I am new to running but have gym membership. Should I try programme on the treadmill or would I be better trying to run outside ?

[Mum2run]

[Jaynew01]

It's personal preference. Love running outside and the miles fly for me. I struggle to run on the treadmill in the gym and get bored by it. Try both and see how you feel. Good luck

[Lily4 Graduate]

I only joined a gym after I graduated and have found the treadmill really hard work and boring. I love running outside with changing scenery and the ability to change route if you want. I also find the treadmill at the gym really hot after 2 minutes!! But if you are new to the programme I would certainly try to do both giving you the option of longer runs indoors or outdoors as you progress. Good luck with the programme!

[A1nsworth Graduate]

hi I graduated a few weeks ago,and did the whole programme in the gym.I think it is personal preference,but as I'm not bothered about distance running,it has benefitted me,in that I can regulate my speed.I now do shorter programmes but faster as I have been told this is good for getting fitter.My doctor says the treadmill is softer on the joints, and there is less chance of injury.Our gym is well air conditioned,so never too hot or cold.Well done for starting out ,and let us know how you go on.

[Jonny1 Graduate]

I did the whole programme outside and loved it. I do use the treadmill if I have an injury or it's really bad weather but I find it so boring that I avoid it if at all possible. Personally, I find running outside easier than the treadmill but, as others have said, it really is personal preference. I talked a friend into doing the programme and he did it all on a treadmill in his garage. I kept trying to persuade him to try running outside. He eventually did. His treadmill is now on ebay and Gumtree! He hasn't used it since.

Whichever you do, just keep at it and you really will reap the benefits. Good luck and happy new year.

[AnnieF Graduate]

I started back into running last year and I started in the gym. What I found useful was being able to set myself little targets and measure my progress. I could see how far I was running and at what pace and I could persuade myself that it was ok to walk first and gradually build up the running! I also found the smoothness of the treadmill useful (I have knee problems) and using the incline was a nice way of building stamina. I also used the mirrors to study my running style and think about how I was picking up my feet, striding etc. had some help from a fitness instructor with that.

I run outside now and I much prefer that but I found the gym invaluable. Hope that helps, good luck.

[norun Graduate]

Hi Mum2run. Well done for getting started.

I am on week 5 and have done a few of the sessions at the gymn - mostly because I can't face running in the rain! I am still embarrassed - walking faster than my red faced jogging - but wear a hat pulled down. However, it is great to be outside, so good luck. Just give it a go! I think I read on here somewhere that an incline on the treadmill is good? I just set it at 1. But I find it disheartening on the treadmill because I see exactly how slowly am running. Makes me think I won't get to 5k in 30 minutes for a very long time, whereas outside, I just enjoy the fresh air and scenery.

Whatever you decide, good luck with the programme. I NEVER thought 5 weeks ago I could run, but now I know that I am on the way and getting fitter by the week. Enjoy!

[Hidden]

I think this is really a personal preference.

I tried the gym with the programme and I failed to get motivated. I found my gym very cold and not in temperature I might add! I much prefer the outdoors, its fresh, crisp and sunny sometimes here in London. You can also change your route to suit you.

Whatever you decide best wishes.

[Hidden]

mix and match! I don't mind treadmill running at the gym as long as I can look out of the full length windows which have a view across to the river. If I've to use the treadmills facing the wall, its too boring. My gym is already very busy with folk working off their christmas pud, so I'm planning to do more outside running instead.

[Hidden]

Running on the Tmill is different then running on the ground. On the Tmill you use your hip flexors much more (they will need to be stretched) and not the glutes, which is where your running power comes from. So, I suggest that while running on the Tmill use a 1.5% incline. It will mimic outside running much more as far as effort (heart rate) and you will incorporate the use of your glutes which is a must. Also, there is such a thing as called specificity. If you are going to run outside, then you need to run outside.

With all that said, sometimes using the gym is a must over outside and running is running. I think it's fine for training if you also run outside sometimes and if you use the 1.5% incline.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Whatever gets you running, and depends too what your other options are... the merits of a treadmill are personal safety and weather. But I've noticed that more (though not all) people doing C25K on the treadmill seem to get hung up on the numbers - it controls you in a way that running outside doesn't have to. You also miss out on the Vitamin D and the spiritual/emotional benefits that come from being outside - and the unpredictability. Speaking personally, I love a good slosh through puddles and mud or the softness of the forest paths and the solitude (apart from my dog)

If you'd struggle this time of year to be able to get out safely and you're stuck with pounding pavements, then hooray for your gym membership.

[Maisiemugwump Graduate]

Whatever is easiest I did the whole programme on the treadmill and am still running on it. Have ventured outside but just too hard on my body so back inside. Way that I look at is I am running doesn't matter how I do it. Good luck no matter what you decide just start running your body will thank you for it.