Treadmill VS outdoor running: 5 advantages and disadvantages

Author: Egor Afanasev - gym trainer.
2016-03-10

Some runners believe that a treadmill is a thousand times worse than running outdoors. They often resort to using it only when it's impractical to run outside. Some runners even refuse to use treadmills, claiming that it would simply be a waste of time and provides no benefit for developing or improving physical qualities.

On the other hand, some runners view treadmills as a very positive tool that can help one win competitions, such as the Olympics. Yes, you heard that right. Rod Dehaven and Christine Clark were ardent fans of the treadmill. In fact, Clark conducted nearly all of her training on a treadmill in the basement of her home as part of her preparation for the Olympic Games. This individual has been the head coach for men’s and women’s cross country at South Dakota State University since 2011.

It is clear that training on a treadmill can be just as effective as running outdoors or on a track, for instance. So how do you determine if a treadmill is right for you? Read on for the pros and cons, then decide which type of treadmill suits you best: http://priceok.ru/begovye_dorozhki/cid5804.

Pros

1. Treadmills are Convenient

One of the significant advantages is that you can do it almost anywhere, anytime. Once, while visiting a law firm, I noticed a slightly ajar door where a woman was calmly doing a cardio workout. I thought to myself, "What a strange gym; the room was no more than 10 sq. meters."

Later, I encountered that same woman in a larger gym, and I asked her if she had decided to switch to a better gym. She replied that the room where she trained previously was a wellness area for employees. Can you imagine? Their management is interested in ensuring that their employees grow not only mentally but also physically. At that moment, the woman was preparing for her debut in a fitness bikini competition. She told me that she did all her preparation with cardio workouts exclusively on the treadmill. As a result, she performed quite well, and her shape was simply outstanding.

There are situations in which running outside is impractical, and a treadmill becomes a preferable option. For example, if you often work late, a treadmill can save you from having to run in the dark. If the sidewalks in your area are icy during winter, a treadmill can prevent you from falling.

2. Treadmills Allow for More Precise Load Calculations

Even when you can run outdoors, a treadmill may be preferred under certain circumstances. For example, if you want to practice for your upcoming race, focusing on pace, incline, etc., you can utilize the treadmill's features to maintain that pace or increase the incline, allowing your body and mind to adapt to the changes in running style. You cannot prepare for a marathon on uneven terrain if you are only able to increase the incline of your training track.

3. Treadmills are Almost as Effective

Some detractors argue that running on a treadmill is easier than running outdoors, and therefore it is less effective. Research has shown that heart rates are slightly lower for each pace on a treadmill compared to running outside. However, the difference is minimal. But you can counteract this by increasing the speed or incline on the treadmill, which brings you on par with those running in the fresh air.

4. Less Impact on the Knees

This fact is currently quite debatable but still holds some truth. When running, transferring weight onto the supporting leg subjects the knee joint to a strong impact. Running on a solid surface intensifies this; however, when you run on a treadmill, you reduce that impact due to the treadmill's cushioning abilities. But with advancements in shoe technology, there are now running shoes with cushioning soles that protect your joints just like the treadmill does. You can determine which category this point falls into.

5. It’s Both Boring and Not Boring

Running on a treadmill can feel tedious, and time often drags on. But, oh surprise, as soon as you distract yourself from the timer, you've already passed half of your workout time. If you intend to make your time on the treadmill more enjoyable, keep yourself occupied: watch a movie, clips, or listen to music. A friend of mine learned English while doing cardio workouts for work. Because of this, his mind focused on an educational task rather than constantly checking how far he had run and how much time was left, accomplishing two objectives at once!

Cons

1. Treadmills are Boring

Running on a treadmill is not as fun as running outdoors. Runners must be prepared to deal with a lot of boredom during training. Additionally, for a substantial amount of time, you will likely be fixated on the passage of time, making the workout feel very long and dragged out.

2. Treadmills Lack Physical Variation

Even for the most resistant treadmill enthusiasts, there is still a clear advantage to running outdoors. For example, most treadmills have a maximum speed of 20 km/h, which is slower than the sprinting pace for most runners, making it impossible to perform sprints and very short, very fast intervals on a treadmill. Moreover, you cannot mimic downhill running; logically, if you have ascended, you should be prepared to descend. Therefore, no one can use a treadmill to prepare for races with extensive downhill sections, such as the Boston Marathon.

3. Lack of Massage

Some marathon runners argue that running on uneven terrain provides their legs with extra stimulation from the irregularities of the landscape. As a result, their muscles are fully engaged, which cannot be said for the flat surface of a treadmill, which lacks such unevenness.

4. The Cost Factor

Nowadays, there are fitness gyms and clubs on almost every corner, and their prices are quite reasonable. Some offer yearly memberships that allow for easy access. However, a treadmill can be costly, sometimes exceeding the price of a year's membership to a fitness club by three times. This makes you wonder if you really need it.

5. Takes Up Space in Your Home

One of the biggest drawbacks is that a treadmill can take up at least half a room, and not everyone can afford a private house or an apartment with enough space. Unlike resistance bands that can be rolled up and stored away, a treadmill is a substantial piece of equipment.

So, it’s up to you to decide what is better for you: running outdoors where you can enjoy the scenery, gain free vitamin D, and perhaps meet someone special in the park during your jog, or purchasing your own personal treadmill, allowing you to train at any time without the risk of injury from slipping on an icy sidewalk, without worrying about catching a cold or what to wear for a run. You can simply turn on your favorite TV show and enjoy while making your body a little healthier.