Treadmill Run Vs. Outdoor Run

Fall is here! And to us in NYC that means cold weather is coming in just a few short months. This is the time of year where I get a LOT of questions about indoor workouts, especially running on the treadmill vs. running outside.

Treadmill Running Vs. Outdoor Running

While they look the same to the untrained eye, they are far different. On the treadmill you’re just moving your legs with the tred versus running outdoors where you actually have to project your body forward.

*Note I am in no way condoning the running technique or body positioning.

With that said, this is an exaggerated example of a “Bound” or elongated run. As you can see, Hilary’s right leg is about to pull back, as her right foot makes contact with the ground (static) she’ll then fire her posterior muscles to keep running forward. In essence you’re working harder running outside as you have to project your body forward versus running on a treadmill where you’re simply moving your legs to the speed of the tred.

Now that we have the basic understanding that a treadmill run is not the same, let’s go over some of the benefits between the two.

Benefits of Running on The Treadmill:

• Keep away from the blistering cold: When it’s single digit temps in Manhattan and you hit a wind tunnel, you’ll be happy to be indoors.
• Less impact on the joints: Generally speaking running on a treadmill is a bit easier on the joints in comparison to running on the hard streets of New York.
• You have a TV: For some this is good, most like to keep distracted while on the treadmill. My views, whatever keeps you going is fine with me.
• Hill runs are more convenient- It’s a bit difficult to find hills in the city, so sometimes it’s just easier to do the short trip to the gym than to Central Park.

Benefits of Running Outdoors:

• Calories burnt: You burn more calories running outdoors because you have to expend more energy.
• Fresh air: I believe the benefits of going outside is simply over looked, bottom line it does feel a lot better to get some fresh air and some sun versus being in-doors with mold spores….
• Spend time with the dog(s): It’s not only beneficial for you to exercise but it’ll be great for your 4 legged buddy too! Take care of him/her because they take care of you too.
• Sprint: We all know the benefits of sprinting and doing intervals, but sometimes doing a full sprint is a bit scary on the treadmill.