far as propulsion goes. Treadmill creates more of an "up" motion and is limiting a person's stride. As always, that can be debated, but I thought it was interesting and I know that when I walk (or do the occasional run) outside, the areas that I feel it are always different from indoor to outdoors. May want to research that and see what you find for yourself!

    Do what you like to do - so you'll stick to it! Enjoy!
  • Allgoingtomakeit
    Allgoingtomakeit Posts: 35
    I agree, do what you enjoy. As for numbers I understand completely.

    'Run keeper' app. You know it? Its great, logs your miles, where you went and you can rig it so it tells you at intervals what speed you are doing, kcals burnt etc.

    You could take that a step further and get a heart rate monitor too. In fact there are specific ones you can link to run keeper (I believe). So, able to study your body even better and lots of number crunching data :-) let us know your outcome.
  • jess031988
    jess031988 Posts: 36 Member
    I just a fit bit charge HR, love it but there is no GPS. I have researched and have read yes running is better outside, and then the next article says no treadmill. I'm just going to stick with outdoors, I mean why slug at running inside if it's beautiful? might as well enjoy myself and have adventures
  • karen_fitzgibbon
    karen_fitzgibbon Posts: 736 Member
    I use my treadmill. I love it. But i also love being outside. My problem is that i can run on the treadmill while the kids are in bed. I can't run outside when the kids are in bed. Stop until they're old enough to look after themselves in stuck on my treadmill.

    But i think that the best one is the one you enjoy the most
  • wolfie2001snow
    wolfie2001snow Posts: 1
    Try both. It will give you your numbers, and you could have fun. Maybe doing it every other day? Like treadmill monday, wednesday, Friday one week, and outdoors Tuesday, thursday. Then the next week vice versa.
  • Diana_GettingFit
    Diana_GettingFit Posts: 458 Member
    I have a local park I can run around. It's flat so thhie's no incline. I kind of wish there was but as I'm only starting out at running a flat track is enough for me to handle right now! While the weather is pleasant I'm going to run outside. But once the summer humidity kicks in I'll probably prefer to go to a gym.
  • BraveNewdGirl
    BraveNewdGirl Posts: 937 Member
    edited April 2015
    Outdoors for sure! I can barely stay on the hamster wheel for 15 minutes, but give me a few city blocks or a trail and I can go for an hour or more, happily.

    I think most folk will tell you running outdoors requires more of you as you have to avoid potholes, rocks, etc. and there's hills and wind resistance. You're also forced to use your hamstrings a great deal more to propel yourself. Don't assume that just because you're moving a little more slowly outdoors than on the treadmill that you're not getting the same (if not more) benefit!
  • SBRRepeat
    SBRRepeat Posts: 384 Member
    If you love running outdoors, run outdoors! No reason to make exercise a chore!
    I use the Strava app, which will sync with the HRM, track elevation change and GPS (it's really accurate, even on trails) map your route. It also has a handy feature that will compare your performances on given routes or segments over time. It tells you when you get new PRs and compares your paces with everyone else who ran those segments. I'm two seconds off the Queen of the Mountain's pace on one bike segment and am bound and determined to steal that crown this spring.
    Could definitely help you feel like your progressing.
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    jess031988 wrote: »
    I mean exercise isn't suppose to be fun right? running outside for me is and i'm afraid I'm going to ruin my efforts.


    wow, this is a horrible way to look at it. exercise is the most fun part of my day. i look forward to it, and i'd rather run outside than inside any day of the week. all winter, i think i ran indoors maybe three times.

    just because it's fun, doesn't mean it's not effective.
  • BraveNewdGirl
    BraveNewdGirl Posts: 937 Member
    Capt_Apollo wrote: »
    jess031988 wrote: »
    I mean exercise isn't suppose to be fun right? running outside for me is and i'm afraid I'm going to ruin my efforts.


    wow, this is a horrible way to look at it. exercise is the most fun part of my day. i look forward to it, and i'd rather run outside than inside any day of the week. all winter, i think i ran indoors maybe three times.

    just because it's fun, doesn't mean it's not effective.
    This! If you're enjoying yourself, it's definitely going to be far more likely to do it consistently than if you're miserable. If you can find forms of exercise that you dig doing, all the better!
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    Why shouldn't exercise be fun? Exercise SHOULD be fun, because you're much more likely to keep doing it.
  • transparentenigma
    transparentenigma Posts: 565 Member
    Outdoors.

    When I do indoors, I have a set time, I don't have to push myself that hard and it seems like a chore.

    When I do outdoors, the sights, the scenery, its still the same time allotment but for some reason it seems more interactive, engaging.
  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    I use a two mile run with my dog as a warm up to using my elliptical or weight lifting. I like the workout a lot on the elliptical... but I really love running with my dog to (now that she is trained).

    So I do both. I run everyday with my dog (do the elliptical three days and lift weights 3 days)..

    Do what works and more importantly what you love!
  • urloved33
    urloved33 Posts: 3,323 Member
    treadmill for me., its a safer and softer situation
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    Actually a training run done right should feel very relaxing the vast majority of time.
  • kjablinskey
    kjablinskey Posts: 47 Member
    I've found that running outdoors is a lot more challenging. You not only have elevation and terrain changes, even on pavement, but like others have said you are actually propelling yourself through space. Reality trumps simulation any day.

    I think you also have to pay a lot more attention to your body to maintain the pace you want, there's no number to glance down at to see how hard your pushing yourself. You have to learn to read your own stride and breathing.

  • roostking1
    roostking1 Posts: 13 Member
    Since you are already running with the treadmill at 1% incline, you are mimicking running outdoors somewhat. With that said, do what feels best! Enjoy the outdoors while you can, then go back inside when you cant!
  • yusaku02
    yusaku02 Posts: 3,472 Member
    Outdoors all the way. Scenery, fresh air, dogs to pet, I love everything about it.

    I hate that you can't change your pace on the fly with a treadmill. You have to input the numbers and wait for it to speed up or slow down.
  • urloved33
    urloved33 Posts: 3,323 Member
    urloved33 wrote: »
    treadmill for me., its a safer and softer situation

    I would not run alone anymore...I don't bike alone anymore. At my gym they have a run club and bike club and that makes running and or biking outdoors safer...so maybe you could look into something like that.

  • spfldpam
    spfldpam Posts: 738 Member
    I don't/can't do running due to bone on bone left knee but do alot of walking. I can't stand to walk on treadmill inside. Walking outside I love! I try to walk 1-2 miles in 20 to 30 min on my lunch time and then if not going to gym I will walk 2 miles at home on country road. I only walk outside in daylight in safe areas too.
    I am bummed out due to my left knee causing me issues since yesterday. No gym or walks for now. I ended up taking a pain killer at work today it was hurting so bad just sitting in my office. If not better by Monday I guess I will be calling the knee ortho to get in. Since loosing alot of weight in 2012-2013 I haven't had much issues w my knees. Both are messed up but the left one is the worse.
    Good luck and enjoy running! I wish I could run . I've tried and my knees can't handle it even after loosing all this weight.
  • njfitnessmom
    njfitnessmom Posts: 345 Member
    I do both but I much prefer to run outside. But when hubby is at class at night, the treadmill works since I have little ones. But whenever I can I run outside. I just enjoy my runs so much more. It also really makes it feel like "me time" whereas when I'm on the treadmill I'm still there and trust me the kids will come bother me.
  • cje151
    cje151 Posts: 40 Member
    Outside for sure! Love change of scenery.
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    Outdoors definitely! Now that the ice and snow is gone, I am out there every day, unless there are thunderstorms. I do have an in-between choice. The underground parking in my apartment complex is like a giant "U" and five times around is just shy of a mile. It is more interesting than a treadmill, although not as nice as outdoors.
  • sheldonklein
    sheldonklein Posts: 854 Member
    I'm atypical. The treadmill destroys my hamstrings, while running causes me no problems. Plus, it's a lot more enjoyable.
  • LoneWolfRunner
    LoneWolfRunner Posts: 1,160 Member
    edited April 2015
    What's a treadmill?
  • Charliegottheruns
    Charliegottheruns Posts: 286 Member
    My favorite is the treadmill, when I'm done I can just pick up the endorphins and take them with me. Outside, I always leave a trail.
  • zdyb23456
    zdyb23456 Posts: 1,706 Member
    It's funny because I think running outside is easier than running on my treadmill. I do enjoy running outside more just because it's harder to track time/distance vs. on a treadmill when it's staring me in the face.

    I do have to run on a treadmill more often because I have little kids. I've joined the YMCA recently and I take my treadmill runs there a few times a week just for a change of scenery. Although, the treadmills there are quite bouncy and feel easier than my treadmill at home. Again, it's probably all in my head.

    I do think mixing it up is good.

  • LoneWolfRunner
    LoneWolfRunner Posts: 1,160 Member
    I know there are lots of opinions about treadmills vs. running outside and everyone has their reasons for preferring one over the other. But for me, once I started running outside, especially on trails, it made very difficult for me to go inside and use a tread mill. Here is a little video on my last two trail races and maybe you will understand why I struggle with the treadmill...
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLyphBuSBic
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,596 Member
    Both!

    I love going for long walks outside ... but the treadmill is much more convenient and attractive on chilly rainy windy dark winter days. Also for some reason, I feel more inclined to run on the treadmill than I do outside.
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