Are you looking for a cardio workout that's fun, easy, cheap and effective? Running is an excellent option: it's easy to get started, it's a fabulous workout and it's accessible to just about anyone.
But should you run outdoors or on a treadmill? It's a question many runners ask themselves and the answer is: it depends.
Read on to learn about the pros and cons of running on a treadmill.
Pro: It's safer Running outside can be fun, but it can also be dangerous under certain conditions.
If you live in an unsafe area, you might not want to run outside at all, or after dark.
No matter where you live, if you're running on the streets, there's the matter of traffic -- you have to watch for cars, which means you can't tune out and let your mind wander.
And in winter, icy or snowy roads and trails can be an injury waiting to happen.
A treadmill lets you avoid all of these hazards and run without worrying about all of these things.
Con: It can be boring When you're running outdoors, you have things to look at, weather to contend with, and a moving backdrop to run along.
When you're on a treadmill, nothing changes but your music or video screen.
Many runners find running on a treadmill more challenging mentally.
Pro: It can force you to work harder Outdoors, you run as fast as...
well, as you run.
On a treadmill, you run as fast as the belt is moving.
Sometimes, on days when your motivation is low, working harder can be as simple as turning up the speed.
Then your legs just have to keep up.
Con: It's an easier workout The truth is, you just burn more calories when you're running outdoors: you have wind to contend with, and the ground doesn't do you any favours since it's not moving along under your feet.
So on a straight minutes and miles-per-hour comparison, running outdoors is the winner.
But you can compensate for that by planning a treadmill workout that forces you to work even harder.
Pro: It's easier on your body If you're dealing with injuries, or trying to prevent them, making at least some of your running workouts on the treadmill is a good idea -- especially if the majority of your outdoor workouts are on pavement.
The surface of the treadmill belt is relatively soft and easy on your body, so you reduce the risk of impact-related injuries like shinsplints.
And since the surface is even (i.
e.
, no sidewalks leaning to one side), you avoid imbalances in the hips.
Con: It can be expensive Using a treadmill means having access to a treadmill -- and that means either owning one, borrowing one or paying for a gym membership.
Running outdoors, on the other hand, is available to anyone.
Pro: It's versatile The bottom line is, if you're a serious runner, you want to be running outdoors at least part of the time, especially leading up to races.
And if you're running easy enough on a treadmill that you can happily flip through a magazine, you're probably not working hard enough.
But for most of us, most of the time, the treadmill is an excellent way to mix up your workouts and keep exercising no matter what the weather.
But should you run outdoors or on a treadmill? It's a question many runners ask themselves and the answer is: it depends.
Read on to learn about the pros and cons of running on a treadmill.
Pro: It's safer Running outside can be fun, but it can also be dangerous under certain conditions.
If you live in an unsafe area, you might not want to run outside at all, or after dark.
No matter where you live, if you're running on the streets, there's the matter of traffic -- you have to watch for cars, which means you can't tune out and let your mind wander.
And in winter, icy or snowy roads and trails can be an injury waiting to happen.
A treadmill lets you avoid all of these hazards and run without worrying about all of these things.
Con: It can be boring When you're running outdoors, you have things to look at, weather to contend with, and a moving backdrop to run along.
When you're on a treadmill, nothing changes but your music or video screen.
Many runners find running on a treadmill more challenging mentally.
Pro: It can force you to work harder Outdoors, you run as fast as...
well, as you run.
On a treadmill, you run as fast as the belt is moving.
Sometimes, on days when your motivation is low, working harder can be as simple as turning up the speed.
Then your legs just have to keep up.
Con: It's an easier workout The truth is, you just burn more calories when you're running outdoors: you have wind to contend with, and the ground doesn't do you any favours since it's not moving along under your feet.
So on a straight minutes and miles-per-hour comparison, running outdoors is the winner.
But you can compensate for that by planning a treadmill workout that forces you to work even harder.
Pro: It's easier on your body If you're dealing with injuries, or trying to prevent them, making at least some of your running workouts on the treadmill is a good idea -- especially if the majority of your outdoor workouts are on pavement.
The surface of the treadmill belt is relatively soft and easy on your body, so you reduce the risk of impact-related injuries like shinsplints.
And since the surface is even (i.
e.
, no sidewalks leaning to one side), you avoid imbalances in the hips.
Con: It can be expensive Using a treadmill means having access to a treadmill -- and that means either owning one, borrowing one or paying for a gym membership.
Running outdoors, on the other hand, is available to anyone.
Pro: It's versatile The bottom line is, if you're a serious runner, you want to be running outdoors at least part of the time, especially leading up to races.
And if you're running easy enough on a treadmill that you can happily flip through a magazine, you're probably not working hard enough.
But for most of us, most of the time, the treadmill is an excellent way to mix up your workouts and keep exercising no matter what the weather.