So, laced up your runners and hit that crossroads, treadmill or outside? You are not alone.
When it comes to burning calories, building stamina, or prepping for a big game. One question keeps popping up. Is it easier to run on a treadmill or outside?
On one hand, outdoor runs feel wild and free. On the other, treadmills offer consistency control, and comfort. If you're serious about your fitness goals, you deserve to know where your sneakers will do their best work.
So, let’s find out with us.
We are your ultimate partner in crime for building strength, endurance, and grit. If you are tired of long gym queues, crowded parks, or unpredictable weather. Trojan Fitness gives you the chance to train like a champ in your own space & time.
Starting the sweaty debate.
Running Outside vs Treadmill Running | Which One is Better?
We’ve compiled the pros and cons of both options for you. So, you can choose according to your fitness goals, surrounding conditions and workout type.
Pros of Running Outside
Running outside is the raw and rugged experience with the following advantages.
1. Boosts Mental Stimulation
Running outside taps into your natural instincts.
Your senses stay alive as you soak up shifting landscapes. Breathe in crisp morning air. And dodge unexpected hurdles like tree roots or puddles.
This sensory overload gives your brain a serious workout too. E.g. improving focus and boosting your mood, thanks to natural endorphin release. Unlike the steady pace of treadmill running, outdoor routes constantly challenge your perception and decision-making.
2. Provides Intense & Challenging Workouts
The great outdoors throws hills, slopes, wind gusts, and uneven paths your way. And you've got to rise to the challenge.
Natural resistance forces your muscles to work harder and build greater endurance & strength over time. Hills torch calories, rough terrain toughens your ankles, and sudden changes in elevation make your heart work smarter, not just harder.
Plus, nature's unpredictability keeps your body guessing, and avoid fitness plateaus.
3. Totally Free Exercise Option
One of the best things about running outside? It’s completely free!
No gym memberships. No special subscriptions. No expensive gear apart from your trusty running shoes. You can sprint on beaches, climb up hills, jog along rivers, or tear through your local streets whenever the mood strikes.
For students, young athletes, or anyone struggling with budget. Outdoor running makes it easier to stay fit without spending a cent.
Cons of Running Outside
Well, among the numerous advantages offered by natural environment. There are some downsides too, for outside running. Let’s go through them one by one.
1. Weather Can Mess Up Your Schedule
Nature doesn’t always play nice.
Scorching Aussie summers, sudden rainstorms, icy footpaths, you name it. The weather can totally wreck your plans.
When your training depends on good conditions, consistency goes to the corner. That’s why many runners eventually invest in a treadmill to run whenever they want, come rain or shine. With a treadmill, every day is perfect running weather.
2. Tough on Joints & Risky for Heart Patients
While pounding pavements looks hardcore, it’s harsh on your knees, ankles, and hips.
Hard surfaces like concrete don’t absorb shock well. Leading to higher chances of joint pain and injuries over time. If you're recovering from an injury, have arthritis, or are managing heart conditions, outdoor running is not a safe option.
Compared to outdoor terrain, a weight loss running machine offers cushioning and softer impact zones. So, you can stay active without risking unnecessary strain.
3. Injury Risk with Unpredictable Surfaces
Cracks in the sidewalk. Loose gravel. Slippery leaves. Outdoor paths hide plenty of nasty surprises that can trip you up (literally).
A twisted ankle or a nasty fall can put you out of the game for weeks or months.
Serious runners know that a single bad step can derail an entire training season. In such cases, you need a good treadmill for running where the surface stays smooth, even, and ready for action. With minimal risk of injury.
4. No Customisable Speed or Incline
On the open road, you're at the mercy of the terrain.
You can't crank up the incline with the push of a button or slow things down for an active recovery jog whenever you want.
Outdoor running lacks the precise control you get with a modern outdoor treadmill. Means you can’t design your run to match your fitness goals. While treadmill training hands you the controls of choosing hill repeats or flat sprints.
Pros of Running on a Treadmill
Wondering why every athlete invest heavy on treadmills and fitness gear? What advantages it has over natural challenges of outdoor terrain? Let’s list out the treadmill benefits.
1. Controlled & Safer Movements
When you choose treadmill running, you know what you're getting. A smooth cushioned ride that's kind to your joints and easy on the body.
No sudden obstacles. No hidden cracks. The belt’s even surface keeps your gait steady and protects your muscles and ligaments from unnecessary strain. It’s like running on a paved track every single time.
If staying injury-free is part of your plan, treadmill sessions should be your training mix.
2. Workout on Your Terms
Sick of rescheduling runs because of a downpour or a heatwave?
With your own outdoor treadmill at home, you call the shots. Rain, wind, freezing cold mornings. None of it matters if you have reliable gear waiting for you.
It means no skipped workouts or falling off your fitness goals when the weather acts up. Staying consistent is the key to real gains, & treadmills make consistency easy-peasy.
3. Easy To Record Pace & Distance
If you love seeing progress in black and white, treadmill sessions are your jam.
Every kilometre, every speed interval, every incline boost gets tracked automatically. Aiming to beat your 5K record? Or gradually building up your stamina? Watching those numbers climb gives you an insane motivation boost.
A weight loss running machine also lets you monitor calories burned, heart rate, & distance covered. So, you can tweak your workouts for better & faster results.
4. Built-In Heart Rate & BP Monitors
Advanced treadmills come loaded with health tech.
Whether it’s built-in heart rate grips, chest strap compatibility, or blood pressure trackers, you can see real-time data while you smash your run. This is vital for fitness buffs who want to stay in their optimal heart rate zone or keep an eye on recovery.
Staying on top of your health while working out? Now that’s next-level smart training!
5. Great For All Fitness Levels
Treadmills are the ultimate equaliser.
Doesn’t matter if you're just starting your fitness journey or prepping for a competitive sports event. You can adjust speed, incline, and workout type to suit your current level.
Want to walk today and sprint tomorrow? No worries. Training for your first 10K? Piece of cake. No matter where you’re at, a good treadmill for running grows with you. Helping you push your limits safely and smartly.
Cons of Running on a Treadmill
Nothing comes with benefits only, and you have to weigh the downsides too. Following are some cons of training over a treadmill.
1. Missing Natural Factors
Running indoors won’t give you the stunning sunset views or the buzz of an early morning park run. There’ll be no spontaneous challenges or mental stimulation as offered by natural outdoor terrain.
You won’t feel the dew drops hanging in air. There will be no changing scenery or cool sea breezes. Just you, the machine, and your playlist. But with some imagination, good tunes, or a virtual track program. You can add some flavour to your runs.
2. Repetitive Movements
Unless you spice it up with different workouts, intervals, or new goals. Treadmill sessions feel like you’re stuck in Groundhog Day. There is a constant terrain with no surprises or twists in your running path.
The solution? Treadmill pros suggest mixing in HIIT, hill runs, or race simulations to keep your workout funky and fresh.
3. Treadmills Can Cost a Pretty Penny
Yep, quality doesn’t come cheap. Getting a best rated treadmill for running is an investment. But think about it: no gym memberships, no wasted trips to overcrowded parks, no weather delays.
Plus, when you shop from a reliable source, your beast will last for years. And believe us! It’s worth every cent if you’re serious about chasing your goals.
Treadmill versus Outdoor Running: Which Wins?
Both options have their place in a solid fitness plan. If you’re training for adventure races or crave scenery, outdoor running's your jam. But for consistency, safety, and all-year-round gains, running on a treadmill is hard to beat.
If you want to work on speed drills, endurance runs, and recovery walks without worrying about potholes. A running machine benefits list easily outweighs the downsides. Especially while battling unpredictable Aussie weather.
Quick Tips to Maximise Your Treadmill Workouts
- Warm up and cool down properly.
- Play with incline settings to mimic hills.
- Use intervals for speed boosts.
- Shuffle between exercise intensities & types to challenge your body
- Stay hydrated as indoor sweat sessions sneak up on you.
- Switch playlists to keep energy high.
- Place your treadmill near window or enjoy virtual scenery on screen.
And you'll never find treadmill time boring again!
Searching for the best treadmill for jogging?
Power Your Treadmill Running Journey with Trojan Fitness
Trojan Fitness has the ultimate collection of treadmills and fitness gear to keep you fit.
We’ve been proudly Aussie-owned and operated for 16 years. Providing top fitness equipment with nationwide warranty and delivery. Whether you want the best rated treadmills for running or reliable sports equipment. We’ve got your back.
Let’s make those fitness dreams a reality, mate!
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