Treadmill or Running Outside: Pros and Cons of Each Practice

One of the simplest ways of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is through running. It is simple and effective and you can either run outside or on a treadmill. However, there has been an old age debate of which option is better; running on a treadmill vs running outside. All runners seem to have an opinion of which option they prefer but they never seem to agree on one. Perhaps the question shouldn’t be which option is the best but instead which option would be perfect for particular situations. This way, instead of picking one over the other, you first know their pros and cons and pick the one that fits you!

Treadmill

Treadmills are cardiovascular equipment that are found in gyms or even homes. Here are some pros and drawbacks of using a treadmill.

Pros

• It is effective and efficient- treadmills are easy to use as all you have to do is hop on it and press the start button. You are also in control of the whole experience by setting the pace, interval and incline.
• No temperature or weather constraints- irrespective of the weather outside, your workout session is not affected. This is because treadmills are usually indoors and in a controlled environment.
• Easy on the joints- treadmills have a smooth surface that is cushioned, imposing less impact on the joints.
• No time constraints- whether you want to run in the middle of the night or in the afternoon, treadmills have no restrictions!
• Lower risk of injury- you will be running in a controlled environment so you will also have easier access to help.

Cons

• Somewhat expensive as you need to buy one or have a gym membership
• Exercise is only limited to running.
• Treadmills require regular maintenance by professionals.
• When are Treadmills the Better Option?
• The treadmill comes in handy when it would be impossible to go for a run. E.g. it is too dark or it is raining outside. You could also use it if you are only looking to do some light workout as part of your fitness program. If you just recovered from an injury, this would be the best option. You may not be ready for the hard impact of the ground.

Running Outside

The feeling of running outside and having the warm breeze hit you is unbeatable. What are the benefits and cons of running outside? Read on to find out!

Pros

• It is cheap- basically just requires running gear
• Running is more motivating- unlike just stepping off a machine, you have to complete a physical distance goal.
• Physiological benefits- it is refreshing to run in a natural setting while experiencing the goodness of nature.
• Enhanced lateral movements- when running outside, you can run in either direction. You are not limited to moving in one direction at a pre-set pace. As you are avoiding objects or cutting corners, your lateral movements are greatly improved.
• Better coordination skills- it is impossible to run outside and not come across obstacles. There will always be people to manoeuvre around, turns to make and even curbs to avoid. With time, your body adapts and can coordinate to do all these things flawlessly.

Cons

• It is affected by changes in temperatures and weather conditions
• Chances of injury are high
• When is it Better to Run Outside?
• For starters, if you are preparing for a race, treadmills just won’t cut it. There is a weather unpredictability that treadmills can’t prepare you for. If you are looking for a more rounded outfit, running outside is the best. It gives you the chance to incorporate other workouts as opposed to just running.

Treadmill vs Running Outside; Which is the Best Option?

The correct answer is, none is better than the other! It all depends on what situation you are in. if you are just looking for a simple cardiovascular workout, the treadmill would be perfect for you. However, if you are looking for a well-rounded workout or are preparing for a race, you should consider running outside. In situations where running outside would be impossible or dangerous, a treadmill would be a great substitute. You should also avoid running outside if you are injured or recovering from an injury. It is impossible to quantify which option is the best. While a treadmill would be perfect in some situations, running outside suits others more.