Treadmill vs. Running outside

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  • turnerjh
    turnerjh Posts: 17
    I run almost exclusively outside. At my school, there is an indoor track and treadmills at the gym but the only time I use them is if the sidewalks are covered in snow and ice. I get so bored running inside. I agree that running on the treadmill is probably kinder to your joints but I just cannot tolerate the monotony. I find it painfully dull to run on the treadmill for 30 minutes while I can run 4x that outside.
  • JAllen32
    JAllen32 Posts: 991 Member
    I like both actually. They feel totally different. I train for my race outside, obviously. And I do my distance runs outside. But I love doing interval training on the treadmill with a app that tells me exactly how fast to run and the inclines. I hate trying to do the "run at percieved 5". I don't know! I just run. lol I need an exact speed for those. Running on the treadmill feels easier because I don't have to push myself along, so I can also run faster than when I'm outside.
  • Tegan74
    Tegan74 Posts: 202
    I do the treadmill ~ I much prefer to be in the gym where I can keep up with my time and speed and incline without worrying about getting run over by a car :p plus I like the machines at the gym as well :)
  • alliooops
    alliooops Posts: 87 Member
    I prefer the treadmill because it's not so hard on my joints and I can team it with some strength training. I also like to perhaps do a toning class and then a quick 10 mins even on the treadmill to burn up some calories. I have been told to have the incline on 2.0 so that it replicates road running more. I find it helpful to be able to see what speed I am doing and how long I have run for so that I can compete with myself next time. There's hardly any pavement round by me either so it's quite unnerving running down narrow lanes with cars trying to get past you. I envy those of you who love a good outside run - I have just never been able to get into it.
  • MzTaurus
    MzTaurus Posts: 3
    I don't think there is a difference in benefit but I am an outdoor vote! Something happens when I am outside, in the fresh air, looking all around me-makes me feel humble and grateful that I have the strength to walk, two good legs to do it with, and the time to devote to myself.
  • SKP1986
    SKP1986 Posts: 392 Member
    For me, whether I walk or run outside or inside just depends on the weather. It can get pretty hot and humid where I am and I am very anti-running in 100+ degree weather, so that would be a treadmill day. If it is nice outside and the humidity isn't death-causing, then outside it is. I enjoy both equally.
  • pacmanjack
    pacmanjack Posts: 866 Member
    Both are great...whichever works for you.

    That being said, on a treadmill, you should set your incline to at least 1.0 to give you a flat road-like experience. (Treadmill beds tend to slope slightly downward...or so I'm told).

    ^ this

    I've been treadmill running at a 1.0 incline ever since I started... Now doing between 45 minutes and an hour at 6.0 mph. That 1.0 incline actually make the run more comfortable. Running at 0.0 feels like you have to over-extend your leg each time you land.
  • inlander
    inlander Posts: 339 Member
    Running outside on pavement destroys my knees. The treadmill is easier. So, I like the treadmill better. HOWEVER, when I do cardio, I much prefer the elliptical since it's low-impact on my joints.

    (I feel pretty old saying that. I'm only 24 but a lifetime of sports has killed my body parts.)
  • bstamps12
    bstamps12 Posts: 1,184
    You also have to pay attention to what surface it is you are running on outside. Asphalt is much softer than concrete! Many people try running outside and do so on a sidewalk, which inevitably leads to the conclusion that running outside is bad, hard, harmful to joints, etc. Sidewalks are notorious for being jagged, cracked, uneven, and of course made out of concrete, so of course running on them will probably not be a pleasant first experience. On the other hand, running on the side of a road which is often sloped quite a bit can hurt your lower back, glutes, or ankles as they try to compensate for the slope. When starting to run outside, find terrain that is even and easy to run on until you get used to the natural variations in terrain.
  • bear2905
    bear2905 Posts: 8
    I used to run outside but due to degenerative vision loss I now have to run on the treadmill for safety reasons. Running outside was always definitely more challenging because of wind resistance, terrain, and not having the machine propel you along. However, I find that I sweat ALOT on the treadmill and I am breathing pretty hard as I push myself. I think a mix of both is ideal if you can.
  • me525
    me525 Posts: 155
    Whichever one you're more willing to do:) Of Course on the treadmill it's better to up the incline to at least 1% (less than this is equal to running slightly downhill when outside)

    I have to run on the treadmill in the summer months (where i live the weather wracks HELL on my asthma), but in the fall and winter I love to be outside (it's easier to mark progess and i don't focus on time so much)

    I hope this helps, and GOOD LUCK!
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,996 Member
    Try running the same speed outside as you can on a treadmill and you'll see it's MUCH harder.
  • joan41
    joan41 Posts: 170 Member
    I think that running inside on the treadmill is better on your knees. I know I can run longer on the treadmill. But Honestly, theres nothing like fresh air, and nature. Plus is you are outside you can talk and run'walk. I still having mastered a meaning full conversation while running on the treadmill, and I have always been able to multitask!!
  • LisaMarieee
    LisaMarieee Posts: 176 Member
    I prefer running outside, I get bored if I run on a treadmill.
  • dckim
    dckim Posts: 311 Member
    When the weather is nice, I like outdoors. I don't own a TV so I like the treadmill and catch up on news. :flowerforyou:
  • kentlass
    kentlass Posts: 325 Member
    i am a treadmill runner and thought i was fit...then i went on a road run with my brother and oh my! i was absolutely hanging out....road running is definitely harder...and tbh my brother says running outside is a much better toner than just running on the road...calorie wise though neither seem to be 'more' of a burner than the other
  • Magalo
    Magalo Posts: 3
    I prefer running outside but I suffer from inflammatory pain in my knees so I need to minimize outside running... but now thats the weather is fresh I run outside. And I walk the dog at the same time:) This winter I'll be using the treamills in my school's gym.
  • swaymyway
    swaymyway Posts: 428 Member
    I can run on the treadmil for eons, I find it boring and it doesn't really push me.

    Outside is a lot more difficult and feels totally different and it's never boring.
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