Treadmill or Outside

gemini0689
gemini0689 Posts: 28
in Fitness and Exercise
What do you think is better? Treadmill run/jog or doing it outside??

and why do you think its better?
«13

Replies

  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 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.
  • Fallen_Angel226
    Fallen_Angel226 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
  • ATLMel
    ATLMel 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.
  • tinana_RN
    tinana_RN 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.
  • JoniBologna
    JoniBologna Posts: 653 Member
    Outside. It is much more interesting, and you burn more calories.
  • karensoxfan
    karensoxfan 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.
  • roachhaley
    roachhaley Posts: 978 Member
    Treadmill is better for me because I can easily control and maintain my pace.
  • emc1014
    emc1014 Posts: 9 Member
    I love the outside but the treadmill keeps me at a steady pace for a set amount of time :)
  • zaithyr
    zaithyr 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
  • ShannonMpls
    ShannonMpls 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.
  • debidietel069
    debidietel069 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.
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    Outside. I run on the treadmill about 3 times a year, every one of them reluctantly.
  • jaxbeck
    jaxbeck 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
  • mjgregg12
    mjgregg12 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!
  • Starsighter78
    Starsighter78 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.
  • Charloo1990
    Charloo1990 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.
  • pastryari
    pastryari 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!
  • NICOLED73
    NICOLED73 Posts: 183
    Outside, unless it's freezing or 100 degrees. I like the change of scenery.
  • Charloo1990
    Charloo1990 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.
  • AlsDonkBoxSquat
    AlsDonkBoxSquat 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.
  • pjsmom2010
    pjsmom2010 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.
  • Mercenary1914
    Mercenary1914 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.....
  • EpiGaiaRepens
    EpiGaiaRepens 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.
  • jheffe
    jheffe 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
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    what do you mean by "better"?
  • Broderick50
    Broderick50 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
  • honu18
    honu18 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.
  • valenief
    valenief Posts: 134 Member
    Both are good but I love to run outside I have to make myself use the treadmill!
  • lisakyle_11
    lisakyle_11 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.
  • marycmeadows
    marycmeadows 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.

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