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Treadmill vs walking outside... doesn't make sense

Francl27
Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
edited November 2024 in Social Groups
Has anyone else noticed this? If I walk 3 miles outside, mostly flat with maybe a couple 7% hills for half a mile, I burn 5.8 calories per minute.

If I walk on the treadmill at a 6% incline for the same time, I burn 5.7 calories per minute.

It's... annoying.

I have a fitbit charge 2.

Replies

  • FitCurves1818
    FitCurves1818 Posts: 90 Member
    I believe it takes more effort outside versus on the treadmill. I know for me at least I find the treadmill easier than actual walking, so I'm sure I'm exerting more effort i.e. using more calories when I'm walking/running off the treadmill versus on it.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    FitCurves1818 wrote: »
    I believe it takes more effort outside versus on the treadmill. I know for me at least I find the treadmill easier than actual walking, so I'm sure I'm exerting more effort i.e. using more calories when I'm walking/running off the treadmill versus on it.

    What's weird is that my heart rate is higher on the treadmill. I just really don't get it.
  • IdLikeToLoseItLoseIt
    IdLikeToLoseItLoseIt Posts: 695 Member
    edited January 2017
    Have you by chance compared steps per minute on the treadmill vs. outdoors over a set time interval? Walking and running outdoors (or an open track) has certain advantages in terms of speed and gait. When you really hit the zone on a good walk, you speed up naturally without having to push a button on the treadmill. Perhaps, without realizing, you're walking faster on those outdoor walks and getting in more steps. Just a theory.
  • daj150
    daj150 Posts: 815 Member
    My first question is if you are at 6% on the treadmill the entire time. If so, your HR outside will be lower because when you hit downhills or lower grades, your heart rate will trend downwards. That would be HR difference you are seeing.

    Treadmill effort vs. outside effort is tricky. If you are comparing walking on a track to walking on the treadmill at the same pace, then sure, outside is more effort. Tracking SPM, steps per minute is tricky as well. Typically a person will have a higher SPM on a treadmill, because the treadmill belt is assisting in your kick-back.

    Ultimately, you should not try to expect the same burn or HR with inside vs outside. There are too many different factors. There are also many benefits to both. What you should focus on is making sure each workout challenges you, is enjoyable, and helps your progress to your goals.

    If you MUST compare workouts, compare inside to prior inside, and outside to prior outside.
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