Running on the Treadmill Vs. Running Outside

There is the debate that a treadmill is better than running outdoors. There are more pros to running inside than outside. Which one burns more calories and energy?

Treadmill

There is less impact on your joints primarily your knees and ankles.

You don't have to worry about poor weather conditions if you're indoor.

You are guaranteed to not get chased by a dog.

Most treadmills have inclines that enable you to increase the slope in which you run. Some treadmills go as high as 15%. This will usually require that you hold on to the bars or you're likely to fall off.

If you're tired, you can stop instantly.

You are able to track your distance, time, mph and calories burned.

You can watch TV while running.

You can use the machine to stretch your calves and shins.

Outside

Your scenery is always different reducing boredom.

The variations of inclines are forced on you by going up and down curbs, jumping over concrete monsters, possibly running on a sidewalk that is sloped to the side.

Depending on the weather, you get a chance to really sweat, cool off or get really wet from rain or snow.

Which is better?

It is true that running inside on the treadmill aka dreadmill has more pros than running outside, but in my opinion, running outside is better for you physically. Being exposed to different weather conditions prepares you for being outside (not that it matters much) but if you have to spend a day outside in the hot humid weather, it might be more bearable.

I believe it's better for your cardio and muscles to run outside vs. the treadmill because of the following observation. I started running strictly on the treadmill 4 to 5 times per week for about 30 minutes. I got bored with it very quickly but did it for 5 weeks straight. I found myself wanting to walk or use a different machine because of this boredom. Then on the 6^th week, I decided to run outside instead. Not only was it a bit more difficult, I felt like I accomplished something because as I moved from one block to the other, I went further without stopping because I could see the results of my distance.

When you run on the treadmill, the belt is moving and you're basically jumping on the belt one foot after another. When you run outside, you have to project yourself to move, the street doesn't move for you. This exerts more energy. Each day that I ran outside, my muscles were tired in a good way. I exercised muscles I hadn't when I ran on the treadmill. Being outside is liberating. If you work full-time indoors, it's good to go outside. The sun is good for you and helps reduce potential depression.

Considering weather conditions are not poor, you will find me outside. You might also think about running when it's raining. It's fun! Click here to see my running experience!