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A Little More on the Treadmill vs. Running Outside Debate
We all have personal preferences: dark chocolate over milk, red wine over white, running outside over running on a treadmill. Wait! I like both hitting the pavement in my sneakers and chalking up miles on a treadmill.
Running on a Treadmill vs. Running Outdoors
You may opt to run on a treadmill because it is convenient but you may be choosing the treadmill because it is easier as well. Have you ever run three miles on a treadmill and thought, "That was a piece of cake," but then when you run three miles outside you think, "I thought I was in shape; that was so hard!"
The reason is that running on a treadmill is a lot different than running outdoors and here are several reasons why:
- The rearward rolling treadmill belt offers help to your legs by pulling your feet back underneath your body, which means you could be exerting less energy to move your feet and legs than if you were running outdoors on a surface that doesn't give your legs momentum.
- When you run on a treadmill, you do not have to overcome any kind of wind resistance, which means you'll use less energy than if you were running with wind resistance.
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Summer Fit Tip: Start Slow
If you're more accustomed to running indoors on a treadmill but have decided to take advantage of the weather by running outdoors then you may want to take it slow at first. Running on a treadmill inside and running on the sidewalk outside are very different. One is not necessarily better than the other, but each requires different things from your body.
Need a Boost? Skip the Treadmill, Hit the Pavement
If you've been feeling a little down then you may want to forgo your treadmill run for an outdoor run. This is because past research found that those of us who run outdoors can be less depressed, anxious, hostile, and fatigued. Not to mention, outdoor runners feel more invigorated after than before the run.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Winter Running Gloves
Running outside is feeling pretty chilly these days, especially on my hands. I just picked up a pair of thin, lightweight running gloves that are perfect for keeping my fingers warm — the Women's PL 110 Gloves ($24) by Outdoor Research.
I love that these gloves have a thin fleece lining that's comfy and warm.
Get It Up, Your Heart Rate That Is: Outdoor Run With Sprints
Since the majority of you said that you prefer to exercise outdoors, I thought that this week's Get It Up (cardio workout) should take you outside and get you running.
TimeActivityRPE
00:00-05:00Warm up with a brisk walk/slow jog2-3
05:00-08:00Jog/run6-7
08:00-08:30Sprint8-9
08:30-30:00Repeat the previous two steps six times6-9
30:00-35:00Cool down with a brisk walk/slow jog2-3
Gym goers can also use this program on the treadmill, just adjust the speed accordingly. Also, if you liked this workout then be sure to check out all my great cardio workouts.
Spring Running: Transitioning From the Treadmill to the Road
You must be loving this warmer weather right about now, so you can turn off that treadmill and hit the open road. Before you make the switch to completely running outside, keep these tips in mind.
- Ease into your outdoor runs gradually by doing one run outside per week, and the rest of your runs on a treadmill.
Safety Steps: Running in the Dark
The end of daylight saving time means that many of us will be running in the dark. For safety reasons, try going on a morning run instead. Wake up at the same time you did during DST and use that "extra" hour for an outdoor run.
Get It Up - Your Heart Rate, That is: Track Workout
I am so amped up for Spring and outdoor exercise. So here is a cardio workout you can do at your local track. Most middle schools and high schools open their tracks to the public when school is not in session.
Get Your Butt in Gear: Isotope Jacket
Spring is approaching fast and that means so are the April showers (ugh), which means my outdoor runs are about to get a little messier.
I've been on the hunt for a jacket that I can keep in my desk at work so I can continue my lunch break runs, even if it starts raining unexpectedly. I am happy I've found The Isotope ($89.95), a fully waterproof and breathable jacket.
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