Treadmill or Running Outside: Which is Better for your Fitness Needs?
running, treadmill, running outside, vitamin d
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During the winter months, it was all treadmill for most of us, but now that it's getting warmer, do we move our running outside?
It's important to break down the advantages and disadvantages of both running on a treadmill and getting outdoors and running or jogging outside.
Advantages of Running on a Treadmill over Running Outside:
1. Running on a treadmill is easier on the joints and less likely to cause shin splints.
2. The gym atmosphere will almost always have people, which is good if you're into social fitness.
3. Running on a treadmill makes it easier to track how many miles you've ran, and how many calories you've burned.
4. Running on a treadmill allows you to watch television or read a magazine while you're running.
5. Un-affected by weather.
6. Ability to control incline, decline, and set a constant pace for your running/walking.
Advantages of Running Outside over Running on a Treadmill:
1. No need for equipment or gym membership (we simply ask that you wear clothes)
2. Avoid waiting for equipment at the gym - some gyms get pretty crowded.
3. Get to soak up some rays - which is good for getting your daily dose of Vitamin D.
4. Better sense of progression due to actually moving rather than staying in place.
5. Usually the outside air is fresher than Gym-Air
6. Running outside in different terrains is often a better workout for your body.
7. No risk of falling on a treadmill.
So what's the Verdict?
Both have their advantages and disadvantages. There is obviously no right or wrong choice. I'm not big on running but if I had a personal preference I would probably run outside rather than on a treadmill - Mainly because I have a problem running straight and find myself getting tripped up on treadmills a lot, which can result in a disaster.
Generally, I do 10 minutes of uphill power walking on a treadmill for warm up before my workouts. However, I plan on eventually shifting to KettleBell's warm up recommendation - getting the blood flowing in your muscles via a rolling stick.
If I were going to the gym strictly to run, I would opt to run outside or on a track. Running on a track helps to avoid joint injuries because it is a better running surface.
Which do you prefer - Running on a Treadmill or Running Outside?
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on 6/2/2008
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