Are there disadvantages to jogging on a treadmill, rather than out on a track?
- Thread starter MrSandman
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Cindysphinx
G.O.A.T.
I think it is important to get fresh air when you exercise. No treadmills for me!
maverick66
Hall of Fame
you use different muscles when you run on a treadmill as your not pushing yourself forward as much as you are up. Its not like its terrible to run on a treadmill but I liked to run outside.
Bud
Bionic Poster
A treadmill has an integrated shock absorption system... so it's probably easier on your legs. Also, depending on where you live, the air you breathe inside may be more healthy than that outside.
I started running outside before but after a while, pounding the pavement was too hard on me and I developed some knee pain. So I got a Nordick Track treadmill with the Reflex deck cushioning which is a lot easier on my legs and I'm able to run longer on the treadmill now. If you train just for the cardio and not for a real run, then the treadmill is probably easier on the joints. The other advantage of the treadmill is I can watch TV and don't get bored out of my mind.
chess9
Hall of Fame
Treadmills are:
1. Softer, thus easier on the legs and joints;
2. Inaccurate, as they don't get calibrated frequently enough;
3. Safe and sometimes convenient. Quite a few of the women I know have been assaulted while out running. (I have a funny story about one of them, and what she did when she was assaulted by one guy.)
4. Not as demanding as running outdoors. No wind, rain, sun, snow, sloping or uneven surfaces, etc. But, with the demands of outdoor running come safety issues. If you have a bum ankle or hip, but still want to run, should you risk running outside where one mis-step could land you in the hospital?
5. Air pollution can be worse outside than inside, and many gyms are paying closer attention to indoor pollutants because customers are asking about them.
Having said all of that, I strongly prefer running outside, particularly trail runs or hill runs.
-Robert
1. Softer, thus easier on the legs and joints;
2. Inaccurate, as they don't get calibrated frequently enough;
3. Safe and sometimes convenient. Quite a few of the women I know have been assaulted while out running. (I have a funny story about one of them, and what she did when she was assaulted by one guy.)
4. Not as demanding as running outdoors. No wind, rain, sun, snow, sloping or uneven surfaces, etc. But, with the demands of outdoor running come safety issues. If you have a bum ankle or hip, but still want to run, should you risk running outside where one mis-step could land you in the hospital?
5. Air pollution can be worse outside than inside, and many gyms are paying closer attention to indoor pollutants because customers are asking about them.
Having said all of that, I strongly prefer running outside, particularly trail runs or hill runs.
-Robert
Both have their pros and cons of course. A treadmill is definitely a little bit different than running outside, which is why you can't rely solely on a treadmill to train you for a running event, but it certainly will help you build up your endurance and give you a great workout. I think treadmills are better for isolating something such as your pace or the incline because you let the machine control them. I find running outdoors to be easier mentally though because you have the change of scenery. Even with the televisions, I still get bored of treadmills.
Tennis_Monk
Hall of Fame
Treadmill for me. Its like getting a workout without leaving home.
I dont want to deal with outside stuff--- i can get a workout while it is snowing 12 inches outside.
I dont want to deal with outside stuff--- i can get a workout while it is snowing 12 inches outside.
stanfordtennis alum
Hall of Fame
i personally prefer running outside due to the fresh air and different tracks you can run... treadmills are convenient though especially when it's cold outside
i also prefer running outside. running against the wind cant be duplicated on a treadmill. p.s. chess9 could you share that story?
How are you going to build up resistance to diesel particulates if you don't run outside?
I run on the treadmill when its cold and icy outside but it sure is more fun to run outside on a nice day. I just run the risk of pollution and gopher holes.
Cindysphinx
G.O.A.T.
I think houses these days are loaded with pollutants. Carpet glues, fabric dyes, mold, all kinds of crappy chemicals, dust, pet dander. Blech. I used to have asthma. Since I started exercising outside, no more asthma.
If the outside air is so filled with toxins as people think, I highly doubt the lame filters on an HVAC system will protect you.
Listen to the birds. Smell the flowers. See the wildlife. Wave to your fellow joggers. Enjoy the variety in terrain. To me, it's well worth the additional risks.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
But you could trip, stumble, or slow down too much and get thrown off of the treadmill. :shock: It's never happened to me but I always fear that it might one day.
With that said, I enjoy running both outside and on treadmills. Outside for the fresh air and scenery, and on treadmills for the controlled environment and less stress on the knees.
Most treadmills have a safety key, but I suppose some runners would think that's for beginners. It would still save you from serious injury if you had a minor heart attack, or such. An acquaintance of mine died as a consequence of injuries caused by being thrown off her treadmill, so I have no qualms about using the safety key. :roll:
Happy Tuesday - Ann
Sure, but in the back of your mind, you know you probably won't die a painful death. Running across a street with a large truck or bus accelerating right at you produces a special adrenalin mix you just can't get inside on a treadmill. Especially on wet or snow covered roads with marginal visibility.
And don't forget 25 degree temperatures with 30mph wind gusts. You can't suffer that on a treadmill.
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BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
I live in California. I don't suffer that outside, either.
BreakPoint
Bionic Poster
Sorry to hear about your acquaintance.
Yeah, I don't use that key thing because, well, as a guy, I think it's too sissy. Men are about taking risk and being macho, remember?
dak95_00
Hall of Fame
Track:
The oval never changes. You get the wind w/ you and against you equally. It's great for speed work whether you use time or distance but better for the latter. It's boring for distance work. You must dress for the weather.
Treadmill:
The direction never changes. You have no weather elements. It can also be great for speed workouts whether you use time or distance. Most can change the incline to simulate hills for a variable workout. You can run on them naked if you own your own and you live alone or your family doesn't mind. I've run in just my underwear. I've never done that outside as I rarely take my shirt off but I do wear the shorter shorts at times.
I prefer to run on trails outside w/ people. If I run on a treadmill, I better have a specific goal in mind or I lose my focus. That goal needs to be a time, distance, or combination. I also use a treadmill when I fit running workouts in at odd times or in bad weather when I just don't feel like spending a 1/2 an hour dressing/undressing just to get a 1/2 hour workout in.
The oval never changes. You get the wind w/ you and against you equally. It's great for speed work whether you use time or distance but better for the latter. It's boring for distance work. You must dress for the weather.
Treadmill:
The direction never changes. You have no weather elements. It can also be great for speed workouts whether you use time or distance. Most can change the incline to simulate hills for a variable workout. You can run on them naked if you own your own and you live alone or your family doesn't mind. I've run in just my underwear. I've never done that outside as I rarely take my shirt off but I do wear the shorter shorts at times.
I prefer to run on trails outside w/ people. If I run on a treadmill, I better have a specific goal in mind or I lose my focus. That goal needs to be a time, distance, or combination. I also use a treadmill when I fit running workouts in at odd times or in bad weather when I just don't feel like spending a 1/2 an hour dressing/undressing just to get a 1/2 hour workout in.
FastFreddy
Semi-Pro
Running
I been running inside since 2003 and I can tell you it is much safer to run on than running outside. I am in sunny socal but there are as many traffic lights as NYC. That alone with kill your workout. Plus dogs not on leash also running on a treadmill is softer on your joints. Outside you will run to slow undertrain or run to fast overtrain.
With the treadmill you just lock in your speed that's it Then there is always someone trying to race you while you are getting in your marathon training. Rain or shine the treadmill is ready to go plus I can watch tv sports to keep myself going. The air inside is better than the air from the cars even in the early morning.
Plus if something comes up I can cut my workout short and take care of something right away instead of being stuck out 5 miles from my house. The only problem with a treadmill is cost a good one studio one will cost 5k and a health club top of the line can cost 9k. So it's best to join a gym so you have you pick of 25 treadmills in case one of breaks down. Plus where I live there are to many hills running up is fine but the downhills kill my knee. Since I been on a treadmill knock on wood no back or knee problems. Just get new shoes every 3 months.
I been running inside since 2003 and I can tell you it is much safer to run on than running outside. I am in sunny socal but there are as many traffic lights as NYC. That alone with kill your workout. Plus dogs not on leash also running on a treadmill is softer on your joints. Outside you will run to slow undertrain or run to fast overtrain.
With the treadmill you just lock in your speed that's it Then there is always someone trying to race you while you are getting in your marathon training. Rain or shine the treadmill is ready to go plus I can watch tv sports to keep myself going. The air inside is better than the air from the cars even in the early morning.
Plus if something comes up I can cut my workout short and take care of something right away instead of being stuck out 5 miles from my house. The only problem with a treadmill is cost a good one studio one will cost 5k and a health club top of the line can cost 9k. So it's best to join a gym so you have you pick of 25 treadmills in case one of breaks down. Plus where I live there are to many hills running up is fine but the downhills kill my knee. Since I been on a treadmill knock on wood no back or knee problems. Just get new shoes every 3 months.
Moz
Hall of Fame
Well this has descended into what people prefer!
Running on the treadmill is different biomechanically than outside and the even surface means that your proprioception never gets developed. Most treadmills are in dire need of calibration so the speed they show means nothing anyway.
Treadmills are fine for the aerobic workout but they don't prepare you for outside running. If you do speedwork on a treadmill you have to be conscious of the fact you are providing aerobic stress but not precise biomechanical stress.
If you train for outdoor races on a treadmill but you have the choice of running outside then more fool you.
Running on the treadmill is different biomechanically than outside and the even surface means that your proprioception never gets developed. Most treadmills are in dire need of calibration so the speed they show means nothing anyway.
Treadmills are fine for the aerobic workout but they don't prepare you for outside running. If you do speedwork on a treadmill you have to be conscious of the fact you are providing aerobic stress but not precise biomechanical stress.
If you train for outdoor races on a treadmill but you have the choice of running outside then more fool you.
Moz
Hall of Fame
The energy cost of running against the wind is about twice the benefit you get from a tailwind. But I take your point.
Interestingly when I trained for my first half marathon 2 years ago, I did almost all of my training on a treadmill. Prior to this event, the longest run I'd ever done in my life was 6 miles. Granted, I was already physically fit, but not used to long runs at all. My pace didn't change much from training, but my ability to sustain my pace for longer distance changed alot. For instance, I could always run 1-3 miles at a 8min/mile pace, but would wear out after that.
On my treadmill runs, I would vary from 7:30 to 8:30, depending on how long the run was.
On race day, I ran the half marathon at a 7:56 pace. So in my case the treadmill prepared me pretty well for the race, especially given that the course (Baltimore city) is considered very hilly.
I think what was imortant was that I always ran on the treadmill with a slight incline (varying from 1-2%). I would even say you could assume your mile-pace will be 30 seconds slower than what is listed on the treadmill screen. But it still seemed to work pretty well for me.
FastFreddy
Semi-Pro
Running
If you are a pure runner like yourself you will hate treadmills. Also like you said the runners stride is different biomechanically. Running on a treadmill is like running outside in a major headwind stay low. I been working in health clubs and gyms for 20 years and running on treadmills since 2003. I never had anyone say this treadmill needs a calibration. I even done a long run of 16 miles for a marathon on a treadmill.
I run 7.5 miles in one hour everyday 6 days a week, no speed work, no more long runs 3 weeks before the marathon and only rest the day before and ran 3:09. So I ran faster in the race 8.3 than my 7.5 training pace. Plus I wore a 3 liter cammelback with poweraide 10 pounds with gateraide and popped a gel every 4 miles. So I don't think running outside makes a faster runner.
Also I didn't use any grade with my treadmill training. I averaged 156hr for the race. I sprinted up the uphills and downhills at 178-183hr to run a faster time.I had one bathroom break during the race because I drank a big coffee 30 mins before the race. But I did all my training without coffee all year. The next year I trained 7 days a week at 7.5 miles phr and averaged 162 hr during the race and ran just under 3hrs not bad for 205lbs 7.3 percent bodyfat. Since my first marathon I stopped doing a long run 16-18 miles 3 weeks before the race. Since now I know I can run the distance and save my energy for the race day. Now since my treadmill training is getting boring I raised my speed to 8.5mph for one hr 7 days a week. I been running everyday since January 1st 2007. # years of running everyday I never felt for fit running is great.
If you are a pure runner like yourself you will hate treadmills. Also like you said the runners stride is different biomechanically. Running on a treadmill is like running outside in a major headwind stay low. I been working in health clubs and gyms for 20 years and running on treadmills since 2003. I never had anyone say this treadmill needs a calibration. I even done a long run of 16 miles for a marathon on a treadmill.
I run 7.5 miles in one hour everyday 6 days a week, no speed work, no more long runs 3 weeks before the marathon and only rest the day before and ran 3:09. So I ran faster in the race 8.3 than my 7.5 training pace. Plus I wore a 3 liter cammelback with poweraide 10 pounds with gateraide and popped a gel every 4 miles. So I don't think running outside makes a faster runner.
Also I didn't use any grade with my treadmill training. I averaged 156hr for the race. I sprinted up the uphills and downhills at 178-183hr to run a faster time.I had one bathroom break during the race because I drank a big coffee 30 mins before the race. But I did all my training without coffee all year. The next year I trained 7 days a week at 7.5 miles phr and averaged 162 hr during the race and ran just under 3hrs not bad for 205lbs 7.3 percent bodyfat. Since my first marathon I stopped doing a long run 16-18 miles 3 weeks before the race. Since now I know I can run the distance and save my energy for the race day. Now since my treadmill training is getting boring I raised my speed to 8.5mph for one hr 7 days a week. I been running everyday since January 1st 2007. # years of running everyday I never felt for fit running is great.
MomentumGT
Semi-Pro
An acquaintance of mine, who is a personal trainer at one of those swanky health spas, said if you want to get the same work out from running out doors on 'flat' ground on a treadmill you have to raise the speed 2 levels up from your normal speed and raise the incline 3 levels from flat 0. Dunno if that is true but it seams to 'feel' close to the same workout.
-Jon
-Jon
When I run on a treadmill in a flat position, I almost feel like I'm running downhill when compared to running outside. That little added incline balances out that feeling by making me do more of the work myself.
WildVolley
Legend
For those of us who don't like to jog, a treadmill really limits how fast you can go. I mostly do sprints as training for tennis.
Moz
Hall of Fame
No one said it does need it because it's difficult to know whether it does when you're running on it. The gym should calibrate them all regularly as a matter of course. But most don't bother.
Your anecdotal story doesn't address the very obvious possibility that you would have run quicker if you'd trained outside. It proves nothing about the efficacy of the treadmill training.
You would have run a quicker time if you'd concentrated on even effort - which is far better for a marathon than even pace and certainly better than variable pace.
Topaz
Legend
This was my experience in my first race (a 5k) that I ever ran. I did all of my training on a treadmill, and when I got to the race (which, of course, was outside) I did far worse than I expected.
As far as personal preference, I *hate* dreadmills. I'm not a hamster, and I find them horrendously boring. I much prefer running outdoors where you not only get more of a workout from the elements, but it is much more interesting!
VetoRight
Rookie
IF you want running on purpose , treadmill is the best. You can do cardio program, weightloose program, glute program etc.
N if you have resolution 500 cal a day, so the answer is treadmil, you can't count if you do running outside.
So, i did 4-5 times aweek on treadmill, and maybe only max once a week outside on saturday or sunday morning.
N if you have resolution 500 cal a day, so the answer is treadmil, you can't count if you do running outside.
So, i did 4-5 times aweek on treadmill, and maybe only max once a week outside on saturday or sunday morning.
Topaz
Legend
If you have a resolution of 500 calories a day, you would achieve that much easier running outside, where you are not assisted in any way by the treadmill. You could do hills and sprints to work glutes (like Olympic sprinters do, and their glutes are pretty....uhhh...*nice*), you can definitely do a weight LOSS program, and well, the cardio is a given whether you are inside or outside.
Calorie counters on any cardio machine are not particularly accurate, even when you put in your weight, so don't be fooled by those often generous numbers.
That makes sense to why I'd get tired faster, even if running at the same pace.
I certainly don't mind it. It just shows that many treadmill disadvantages are based on opinion.
Yeah, I don't use that key thing because, well, as a guy, I think it's too sissy. Men are about taking risk and being macho, remember?
Well, the thing is, I am a sissy. The reason I prefer Tennis over other sports is because there's no physically contact between players. But if avoiding getting hurt and hurting others makes me a sissy, then I am proud of it
.Thanks, these workouts really kept things interesting. Terrifyingly difficult at first, but once you get the hang of them they are only somewhat scary.
I immensely enjoyed reading every post in this thread. I'm glad it didn't boil down to a TM versus Running war. Most forums I've seen usually aren't mature enough to hold an organized debate, with both sides often resorting to spouting incomprehensible internet jargon and personal insults. I'm highly impressed by the maturity of this forum.
FastFreddy
Semi-Pro
Running
Well first in my 20 years of working in health clubs and gyms I have trained a few marathon runners in my time and not one never said hey that treadmill is to slow or fast. Also not one gym member told me that or a worker who fixes them. I seen them need to replace or tighten a belt or change a motor. As far as my story goes I am not saying running inside is faster than outside. All I am saying that you can run just as fast inside. In my seven years running on many different treadmills I can say I could never tell if it was off even a little.
As for my effort I keep my hr average between 156-162 for the race which is even. 162 is the highest average I can do for 3hrs of running or cycling. With my cycling backround I am use to cranking it up on the hills and use to going downhill fast. The only way I could have run faster I would need to run the first half faster looking at my time splits.
For me I run for fun so its not worth blowing up at mile 20 to run a few mins faster. I could run faster if I got down to 185. My friend told me run the first half a little under pace then if you feel good at the halfway point then speed up the 2nd half. She looked at my time splits and said t looked like you used the first half to warm up. I know your a hardcore runner and will never help treadmills. Hell Lance Armstrong can't even run on one for one hour but can ride a bike for 6hrs plus. It's boring but tv works for me no music. I run for fitness and health and it helps with tennis fitness.
Well first in my 20 years of working in health clubs and gyms I have trained a few marathon runners in my time and not one never said hey that treadmill is to slow or fast. Also not one gym member told me that or a worker who fixes them. I seen them need to replace or tighten a belt or change a motor. As far as my story goes I am not saying running inside is faster than outside. All I am saying that you can run just as fast inside. In my seven years running on many different treadmills I can say I could never tell if it was off even a little.
As for my effort I keep my hr average between 156-162 for the race which is even. 162 is the highest average I can do for 3hrs of running or cycling. With my cycling backround I am use to cranking it up on the hills and use to going downhill fast. The only way I could have run faster I would need to run the first half faster looking at my time splits.
For me I run for fun so its not worth blowing up at mile 20 to run a few mins faster. I could run faster if I got down to 185. My friend told me run the first half a little under pace then if you feel good at the halfway point then speed up the 2nd half. She looked at my time splits and said t looked like you used the first half to warm up. I know your a hardcore runner and will never help treadmills. Hell Lance Armstrong can't even run on one for one hour but can ride a bike for 6hrs plus. It's boring but tv works for me no music. I run for fitness and health and it helps with tennis fitness.
VetoRight
Rookie
Yes, you can get all the treadmill advantages by running outside. But it is more difficult and uncertain.
But by using thousands dollar treadmill machine, n the program i believe has been proven on their research. The result of our purpose would be achieved efficiently n easily.
Resolution 500 cals a day, how do you achieve it precisely by jogging outside? But it can be achieved precisely easily using treadmill machine.
The same case with glute program, the treadmill machine has made the program that i believe the effectivity has been test on their lab.
Weight loose program, how can you maintain your heartbeat on 124beats/min by jogging outside, but treadmill has sensor to make it easily. So if your heartbeat is too fast. you can change the speed or the incline.
Same case with cardio program that required heartbeat 152 beats/min.
So, i prefer join the fitness centre that having sophisticated treadmill if you want running on purpose.
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Topaz
Legend
It is also easily achieved running outside. I'm not saying you can't do it on a treadmill, but you can also achieve these things running outside. With some experience, it is not more difficult or uncertain.
1. If I want to burn 500 calories, I run 5 miles. Easy. Or, I cut out 250 calories of food, and burn 250 with exercise. Or any combination of the two. I use a FREE online calorie counter to track these things, and I've run long enough that I know my basic calorie burns.
2. If I want to achieve a certain heart rate, I take my own rate for 10 seconds and multiply by 6. Easy and EXACT.
3. If I want to work on my glutes, I sprint up a hill or just plan out a more hilly route that day. Very effective. Or I do some other move...such as walking lunges...that target glutes much more effectively than running.
That's fine that you prefer the machines, but again, you can achieve all those goals you stated by running outside as well.
And it is weight LOSS, not loose.
And...to derail a bit...if those are truly your goals (weight loss, glutes, and cardio) running is actually not the most effective way to achieve those things (inside or outside). Look into the benefits of strength training for fat burning as compared to steady state cardio (lots of sports medicine research on this, just try google or look up some posts by the poster Ano).
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Topaz
Legend
Food for thought...some interesting articles:
http://www.runningplanet.com/training/treadmill-versus-outside-running.html
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http://running.about.com/od/treadmillrunning/f/treadmillrun.htm
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http://running.about.com/od/treadmillrunning/f/runcalories.htm
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http://www.fitsugar.com/1611176
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http://www.hesfit.com/men/comment/running-treadmill-vs-outside/
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http://www.examiner.com/x-11960-Ind...miner~y2009m6d23-Treadmill-vs-running-outside
http://www.runningplanet.com/training/treadmill-versus-outside-running.html
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http://running.about.com/od/treadmillrunning/f/treadmillrun.htm
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http://running.about.com/od/treadmillrunning/f/runcalories.htm
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http://www.fitsugar.com/1611176
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http://www.hesfit.com/men/comment/running-treadmill-vs-outside/
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http://www.examiner.com/x-11960-Ind...miner~y2009m6d23-Treadmill-vs-running-outside
Cindysphinx
G.O.A.T.
Ha!
So I'm not the only loony who can be found doing walking lunges and suchlike in the middle of a run! Geez, the way people stare you'd think they'd never seen anyone doing a lunge before.
We have a lot of hills here, and I think hills are great for pretty much everything. I think the variety of terrain we have here would be impossible to duplicate on a treadmill. Like, how would you do lunges up a hill or run backwards up a hill on a treadmill?
So I'm not the only loony who can be found doing walking lunges and suchlike in the middle of a run! Geez, the way people stare you'd think they'd never seen anyone doing a lunge before.
We have a lot of hills here, and I think hills are great for pretty much everything. I think the variety of terrain we have here would be impossible to duplicate on a treadmill. Like, how would you do lunges up a hill or run backwards up a hill on a treadmill?
Topaz
Legend
^^^That is one of my cross-fit trainer's favorite circuits...run 400m, do 50 walking lunges, repeat at least 3 times. And good luck walking the next day!
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As far as glute stuff goes...who's glutes do you want? Those of the long distance runner or that of the sprinter? Depending on what you want (flat, not a lot of muscle tone...or toned up and shapely)...those are the kinds of exercises you should do to get that. Lots of people seem to think they are going to get a sprinter's butt by running long distances...and it doesn't happen that way.
***Keep in mind, of course, genetic make-up/differences.
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As far as glute stuff goes...who's glutes do you want? Those of the long distance runner or that of the sprinter? Depending on what you want (flat, not a lot of muscle tone...or toned up and shapely)...those are the kinds of exercises you should do to get that. Lots of people seem to think they are going to get a sprinter's butt by running long distances...and it doesn't happen that way.
***Keep in mind, of course, genetic make-up/differences.
Multiplying by 6 would be a little more exact... ;-)
Moz
Hall of Fame
What a spectacular load of bollocks. You've got to be joking.
Topaz
Legend
Lol, yes, thank you...that would be super duper accurate!!!
Wind resistance is not an advantage, but a disadvantage IMO. For one it makes it harder to measure your progress if the conditions are different and unpredictable every time you go outside.
The main disadvantage I have experienced with outside running is that it allows laziness. You can easily slow down your pace because of fatigue (or wind resistance
) and not even know it. On a treadmill you are forced to keep up the pace or you will fly off the treadmill. This is one of the reasons I do all of my speed workouts on a treadmill, instead of outside.
Topaz
Legend
What? You think running outside, actually doing all the work (and working harder because of things like wind resistance) is lazy? Compared to running inside, in a controlled environment, with a machine assisting your movement?
We must have different definitions of lazy.
The idea that you are trying to match or better performance in spite of varying conditions makes it *harder*, thus more of a workout, and results in better...results.
We must have different definitions of lazy.
The idea that you are trying to match or better performance in spite of varying conditions makes it *harder*, thus more of a workout, and results in better...results.
