Is there any benefit of “real” running outdoors vs running on a treadmill in gym?

Asked by: Michelle Morris

Even if you run at the same pace on a treadmill, you will generally expend more energy running outdoors. This difference in calorie burn is not only due to variations in terrain, weather, and wind conditions but also because the treadmill ultimately does a lot of the work for you by propelling you forward.

Is running outside better than running on a treadmill?

Treadmill vs running outside: Verdict
Treadmill running is convenient, lower-impact, and much more precise but comes with a bigger overall cost. Running outdoors can often feel more engaging, reduce poor mental health symptoms, and is cheaper overall but can bring weather or injury issues.

Is running outside better than the gym?

And thanks to wind resistance, you’ll get a better workout. The wind in your hair means you’re exercising harder and so, getting more out of your workout. At the same pace, you’ll burn more calories when you run outside than on a treadmill, according to a 1996 study.

Is it better to run on a treadmill or outside to lose weight?

Burning the calories away
Some research suggests that an average person running at 8-10 kph outdoors will burn 5% more calories than a treadmill runner. But there are other studies that show there is absolutely no difference between the two running options and the calories burned.

What are the disadvantages of treadmill?

Disadvantages of Using a Treadmill

• Treadmills can be expensive if you decide to purchase one. …
• Even if your treadmill has extra cushioning, the high impact from jogging or running can still cause joint pain in your ankles, knees, or hips.

Why treadmill is not good?

The cushioned surface of the treadmill may still inflict too much of a jarring impact on the back or stress the hip, knee, and ankle joints. Testing the surface and rebound is critical. They can take up a lot of space.

Which is better for weight loss running or gym?

Running helps you burn more calories, but weight training has the capability of supporting your weight loss efforts. As we know that in order to lose weight, you have to burn as many calories as you can and calories are burnt either by performing exercises or by doing your daily work.

Do you burn more calories running outside or on a treadmill?

And it turns out, there is. “You probably burn about 3 to 7 percent more calories running outside than on a treadmill,” Porcari said, explaining that the difference in percentage is based on how fast a person is running.

Does running reduce belly fat?

Studies have found that moderate-to-high aerobic exercise like running can reduce belly fat, even without changing your diet ( 12 , 13 , 14 ). An analysis of 15 studies and 852 participants found that aerobic exercise reduced belly fat without any change in diet.

Why can I run on a treadmill but not outside?

Focus on your breathing.
With a treadmill, you have the luxury of being able to read your pace, distance, and time right in front of your face, whereas “outside you have to use your internal instincts to stay at that pace, which can be more difficult for runners,” Vachal says.

What speed should I run on treadmill?

In general, the normal speed for walking ranges from 3 mph to 4 mph while, for running it ranges from 5 mph-7 or 8mph. But it all comes down to depending on the individuals using treadmills. Initially, the warm up jog should be at slow pace, which may range anything from 3-5 mph for 5-10 minutes.

Is treadmill harmful for knees?

Running or jogging on a treadmill can put more stress on your bones and joints compared to working out on an elliptical trainer. Ultimately, this can lead to injuries . Common running injuries include shin splints, knee injuries, and stress fractures.

Do you burn more calories running outside or on a treadmill?

And it turns out, there is. “You probably burn about 3 to 7 percent more calories running outside than on a treadmill,” Porcari said, explaining that the difference in percentage is based on how fast a person is running.

Is running outside harder than a treadmill?

Running on the treadmill is easier than running outdoors, for a variety of reasons. One reason is that the treadmill belt assists leg turnover, making it easier to run faster. So most runners find that their pace on the treadmill doesn’t correlate to their road pace.

Why can I run longer on a treadmill than outside?

You’re actually working different muscles.
“When you are running outside, you actively have to push yourself forward using the back of your legs, while the belt actually pulls your forward on a treadmill,” says O’Neil. The way the treadmill belt propels you forward means you use less of your hamstring muscles.

Is it better to run on a treadmill or outside for your knees?

Treadmills offer better shock absorption than pavement or roads, which means less stress on the ankles and knees. And when you run at an incline on the treadmill, you build strength and endurance like you would running hills outside.

Does treadmill burn belly fat?

Not only does using a treadmill burn belly fat, but one of the long-term effects of regular treadmill sessions is that visceral fat will go away for good. Plus, even if you end up gaining some weight down the road, treadmill running not allow the deep belly fat to return.

How does treadmill running translate to outdoor running?

The idea behind this practice is that the energy cost of running at a given pace on the treadmill is slightly lower than it is outdoors because you don’t have to push against air resistance. For the same reason, you also dissipate body heat more readily outdoors than you do on the treadmill.