Treadmill vs Outdoors

The question of whether running outdoors or on a treadmill has always been a debatable one. Ask any athlete or a fitness enthusiast, and they will tell you that it entirely depends on your fitness goals and training objectives. Outdoor runners are of the opinion that running outdoors considerably improves your stability and trains you to run on different terrains, especially if the distance is your goal. However, those who run on a treadmill believe that you can improve your performance levels, especially if increasing speed is your goal.

Treadmills have always been a popular choice among many gym-goers and home fitness equipment users. The main benefits involved, running at any time on a smooth, cushioned surface that is easy on your knees and back. You can always start and stop at any given time. Treadmills are considered a safer option and a great way to get a cardiovascular workout. The only drawback of using it is that it doesn’t have a recline feature that allows the anterior tibialis muscles of your front legs to strengthen. Also, it does not improve your lateral agility since there are no turns on a treadmill.

Elite athletes will always choose running outdoors to a treadmill. It offers a great way to train on various terrains such as pavements, parks, trails, and tracks. Running outdoor have many benefits including the fact that you do not need a gym membership. You can continue to train even when you are travelling and even on holidays. It is a allows you to enjoy the outdoors and breathe some fresh air. Although 50% of outdoor runners experience some knee or back injury. But running outdoors provides you with a motivation to complete a specific distance goal especially if you run marathons or races.