FitSugar

A Little More on the Treadmill vs. Running Outside Debate

FitSugar — Thu, 08 May 2008 05:30:00 -0700

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. And it looks like variety is a good thing when it comes to where you choose to run. You shouldn't really place yourself too strongly in either camp.

Running outside definitely has its benefits, like boosting your mood and making you feel more invigorated than running indoors. You also burn about five percent more calories when running outside. Which makes sense since you have to contend with the elements (like wind – oh how I hate running into a headwind!), and you don't have the assistance of the treadmill belt pulling your legs back for you. Studies have also shown that when running on treadmills, we tend to go a bit slower than we would on a track.

To see the benefits of running on a treadmill just read more.

On the other hand, or should I say foot since we are talking about running, treadmills reduce the incidence of overuse injuries by up to 50 percent. Running stresses the legs, particularly the lower leg. Think shin splints and you will know what I mean. By preventing and decreasing overuse injuries, the treadmill can help keep you running for longer and possibly farther (even though you are not really moving forward).

Once again the take home message is to mix it up. Treadmills, with their steady pace, work like a metronome on tempo runs. You set your pace a little past your comfort zone and the constant motion of the belt keeps you moving. Running outside is invigorating and a great way to see the world.

So where do you fall in this debate? And have I convinced you to try running on the other side? Tell me in the comments section below.

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Running on a Treadmill vs. Running Outdoors

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 08:45:00 -0700

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. More than just wind though, running indoors maintains or offers stable elements. Indoor runners avoid cold/hot air, rain or sand, gravel, dirt, natural increase/decrease in the gradients of the pavement and other outdoor obstacles. Your body’s natural efforts to acclimate itself to these varying elements requires much more energy than the flat, cushy treadmill surface.
Pace is steady on a treadmill because it runs on a set (or variable) speed and your body has ample time to adjust. When you run outdoors, it is a different story because you no longer have a machine keeping pace, so if you are not skilled at pacing yourself, you either under or overcompensate which could make you winded.

Fit's Tip: If you are training for a race, you definitely want to train outdoors to properly get your body (physically and mentally prepared).

Valerie Bertinelli Talks About Keeping It Off

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:00:49 -0800

It's hard to believe Valerie Bertinelli is 48; she still looks like a fresh-faced teenage star. Of course, it doesn't hurt that she recently shed 40 pounds. On the cover of the January issue of Fitness, the Jenny Craig spokeswoman talks about the pressure of keeping the weight off while in the public eye. Here are highlights.

On creating a positive relationship with food: "I love to cook. I enjoy the smells of a new dish; I like the camaraderie of cooking with Tom or my son. I'll put some music on in the kitchen while we work."
On celebrities losing weight: "Look, I understand the cynicism that we have all these people working for us, doing everything we need done. But that's not the case for me. I cook, I run my own errands. No one can do my workout for me - no one lifts the weights or does the treadmill or elliptical for me. I don't have someone calling me up to make sure I'm exercising."

She makes a good point: Even the world's best trainer can't do the exercises for you! For more of Bertinelli's thoughts on food and fitness, read more.

On food pitfalls: "Certain drinks definitely put the weight on me. A glass or two of white wine is fine, but fruity drinks or hard alcohol - that'll pack on the pounds."
On the gym vs. outdoors: "I'm not big on the gym. I would rather be outdoors. You really can get fit without an expensive gym membership or fancy equipment. I have this one-mile loop around my house that I like to do. . . . I like to throw on jeans and a T-shirt and fit in a 15-minute walk here, 20 minutes there. It's fun to do activities with friends or family. On the weekends, for instance, we'll play Frisbee on the beach."
On plastic surgery rumors: "Sometimes I hear, 'Oh, she had plastic surgery.' No, I just finally got healthy. Looking back at old photos, I've realized that being overweight ages you. As I lost the pounds, my vibrancy came back. But getting too thin ages you as well. I don’t want to lose too much; you don't want to be my age and still shopping at Forever 21!"

Wow, so true and so refreshing, don't you think? Do you agree that being too thin or too heavy can age you?

Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0700

A kids book that explains Mommy's plastic surgery – Back in Skinny Jeans
Delicious: Chickpea salad that is fast, easy, and super good (for you) – Elastic Waist
Man sweats too much, gets banned from gym – That's Fit
New free 55+ minute workout music download: "Personal Best" – FitMusic
Running outdoors vs. on a treadmill – Margarita Shapes Up
I Want My DVD – Vital Juice Daily
Fast & Easy Dinner: Low-Fat Fettuccine Alfredo – YumSugar
Posh & Katie Go to Dieting Extremes Together – FitCeleb

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