Running on TreadMill Vs Running Outside

Friends

Which is more beneficial - working out on a treadmill vs running outside

Uh... neither is more beneficial.

Which do you prefer?

Personally, I prefer running outside. It's more real.. and you get to see something besides the same three walls..

Shuresh? You live in Manassas? Heya neighbor! I live in Fairfax! :D

Lovely weather, huh? (Looks outside at the thunderstorm)

I have been using TreadMill most of the times . I might have ventured out at the most 2-3 times . I think I should start running outside

Cool ! Very glad to know that you are close by ....

I find it more beneficial fitness wise to run on a treadmill.  The reason I say this is because it keeps at a constant pace.  When I run outside its easy to slow down without even realizing it and not get as good of a work out, or plain right to give up and just walk.

However, outdoors is really nice as far as changing it up and keeping yourself visually stimulating and if you run with a buddy its more motivating to keep running and not take breaks.

For me, running on a treadmill is more practical.  But, if you want a better workout, sometimes running outside does it.  I can't replicate hills with my cheapy TM, and no TM can replicate going downhill.  If you just want a good cardio, the TM is fine.  If you want to train to do races, I think you really need to be outdoors at least some of the time.

There are pros and cons to both, but I think running outside is more beneficial because you are challenging all of the muscles in your leg to constantly balance and compensate for the uneven surface you are running on (trail, road, grass).  The treadmill doesn't give your leg muscles any variety, so you'll be working the same muscles over and over again.  If you decide to run outside, always run facing traffic so if a car loses control, you have time to react.  I don't recommend running on sidewalks because they are usually concrete, and that could give you major leg pain, like shin splints!  Also, try looking on www.runnersworld.com , there is a lot of info there.  Have fun!

running outside: awesome.

running on a treadmill: boring as all get-out. monotonous to boot.

Thank You All for valuable information. I really appreciate all the help ..U guys and gals are great  :-)

Actually I have to disagree with HK *winces*  I think running outside is better for you because it is never going to be FLAT..  A tredmill is ..   When outside there is a grade to the road so you are working a little harder dependiong on where you choose to run!

Why wince? I don't care if you disagree with me. If you've got a valid point, I may be listening to you! :)

Running outside. Unless it's pouring rain.... then I'd say run on a treadmill.

I find it a lot easier to run further outside because if I feel like stopping, I can continue and push myself by finding something on the road ahead, ie.- tree, mailbox, etc., to mark as my "ok, just get to the -----, then you can stop...", and I usually end up jogging even further by just continuing to do that.

Hope that helped. :)

Running outside will give you a better workout overall.  You have small inclines, hills, turns, heat resistance from the weather factor and moisture.  If you run outside you will notice a drastic difference in exertion level faster due to these elements.  (interval training is even better---walk for 2 mins, run for one, walk for 3 mins--run for 1.5, walk for 2, run for 1, etc for 30-60 mins) You could put an incline on the treadmill, which I recommend if you choose that option which will help give you a better workout and more realistic run for what you are trying to accomplish.  Avoid holding onto the bars though or grabbing the front when at an incline... you will defeat the purpose it is trying to serve (the incline increases the benefit of the run by changing the degree of the plane you are running on.. if you hold on, you keep your body at the same plane as the machine and the incline is no longer in effect.) Once again-if you have the choice and it is nice outside-run in the morning when your body burns stroed fat rather than carbs over inside on a treadmill anyday.  Food for thought. Hope that helps!

abbeyspringer covered mostly everything I think, but I have one small item to add: running outside works your legs better simply because of the movement involved.  On a treadmill, you're putting your energy into moving your legs up and off the moving band, but not really pushing forward.  Outside, you have to propel your body forwards as well as upwards, with no help, so you get a more thorough workout.

Up till June, I had always been on the treadmill.  In June I committed to run a 5k in August and figured I'd better get my butt outside!  Sadly, 5k's aren't typically run in the cool comfort of my basement, so I hit the streets.  I thought it would be important to get aclaimated to the heat and humidity.  I now love running outside.  I agree with jwolst1, that it's easy to push yourself to run to the next road landmark and set goals.  The scenery is much much better than my basement walls.  And, for better or worse, you can naturally adjust your pace to meet your fitness goals.  For me, my fight is often against being generally lazy.  On the treadmill, if i'm starting to feel worn out, it's too easy to just push the stop button.  While on the road, if I'm a mile from home, i still need to find my way back - no stopping!!

Plus, I wear the most ridiculus outfits when i jog outside, that i'd never put on at the gym. I'm in no way self concious alone on the pavement. ;)

Thank You All For Your advice ! U R GR8