Skip to content
  • Register
    • We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

    Treadmill or Outside

    Posts: 28
    edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
    What do you think is better? Treadmill run/jog or doing it outside??

    and why do you think its better?

    Welcome!

    It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.
    Sign In
    Register
    «13

    Replies

    • Posts: 19,251 Member
      Both.
      Treadmill is somewhat easier. But it's also easier on your body.
      I alternate.

      I'm not looking to race, or anything like that, just continue to improve my cardiovascular fitness.
    • Posts: 37
      Personally I like outside better (unless it's bad weather). I love nature, and also I think the natural variations in the landscape help do more to tone muscles than walking on a treadmill
    • Posts: 392 Member
      Outside

      1) Simulates conditions of a race.
      2) More effort with wind/balance.
      3) Id rather look at stuff outside than a crappy little TV screen or whatever other sights are in my gym.
    • Posts: 541 Member
      I feel clumsy and uncoordinated on the treadmill.

      I feel like I push myself more and like I can keep going when I'm outside.


      I say outside is better in general, but inside on the treadmill is good if you need to fall back on it.
    • Posts: 653 Member
      Outside. It is much more interesting, and you burn more calories.
    • Posts: 902 Member
      I prefer outside, I like it more, and it helps me clear my head more. Also, no worries about germs or worrying what other people think of me. That being said, I like that the treadmill gives you your speed & calories burned, too.
    • Posts: 978 Member
      Treadmill is better for me because I can easily control and maintain my pace.
    • Posts: 9 Member
      I love the outside but the treadmill keeps me at a steady pace for a set amount of time :)
    • Posts: 482 Member
      As far as calorie burn/training, I'm not an expert on that. But I know I prefer to do it outside because I find the change in scenery and the fresh air more motivating and makes the workout go by faster
    • Posts: 1,936 Member
      Outside is so much better for me. My HR stays lower even at if I'm going at the same pace as on a treadmill, and I find it enjoyable versus drudgery. I don't watch the minutes count down, I just....run. It's great. I only use the treadmill for sprint or hill intervals if I can help it.
    • Posts: 14 Member
      I like the treadmill myself only because I can control the incline and speed.. works better for me and keeps me on track.
    • Posts: 3,039 Member
      Outside. I run on the treadmill about 3 times a year, every one of them reluctantly.
    • Posts: 537 Member
      Obviously running/walking outside is better for you because there is more change in the terrain and you will burn more but treadmill is great for when you can't get out or a little extra workout
    • Posts: 36
      I prefer outside. I find myself fixating on the numbers on the treadmill, while outside, it's just me, my iPod and my thoughts. I can go for much longer outside, too. The other day, I did 90 minutes with no problems!
    • Posts: 62 Member
      Outside! I'll use the dreadmill if the weather isn't cooperating, but for whatever reason time/distance seems to go A LOT quicker when you're outside.
    • Posts: 619 Member
      We used to have a treadmill and im desperate for another. Im the kind of person though that when i had the treadmill i felt so bored of it and would rather be outdoors running but now that i don't have the luxery of the treadmill i really do wish i had one. I like that fact that if i look dog rough it doesnt matter cause im in doors plus if the weather isnt good then its great having the treamill. But like i say, if i had one again i do think i'd get bored and want to be outside lol.
    • Posts: 8,646 Member
      I feel clumsy and uncoordinated on the treadmill.

      I feel like I push myself more and like I can keep going when I'm outside.

      This for me!
    • Posts: 183
      Outside, unless it's freezing or 100 degrees. I like the change of scenery.
    • Posts: 619 Member
      Personally I like outside better (unless it's bad weather). I love nature, and also I think the natural variations in the landscape help do more to tone muscles than walking on a treadmill
      Although like i just said, i want a treadmill again, i do agree with this.
    • Posts: 6,128 Member
      I can't stand the dreadmill, makes my shins hurt. I like being outside and having a change of scenery, keeps my mind moving. Also, running outside better prepares me for my races.
    • Posts: 70 Member
      It depends on what you're trying to accomplish. I completed the C25K on a treadmill so I am able to run for 40-45 mins without stopping. When I was able to run for 15-20 mins without stopping, I tried to run outside and nearly died. It was a struggle to run even for 5 mins. I decided to start the program over but outside and I'm currently on week 4 and it's very challenging and I'm only running for 4 and walking for 1.
    • Posts: 1,087 Member
      I prefer Outside over Treadmill

      but my knees feel so much better after 5 miles on the treadmill versus 5 miles outside.....
    • Posts: 824 Member
      Work = Force X Distance....(force = mass X acceleration)

      On a treadmill, your legs are going back and forth, back and forth, but your body mass isn't going anywhere. Outside is better.
    • Posts: 34 Member
      definely outside..I love to see the surroundings..nature etc..time goes so fast and I tend to push myself farther than on a boring treadmill!..I keep track of my steps/miles/calories burned via my fitbit
    • Posts: 8,980 Member
      what do you mean by "better"?
    • Posts: 842 Member
      I PREFER THE TREADMILL I CAN CONTROL EVERYTHING FROM SPEED TO INCLINE BUT OUTSIDE IS FUN I'VE INCORPORATED THAT INTO MY ROUTINE FOR AT LEAST ONE TIME A WEEK
    • Posts: 294 Member
      OUTSIDE! I can get into a daze or get lost in my mind outside, looking at natural beauty and enjoying being outside..making an hour run feel like nothing. 5 minutes on the treadmill feels like FOREVER. The only thing good about the treadmill is for speed/interval workouts.
    • Posts: 134 Member
      Both are good but I love to run outside I have to make myself use the treadmill!
    • Posts: 420 Member
      both.... but def prefer outside. i have a treadmill to use when the weather is bad and when i need some additional intervals/incline.
    • Posts: 1,691 Member
      I used to prefer outside, before I was comfortable running on the treadmill, but now I prefer the treadmill. wait, I prefer one type of specific treadmill at my gym - freemotion incline trainers. they are THE BEST to run on, hands down.
      Plus then I don't have to worry about bugs, cars, construction, holes in the ground, and other distractions.
    This discussion has been closed.

    Welcome!

    It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.
    Sign In
    Register

    Quick Links

    Categories