Running on a Treadmill V Running Outside – Is One Better Than the Other? 

Running on a Treadmill V Running Outside – Is One Better Than the Other? 

Running on a Treadmill V Running Outside – Is One Better Than the Other? 

Do you have a preference between running on a treadmill and running outside? Do you know which is better or even if one is better than the other and what the difference is? Working out on a treadmill and running outside are both popular forms of cardiovascular exercise that offer distinct benefits and drawbacks. Both options can significantly improve cardiovascular health, endurance, and overall fitness. However, personal preferences, goals, environmental conditions, and access to facilities can often influence the choice between the two. Let’s delve into the differences and look at the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Working out on a treadmill

Advantages

  1. Controlled Environment. One of the advantages of using a treadmill is the ability to control the environment. Whatever the weather, treadmills provide a stable and comfortable setting for a workout. This consistency is particularly beneficial for keeping you on track with your running.
  2. Safety and Convenience. Treadmills offer a safe workout environment, free from the hazards of uneven footpaths, traffic, or poorly lit paths. This makes it a suitable option if you’re concerned about injury risks or running alone when it starts to get dark.
  3. Customisation and Tracking. You can customise your workout, adjusting the speed and incline, to simulate different running conditions. You can also track your heart rate, monitor calories burned, and set specific goals. Many treadmills also offer pre-programmed workouts designed by fitness professionals to target specific fitness objectives. It’s also easier to incorporate strength training into your treadmill workout.
  4. Joint Impact. Treadmills generally have a softer and more even running surface compared to the roads and pavements. This can reduce the impact on joints, which is particularly advantageous if you have joint issues or are recovering from an injury.
  5. Distraction-Friendly. Treadmills allow users to engage in other activities while running, such as watching TV, listening to music, or even reading. This can make the workout more enjoyable and help pass the time more quickly.

Disadvantages

  1. Monotony. Running on a treadmill can be monotonous due to the lack of changing scenery. This can make workouts mentally challenging and less engaging compared to outdoor running.
  2. Limited Terrain Variation. Whilst treadmills can simulate inclines, they cannot fully replicate the varied terrain that you might run whilst outdoors. This can limit the development of certain muscle groups and reduce the overall challenge of the workout.
  3. Cost and Accessibility. Access to a treadmill often requires a gym membership or the purchase of an expensive machine. This can be a barrier for some people.

Outdoor Running

Advantages

  1. Varied Terrain and Scenery. Running outside offers a dynamic environment with constantly changing scenery, which can make your workout more enjoyable and stimulating. Running on different terrains, such as trails, hills and pavements provides a great workout that engages various muscle groups and enhances overall fitness.
  2. Mental Health Benefits. Being outdoors has been shown to have numerous mental health benefits. Exposure to nature and fresh air can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and boost mental well-being. Running outside often feels more liberating and less confined than running on a treadmill.
  3. Natural challenges. Running outside presents natural challenges such as wind resistance, varying slopes and obstacles. These elements can enhance the intensity of the workout and contribute to improved endurance and strength.
  4. Social Interaction. Running outdoors often provides opportunities for social interaction, whether through running groups, community races or simply encountering other runners or people who you might pass. This can add a social dimension to the exercise, making it more enjoyable and motivating.
  5. Accessibility and cost. Running outside is free and accessible to most people. There are no membership fees or equipment costs, making it an affordable and convenient option for many.

Disadvantages

  1. Weather Dependence. One of the main drawbacks of running outside is its dependence on weather conditions. Extreme temperatures, rain, snow and ice can make outdoor running uncomfortable or even dangerous.
  2. Safety Concerns. Outdoor running carries certain risks, including traffic accidents, uneven surfaces, and potential encounters with strangers. Running alone in isolated areas or at night can also pose safety concerns. 
  3. Impact on Joints. Running on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt can be tough on the joints, potentially leading to injuries over time. This is a significant consideration for individuals with pre-existing joint issues.
  4. Inconsistent Surface. Unlike the controlled surface of a treadmill, outdoor running surfaces can be inconsistent. Potholes, rocks, and other obstacles can increase the risk of tripping or injury.

Conclusion

Both treadmill workouts and outdoor running have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different people and circumstances. Treadmills offer a controlled, safe, and convenient environment with the added benefit of customisable workouts and reduced joint impact. These features make them an excellent choice if you have specific fitness goals, if you’re recovering from an injury, or if you prefer a distraction-friendly workout environment.

On the other hand, outdoor running provides a dynamic and engaging experience that can enhance mental well-being, offer natural resistance challenges, and be a sociable experience. It is an accessible and cost-effective option that benefits from the varied terrain and changing scenery, although it is more dependent on weather conditions and poses some safety risks.

Ultimately, the choice between treadmill workouts and outdoor running depends on your individual preferences, fitness goals, and circumstances. You might find that incorporating both methods into your fitness routine offers the best of both worlds, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of each. Whether running indoors or out, the most important factor is consistency and finding an enjoyable and sustainable way to stay active and healthy.

It’s important to include both cardiovascular exercise and strength training into your fitness programme, as both are vital to optimum health. Running on the treadmill or outside will improve your cardiovascular fitness, helping your heart and lungs to work better, giving you a lower resting heart rate, and improving your endurance.

Strength training works at the level of the muscles, putting stress on them, causing them to grow stronger.

Incorporating both into your workout can also help to reduce your risk of injury. By mixing up the types of workouts, you are giving your body a break from the repetitive movements of cardio.

It’s easy to do this at W fitness by incorporating a treadmill workout before or after our 30 minute strength based circuit. Alterntively, you could run to the gym, complete your 30 minute strength based workout, and then run home if you prefer outdoor running!

If you’re unable to get into W Fitness, try this home / holiday workout that combines both, easily!

Holiday / Home Cardio and Strength Workout!

Select dumbbells that are challenging but comfortable. The following workout should take about 10 minutes so repeat 2 or 3 times through for a longer workout:

Walk for 3-5 minutes on the treadmill to warm up.

  1. 10 x Bicep Curl.
  2. 2-minute run on treadmill.
  3. 12 x Alternate Reverse Single Shoulder Press (start with arms above your head, and alternately bring one arm down until parallel with the floor, and push back up.
  4. 2-minute run on treadmill.
  5. 12 x static lateral lunge with weight exchange (Place 2 dumbbells in front of your feet. Perform static side lunges, picking up the dumbbells at the opposite foot and then placing them back on the floor.
  6. 2-minute run on treadmill.

Note: Please step off the treadmill to perform the dumbbell exercises.

Here at W Fitness, we know how important it is to incorporate both cardio and strength training into your workouts so visit us at www.wfitness.co.uk to see how we can help you to get the best out of your workout programme.

Much Love

Caroline & Hannah xx