Treadmill vs. Outdoor Running: Pros and Cons for Every Runner

The biggest debate in the fitness industry has been about “treadmill vs. outdoor running”, which one is better? The honest answer is “to each his own!” However, in this article, we plan to give you a clear picture of the pros and cons of each of them. Geared with all the information, you will be able to make a sound decision about which one to choose for yourself.

Running is one of the best ways in which you can stay fit and healthy. Everyone has their opinion on which one is better depending on their circumstance and preferences.

Treadmill – Pros and Cons

Avoid Uncertainty

Treadmills are excellent machines if you want to eliminate the factor of uncertainty in your run. They give you the option of working out in a climate-controlled environment. Moreover, you can also control the speed, the incline, the pace, and the terrain. You will know exactly where you are running and on what surface which otherwise, you might not be aware of.

Will be Easier on the Joints

Running on the treadmill is going to be gentler on the body too. As it has a consistent and flat surface, it will be softer on the joints. According to the experts, if you are recovering from any injury, or have any joint pain or dysfunction, it is better to use a treadmill. Check out the Proform USA Carbon T7 Treadmill by Fitness Depot if you are looking for something professional.

Simulate Race Courses

If you check out the treadmills available at Fitness Depot, you will be able to simulate race courses and take your training to the next level. The hi-fi treadmills like the Pro-form Treadmill Pro-2000 allow you to participate in Live Events. Not only this, but you can engage with professional trainers who can control the decline, incline and speed of the treadmill automatically so you get the push you need to workout – Just like a gym! 

Target Specific Muscles Only _{Top of Form}

The drawback of running on a treadmill is that it targets specific muscles and leaves out the rest. This is because the belt is flat. Hence, it does not challenge certain muscles, especially those in the upper body.

Even the lower body muscles do not get challenged if you’re only running on the flat belt at the same pace. They also get adapted to the exercise regime in less than 16 weeks.

To challenge your lower body muscles, try keeping a 1% grade according to Pubmed. Motorized treadmills are best for this varied workout and can help engage  your muscles, so they don’t get used to the jogging or running workout on the treadmill.

Check this article out to see what are the top 5 motorized treadmills for home workouts.

Running Outdoors – Pros and Cons

Help Make You a Stronger Runner

Running outside helps make you a stronger runner by engaging the entire body. This is because you have to create a force between the body and the ground. Moreover, the uneven terrain engages all the muscles of the body.

Mental Stimulation

Outdoor exercises are always better for mental stimulation. When you run outside, you can experience nature, scenery, people and even different obstacles.

It’s Free

It might be worth mentioning here that running outside is the cheapest exercise you can do! It is practically free!

Helps Prepare for Race-Running

When you run outside, your body trains for encountering and adapting to a varied terrain. If you are a professional runner, running outside is going to do wonders for you. You can mimic the race track easily. Running outside allows your body to adapt to the terrain. It knows when to put in extra effort when there are uneven surfaces or elevations.

Helps Burn More Calories

Due to the wind resistance and uneven surface, your body will burn more calories by working harder to keep up the pace.

Constraint by Weather Conditions

The only issue with running outside is that you are constrained by the weather conditions. With treadmills, you will never miss out on a day of running. You can run day or night without any worries.

Risk of Injury

Another drawback of running outside is the risk of getting injured. In some places, running at night can also be dangerous.

Final Words

If you ask us, we are big advocates of both forms of running: be it on the treadmill or outside. However, if you are training for a race, we would recommend running outside along with your usual treadmill runs. Otherwise, using either depends on your preference.

At Fitness Depot, we deal with some of the most advanced treadmills. Check out our website for more training and exercise equipment.

Kamil Riaz

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