Gym or outside

[Sinanhawat18]

Hello, I am in week 3. Doing alright. I just have a question, any of you guys running in a gym (rather than outside)? I wonder which one is better. I prefer the gym because it makes me focus on running and not worrying about my surrounding. I find this convenient. What do you think?

[Bettyb719 Graduate]

I’ve never run in a gym, so can’t say what’s best. I think I’d be more scared of falling off the treadmill! I’m not very well coordinated 😂 I go out early in the morning when there aren’t many people about, but I’m getting better at not caring when people see me... And the weather is lovely just now. Enjoy, however you do it though- well done!

[Sinanhawat18 Graduate in reply to Bettyb719]

Thank you!

[Norunner Graduate]

I've done all my runs in a gym purely because it's safer for me (lot's of country lanes and fast moving traffic) just put my music on and go for it. Found it very hard yesterday due to the heat and the absence of any air conditioning

[misswobble Graduate in reply to Norunner]

Outside Only for me 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️ Love the great outdoors, especially when it’s warm and dry 👍

Mind you I run outside all year round 😬😁

[ju-ju- Graduate]

I have never run in a gym as I mainly run for the mental health benefits of being in fresh air, dawn energy etc. However I suggest that you do what suits you and your lifestyle the best. Its all good

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Outside is my choice....... because being there, routes are varied weather changes, seasons change... your legs get used to all manner of location and surfaces too.

As the runs lengthen.. things to look at can aid your pace and relaxation state... you do not focus on time or distance.. you just run

Some folk have no choice... some folk choose indoors...we are all different..

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Another vote for outside. Largely because I’m pretty much gym-phobic!

Both are completely valid. Outside can be a bit harder due to varying terrain, surfaces, weather etc. But inside without air con is no picnic!

[mrrun Graduate]

Do your thing, you call the shots, no rules! I never ran inside, run outside all year round, rain or shine. I can't think of running 20K on a machine, my brain needs stimulation which I get outside, but no two guys are the same. Ultimately, running is all that matters!

[Razouski in reply to mrrun]

I agree , even the thought of running 20k in my gym fills me with anxiety. But running those long runs outside are actually quite a pleasure now.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Whatever keeps you running is the answer. I've done both and much prefer outside but the treadmill is good if the weather is icy. The treadmill is good for training sessions but outside is better for the soul 🙂

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Sinanhawat, I have tried both. That wasn’t my intention to start out with, but very unexpectedly, I now prefer to be outdoors now. Stick with what you prefer and feel comfortable with though. I wouldn’t rule out going back to the gym, but I’m not in any rush to do that. Maybe I will feel differently in the winter! Though running warms you up nicely too! ❤️

[Razouski]

I started C25K in the gym as it was part of my warm up to my work out. I thought I would find outdoor running problematic and be worrying about where to run and what pace I was doing. I now love running outside after my daughter took me out one morning, refusing to run at the gym. I love the changing scenery and the fact that I'm not constantly watching the seconds ticking slowly past on the screen in front of me. I also love that I can run different routes and see different places. I'm often so busy enjoying the scenery I forget how long I've been running for.

I guess it's horses for courses, but I do know that I have the best tan I've had in a long time and that I'm getting lots of vitamin D too.