When it comes to comparing indoor running to outdoor running, there are too many differences to list… but we’ll try anyway! Read on.
Running has always has been the traditional form of exercise for human beings. In the modern-day world, it is hard to go out running every day. A treadmill is an option that solves this problem.
To make your training goals better, it is a good idea to switch between indoor running and outside running occasionally. Sticking to a particular type of running has a never-ending debate but, both have their pros and cons.
So here we are going to breakdown this debate and put some light on both of these.
Pros of Indoor Running
If you are running to maintain your heart’s health, running indoor on a treadmill is much efficient. Day by day, people around the world depend more on treadmills. So, this option is getting more popular if you consider these reasons.
Has Less Impact on Your Joints
Your knees, ankles and, back get less impact because of a treadmill. It has a soft belt that offers more shock absorption than running outside. Running indoors on a treadmill makes the length of your strides lower and the rates of your strides higher, indicating you can recover faster from an injury.
Holding a Steady Pace and Inclination of Run
To have a flat run and, without bothering about any obstacle, you can run at a consistent pace as long as you want. You can measure your composure by running indoors. If you have no access to an inclined surface around your house like hills, you can always run on your inclined treadmill.
Weather Is Not an Issue
The most prominent advantage of running on a treadmill is you do not have to bother about your weather. Even if it is raining or snowing, you can always maintain your running schedule. In summer, you have the risk of dehydrating yourself. Sometimes it is hard to find a suitable location. On the other side in this industrial world, you may find it hard to breathe in the fresh air.
Multitasking is Possible
It’s safe to put on an earphone or listen to a podcast while running on a treadmill. You can watch your favorite program on tv also. If you are preparing for a marathon or a long race, you may have to intake fluids. With a steady pace, you can practice intaking fluids or carbohydrates while running.
Run Whenever You Can
Running with a treadmill, you can shift your schedule according to your day-to-day work. You don’t have to wake up every morning even if you are tired or when you have to look out for your children.
Cons of Indoor Running
There are some drawbacks like:
Losing Agility
On a treadmill, you are not running through any obstacles neither making any turns. It reduces your foot movement by limiting your agility. Besides, the belt is giving you some extra boost means you are not working hard. But, if you follow the right workout plan, a treadmill will be the best option to choose.
You May Find It a Bit Difficult and Boring
Running on a treadmill is monotonous and can make you feel bore from time to time. Some people find it hard running on a treadmill than outside with the same speed. That’s why modern days treadmill has mp3 and many other entertainment modules included.
Still Have the Risk of Getting Hurt
Treadmills are considered safe but, a lot of injuries like head injuries, sprains are reported. Cardiovascular injuries are also involved because people push themselves beyond their limits. So, you need to be careful and maintain the rules of running on treadmills.
You Can Not Go Downhill
You can incline your treadmill, but you have no option to make a downhill run on most of the treadmills, as it has no downward incline feature. But, if you choose carefully before buying, there are lots of models out there with both up and down incline functionality.
Muscles Can’t Get Their Required Training
The neuromuscular muscle works less on a treadmill and, the stabilizer muscles do not get their due workout. If you are thinking about building your calf muscle, it is always better to choose the right workout program from day one. Random running may not help you to build muscles.
Wind Resistance
Wind resistance is one of the main factors when it comes to indoor running. Outside you have to move forward against the wind resistance means you have to work a little harder. In compensation for that, you can incline your treadmill but, it’ll not be the same as running outside.
Pros of Outdoor Running
Runners still consider going out more rather than hanging loose in the house. Especially when preparing for a race, there is no better way to train yourself than running outside. It will grow your immune system by refilling vitamin D as well as consuming fresh air. But, you need to find a suitable place to run first.
Lifts Your Mental Health
Running outside in the fresh air helps you to control your anger and tensions. You can socialize with groups of people, which will energize you. Even if you are not motivated enough to reach your goal, you have to come back home.
Burn More Calories
Thanks to the wind resistance, you have to work harder to keep up the pace. It will burn more calories. With uneven terrain outside, you have to push your muscles more to run. To maintain your body temperature out, you will burn more calories.
Builds Muscles and Strengthen Your Bones
Rigid surfaces like pavement or concrete provide more ground reaction forces. It will enable your body to produce more bone minerals to strengthen your bones. You have to take turns and have to go uphill or downhill, which will help your muscles function more freely.
No Need for Gym Membership
Outside runners are free from the gym restrictions. They do not have to maintain a schedule or depend on a machine. It saves your money and makes you independent about when you want to lace your shoes up.
Continue Training While Travelling
Even when you are traveling, you can discover new places on your foot. While running, you can travel and exercise at the same time. It will help you to relax.
Cons of Outdoor Running
Some flaws are like:
Weather Conditions
The main problem with running outside is the weather condition. If it is too rainy or snowy, you can not go out for a run. Moreover, places prone to hazards like cyclones or floods can remain underwater for a very long period.
Injury risk
Injuries are very typical with outside runners. Knee injuries are the most familiar ones, followed by a lower leg and ankle injuries. Even you might get yourself sick for a virus-like Covid 19.
Muscle injury. Man with sprain thigh muscles. Athlete in sports shorts clutching his thigh muscles after pulling or straining them while jogging on the beach.
Safety Issues
No matter what you do, safety comes first. Look out for cars, buses, or any vehicle. Run across the traffic so that you can see what is coming towards you. When it is dark outside, be more cautious while running.
Make an Alteration Between Indoor and Outdoor Running
If you are an indoor runner, consider running outside once in a while. You will not get bored and can enjoy nature. Give your body a chance to adapt to both conditions. Your muscles and bones will get stronger.
The Settlement of This Debate
Well, it is hard to conclude between indoor running and outdoor running. It depends on individual preferences. But the best kind of running is what keeps you fit in the long run. But making transitions between indoors and outdoors may help you much better.
So, if your daily routine is a tight schedule, buy a treadmill for home or office and maintain your workout routine. It will help you to archive your fitness goals.
And, if you have enough time to jog outside and you have good places to run nearby, treadmills might be optional workout equipment for you.
But, it’s good to get one for home, so you don’t miss any step of your daily fitness goals. And, your family members may also use it to get fit.
Author Bio
Michael Matthews, is a fitness enthusiast. He loves to get fit and write about various workout equipment on his small blog gymbikelab. He believes every human can get the body shape s/he dreams about. And, the only way to archive the goal is to exercise, exercise and exercise. That’s why he motives peoples by fitness blogging. If you are looking for a way to start your fitness journey, his blog can be a great start.