Treadmill vs Running Outdoors

[Jojocoops1]

Which is better? Just completed W1 on a treadmill at the gym and loved it!

[Slinkyminky Graduate]

I've done both, completed program last year on treadmill and doing it again this year outdoors

I would say outdoors is better, treadmill gets boring on the longer runs and you end up looking at the time too much

[KKThomas Graduate in reply to Slinkyminky]

I have just finished week 5, I am 51 overweight and very unfit! I have been running in the gym on the treadmill, the air con and smooth surface combined with a steady speed suits me. In week 2 I did one run outside and it nearly killed me! So hot and I twisted my ankle in a rabbit hole. I would love to be able to run outdoors but at this stage I think it just adds another level of difficulty that is too much for me. Try both and see what suits you? Good luck

[Hidden in reply to Slinkyminky]

Hi, I started on a treadmill and after running 20 mins in week 5 thought I would not look to crazy running through the village and ventured outside.

I totally love it. Time definitely passes quicker and I can speed up or slow down without looking at numbers.

It is all hills where I live which is tough but can only be making me fitter.

Not sure about winter mornings and evenings as I work long hours.

Why not try an outdoor run, see what works for you. Doesn't matter if you prefer your treadmill, it's all running 🏃

Let us know how you get on

[Catherinel14secondtimearound]

I'm outdoors and enjoying the experience

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Both are running.

I prefer fresh air to temperature controlled, sweat laden atmosphere.

[Hidden]

Do what suits your lifestyle I guess. A run is a run is a run,

BUT; I bet you would love running outdoors more! 🏃😬🏃😬

[Kippax]

I do not profess to be an expert.... but i have always used to run on a treadmill. in the past my fitness was quite good and i would 3 or 4 times a week do up to an hour of intervals in addition to cycling, but recently my fitness has taken a plunge ( for various reasons ). so i thought id start running outdoors. I have just gotten onto wk 2 of C25k running outdoors. and i'm finding it much more difficult than i ever did on the treadmill, but also more interesting. you have hills, wind, corners and uneven surfaces to cope with and a lot more to look at as you run by. on the treadmill you don't have to create and maintain any forward momentum just get your feet forward each time to land on the belt that moves for you.

Basically id suggest giving a go outside and see how you enjoy it. If i sill lived in a building that had a gym in it, I'd probably combine the treadmill with outdoor running.

[Grumpygoddess Graduate]

I saw an article recently which claimed you work 15% harder outside than on a treadmill, which I can well believe. I run outside and I know how much harder you work from the uneven ground, avoiding puddles, gusty winds and and winding paths. I even notice a difference if I run in the park as opposed to when I do my basic route which goes on a dry flat path. But I wouldn't swap it, makes life more interesting. I think a lot of people who only ever run on a treadmill are a bit surprised when they try running outside that they find it harder.