Treadmill or Dreadmill? It it's a WIN/WIN

 

Most people have a hate/hate relationship with running on a treadmill. Some have a love/hate relationship and very few have a total love for the treadmill. I am in the latter category.  I absolutely love my treadmill and very rarely run outside.

A frequent question I get asked is: What are the PROS and CONS of running on the treadmill and running outside?! Are they the same?

PROS of the treadmill

• The treadmill is a softer surface, which can give your joints a break!
• You can set the speed for workouts without having to check your watch for your pace.
• If you have a mirror near your treadmill, you can focus on your form.
• Treadmills are great tools for focusing on maintaining the same cadence at a variety of speeds.
• Treadmills are great for hill workouts because you can set the incline to the proper grade.

CONS of the treadmill

• Treadmills do not allow your body to use as many muscles because the footing is stable and there are no turns.
• Treadmill belts assist leg turnover which makes running faster easier and doesn’t translate as well to racing outside
• You are not able to mimic outdoor race day conditions inside.

 

PROS of outside running

• You activate more muscles when running outside by changing directions and needing to maneuver more!
• Running outside callouses your body and allows your body to become stronger due to the harder surfaces
• You can mimic race day conditions and surfaces

CONS of outside running

• You are at the mercy of the elements outside which can be dangerous
• You must monitor your pace more frequently during workouts
• The constant pounding can take a toll on your joints.

 

THE BOTTOM LINE

If you're training for a race, running outside is the best possible way to mimic race day. Sometimes the treadmill is the only option due to unfavorable weather, not having childcare to get outside of a run, etc..

But if you are like me and no longer racing…the treadmill can be awesome!