Running outside vs. on a treadmill

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Replies

  • Nikki_42
    Nikki_42 Posts: 298 Member
    Outside is harder. Harder ground, uneven ground, etc. You have to pay attention to every little thing around you. Inside is easier, if slightly more boring, and you know the exact pace you're keeping.

    But my gym has a cardio theater with treadmills, so you can watch the latest movies on a big screen while running/walking. TIme tends to fly then. And if it's a movie with a killer soundtrack, it gets you pumped.
  • beccci91
    beccci91 Posts: 213 Member
    I LOVE trail running, like street running, tolerate treadmill running. They are decent for intervals though.

    hill trail running or....? Trail running has always looked amazing to me

    Rolling terrain through the woods is my favourite kind, but I'll take any trail offered. It is amazing in my opinion, peaceful, natural, beautiful. I leave my ipod at home and listen to my surroundings.

    That does sound amazing <3
  • _the_feniks_
    _the_feniks_ Posts: 3,412 Member
    Summer in Phoenix... I love the treadmill. Other times, I prefer to do it outside.
  • andymf85
    andymf85 Posts: 18 Member
    I don't trust the air circulation in gyms. Plus, I'm a Luddite and don't like using machines if I don't have to. Anything I can do outdoors, I will.
  • belgerian
    belgerian Posts: 1,059 Member
    I started out on the treadmill I liked the controled environment our gym had TVs in that area so put on my music find a show and run run and run. I started running outside becouse it was more convenient that was a year or so ago think ive been on the tread mill maybe a dozen times since then. I love running outside even in the colder weather. You will not see me out there in the cold rain I can guarantee you that at least not on purpose.
  • JeffPerry67
    JeffPerry67 Posts: 15
    I ran on a treadmill all winter, doing 5k runs at least 2 to 3 times per week. It was ok, and I can't say that it bothered me that much. Our community had our outdoor track re-finished with a world class rubberized surface late last season and I was really looking forward to trying it out this year. I had run on it lots before the new surface and it bothered my knee quite a bit.

    I am doing 2 to 3 runs every week outdoors now(on the new track) and I love it! I don't have to wear my knee support and i've even done a 10k run three times (taking my times from 1hr 3 minutes to 59 minutes to 56 minutes 30 seconds). My 5k runs have reduced in time from 30 minutes (treadmill time) to a best time of 26 minutes 29 seconds.

    I much prefer to run outside and if I had the choice i'd do it all year! However, come late fall and winter, I will be back inside on the treadmill, but running faster times!!!! lol
  • MelanieAG05
    MelanieAG05 Posts: 359 Member
    Outside is much better!! And more challenging due to the various different terrains and gradients. The treadmill is sooooo boring!
  • callmejessica
    callmejessica Posts: 1,868 Member
    Running outside is more physically demanding than running on the treadmill.

    The treadmill is more difficult mentally, for me.

    I completely agree with this. I usually like to run outside in the morning around my neighborhood. I have lots of hills, so I feel like that gives me a better workout. When I go to the gym, I prefer the bikes if I'm doing cardio.
  • Dipmom
    Dipmom Posts: 228 Member
    LOVE the treadmill! I don't have to think and I can completely zone out. Sometimes I watch a movie, and if I want to finish the movie I have to stay on it. I also like to do various routines, like increase incline 1% each minute and then decrease. By the time you get to the top it is so hard, and each decrease feels like heaven. I can also get on it first thing in the the morning, without brushing teeth and hair etc. and just get it over with. Nobody has to see me.

    It is easier than running outside which I like too, but you just have to push yourself harder. Lastly...you had better keep up or you will go flying off the back. When your outside you can just slow down.
  • BronnersHarris
    BronnersHarris Posts: 247 Member
    Did my first run outside and really enjoyed it. Managed to run as long as I normally do inside but found it a little easier on my joints. x
  • thebutteredtoast
    thebutteredtoast Posts: 141
    I like both. I have a treadmill at home and when I use it I usually pop a dvd in and watch something that's as long as what I want to work out for. I live in Florida, so running outside this time of year is absolute torture, but on a good, windy day, I prefer to go outside and enjoy the weather.
  • 4thehardman
    4thehardman Posts: 731 Member
    I cannot believe I am even in a position to comment on this thread but I have just discovered running. I love running outside. I run through a woody trail in the mountains and I love every minute. I couldn't ever go back to the confines of a Gym. I don't even mind running in the rain or snow. I hate the idea that in less than 6 months all of my trails will be closed due to snow. Eugh.
  • Spudeata
    Spudeata Posts: 100 Member
    Both are good for varies reasons but I believe running outside is better for you in long run...ha ha ha 'long run' ok but seriously everything I have read and experienced running outside is better.

    ^ This - also some people need the security of having a treadmill in their home, they aren't confident outside, from my point of view any walking or running is good whether it is on a treadmill or outside
  • beccci91
    beccci91 Posts: 213 Member
    I cannot believe I am even in a position to comment on this thread but I have just discovered running. I love running outside. I run through a woody trail in the mountains and I love every minute. I couldn't ever go back to the confines of a Gym. I don't even mind running in the rain or snow. I hate the idea that in less than 6 months all of my trails will be closed due to snow. Eugh.

    Me too, haha. Who would have known that I'd be a runner now?! lol
  • Thomas8260
    Thomas8260 Posts: 8 Member
    If you can find a 1/2 hour TV program you are interested in it goes quickly. I like the discovery channel, man vs food or hot rod shows. Plus, you never have to worry about rain or getting run over by some crazy driver! LOL

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