The debate on treadmill running versus outside running is quite an old one. Everyone has personal preferences depending upon which they prefer either a treadmill or running outside.
If you prefer structured indoor workouts, you must get a treadmill to meet your fitness requirements. Northern fitness sells Schwinn exercise equipment, ensuring high-quality features essential for having effective workouts.
Some people may find running on a treadmill monotonous and prefer outside running to explore different terrains. However, like everything else, treadmill running and outside running both have their pros and cons.
We will discuss them today in this article to help you decide what option best suits your fitness needs. So, let’s dig in a little deeper.
Treadmill Running Pros And Cons
Let’s have a look at some pros and cons of running on a treadmill:
Pros
- Control Your Pace
It may be difficult to run at a consistent pace outside. Treadmill running allows you to control your pace and track your progress consistently.
It is also a good option for people recovering from an injury, allowing them to manage their speed as required. If your body feels exhausted, you can stop anytime and give yourself some rest as well.
- No Weather Limitations
It gets very uncomfortable to run outside in extreme weather conditions. Running in the heat puts you at high risk of dehydration, while running on the snow or ice may slow you down.
But, if you run on a treadmill, you do not have to face any of these constraints. You can control and regulate the temperature if you are running on a treadmill in a fitness club or home gym.
- Ease And Comfort
You can run on a treadmill at any time suitable to you. It is convenient to schedule your workouts and hop on a treadmill whenever you find the time.
Also, you can listen to your favorite music or watch your favorite shows on TV while running on a treadmill. It keeps you entertained and motivated during workout sessions.
- Gentle On The Joints
Running on a treadmill exerts less pressure on your knees and ankles than running outside on the roads or pavements. The treadmill offers better shock absorption, preventing strain on your joints.
So, people with joint aches or problems must go for treadmill running to stay safe. Also, running at an incline on the treadmill builds endurance and strength, similar to running uphill.
Cons
- Lacks Downhill Simulation
Usually, treadmills lack a downward incline function that strengthens the anterior tibialis muscles. People running for a race that includes frequent elevation changes may require the downhill incline feature.
- It Gets Monotonous
Running on a treadmill for long hours may get boring for you, making you feel uninterested in your workout sessions. Treadmill running is ideal for short runs but may get monotonous for running for long hours.
Outside Running Pros And Cons
Here we will take you through some pros and cons of outside running. Let’s have a look at them:
Pros
- Economical
You can run outside free of cost whenever you want. You do not have to follow a particular gym schedule or have machines available to get started. All you need to do is gear up, go outside, and enjoy running.
- Allows You To Spend Time In Nature
Running outside lets you enjoy nature and breathe in the fresh air, making you feel invigorated. You can also explore new places and watch some amazing sights while running outdoors. To make the most of these sightings, you only need to shop now for some cool and protective glasses!
- Better For Training For Road Races
Your muscles and bones get well trained to run on different terrains you may encounter during a race if you run outdoors. Outdoor running mimics your final race conditions and train you much better. It allows you to adapt to changes in weather and make you cautious of the possible obstacles or elevations.
- Burns More Calories
You will face wind resistance when running outside, which will make you work harder to maintain your pace. As a result, it will burn more calories.
Cons
- High Risk Of Injury
While running outdoors, you may experience uneven terrains that put you at high risk for injury. Knee and ankle injuries are the most common injuries people experience while running outside.
- Weather Constraints
Extreme weather conditions may ruin your plans for outdoor running. You may feel demotivated in the hot summer months to run outside since it is highly likely for you to get dehydrated. Therefore, changing weather conditions may limit your outside running.
What Should You Choose?
To make the right choice, you must consider your fitness and personal requirements. If you want to enhance your cardiovascular health, a treadmill would be a more suitable option for you.
However, if you want to train for a race event, it is ideal for you to run outside. Running outside will better prepare you for a race since it mimics the race conditions.
You may also go for a combination of both if you feel it is practical for you. Whatever you choose, make sure your decision aligns with your fitness and personal objectives.