treadmill vs walking or running on a road

I think outside will get you fitter. When I am In the park am dealing with all types of weather which makes it harder to run, esp the wind.

Do the one you enjoy the most and are likelier to do more consistently. They aren't different enough that you should choose one over the other for fitness. Personally, the outdoors is my choice. But I still use the dreadmill every once in while.

The one you enjoy would be the best. Both can get you equally fit. I like the treadmill because it's convenient and I can space out without having to pay attention to cars, people, loose rocks..etc.

MRbigGUYXXL wrote: »

so the treadmill would just be kinda for fitness ?

I'm not sure what you are asking here.

In terms of general fitness the treadmill can be fine. It can be a great tool to avoid certain inconveniences like weather, public spaces if you are bothered by that. Is it less effective than walking outside? That depends - on a treadmill you aren't using the inertia of your weight the same way - so yes, it is slightly less effective, but one can also set the incline and speed in ways that will make you work harder than a stroll around the block. In real world terms, what matters most is consistent use. Do the thing that will get you to do it several times a week. Unless you are training for racing what matters most for someone starting out is to create the habit. Just do it.

If two months into daily walking or 3-4 sessions of running you are wondering which one you should focus more on - then the answer is going to be ... what you enjoy more. If you have specific goals about being able to run up hills, etc. get out more.

But doing it is more important than where you do it.

I live in a pretty flat area - if I can't get a hill workout - the treadmill and stairmaster are better tools than the flat path in the forest for that type of workout to address specific climbing goals. So I use it for that. But if it is all I do ... well, I'd give up. I generally dislike running indoors.

Omg i cant stand tredmills the give me anxiety walking is fun you get to say hi to other walkers

I would watch your form on the treadmill as it's easier to have poor form on the machine. For example, you're not meant to land on your heel when running, but oftentimes I see people on treadmills doing that. You are also not using it efficiently if you hang on to the rails while walking or running.

I love to get outdoors, but admittedly I am a wimp when it comes to humidity and bugs. For me the treadmill will help me stay consistent so I use it more. I make sure to use programs that vary the incline and speed. I may watch t.v. but often like to play some good, driving music to keep me motivated.

FitFroglet wrote: »

In any case walking is better than not walking and running is better than not running, regardless of where you do it. I find that outdoor runs pass more quickly as the scenery distracts me.

Good luck!

This is why I walk outside. I love the scenery, meeting people (and petting every dog I come across (yes, I always ask the owner first)). I don't bring my music along either because I love to listen to the noises and feel connected to a "community" because I can hear dogs barking; people calling their kids or dogs, washing cars, grilling out, etc; smell the cooking meat; hear the birds; etc.

Treadmills and indoor tracks are boring. I do have an indoor track I can walk on when the weather is dangerous, but otherwise I just dress for the heat, cold, rain, snow, whatever and get out.

I run on a treadmill for a couple of reasons. I live in the desert and it's usually either waaaay to hot or way to cold to run on the street. My community is rural and sidewalks, curbs and shoulders are unknown. I can watch Hulu or Netflix while running and, most of all, I must run at a certain speed to keep up. Left to myself I would be lazy and slow way down, burning fewer calories.

ETA: OP, I agree with those that have said whatever you will do consistently is the best fitness program.

I remember my first few long runs I would always get a strong urge to go at some point during the run. I can't imagine how it would have been if those runs were outside...

amusedmonkey wrote: »

I remember my first few long runs I would always get a strong urge to go at some point during the run. I can't imagine how it would have been if those runs were outside...

Plan your routes accordingly. Every route I have that is longer than 2 miles goes past a public toilet (fast food, gas station, public park) or is in a State park where the toilets might not be as frequent but there are plenty of trees.

Outdoors. I find that running on a treadmill is just so mind numbingly boring even with music or watching tv that I can't do it. I run outdoors year round in all weather.

If you just want some cardio- do the one that you like most. I've always been an outdoor runner (when I was running) but for some reason this go around the treadmill is doing it for me. I'm trying to transition to outside more as I'd like to do a race in the fall but it is harder to run outside. Even on a flat area. But I like playing with the clock on the treadmill and playing with speed and pushing myself to make it to X time before a sip of water. It really really helps pass the time. But outside can be pretty (it is in rural NJ at least). It all depends on you and your goals and interests.