Running Indoors or Out: Which One Reigns Supreme?
by 
Liberty on May 6th, 2008
Image details: Couple running on the beach served by picapp.com
Runners of the world, weigh in: Do you prefer getting your run on outside or inside? Pavement or treadmill? Why?
We all know some of the benefits of indoor running: adjusting incline, temperature control, a nearby TV, etc.
And outdoor running: becoming one with nature, natural visual stimulation, fresh air, etc.
Given those reasons and more, most runners have their favorite running spots and rituals, so naturally, whatever works best for you and gets you moving off the couch is the way to go.
However…
Is there a scientific difference between the two, health benefit-wise?
Short answer: Nobody’s really sure.
See, researchers have found the following:
- Outdoor running promotes a more intense exercise.
- With outdoor running, there is greater wind resistance and no assistance from a treadmill’s track.
- Therefore, outdoor running burns about 5% more calories than treadmill running does.
And that all seems to put outdoor running in the leader’s chair, except…
- Outdoor running can lead to significantly higher rates of bone strain and tension, particularly in the shinbone area.
- That same increased strain can increase the risk of stress fractures by more than 50 percent.
- Treadmill running, on the other hand, reduces the risk of injury, allowing people to run longer and “farther”.
So the end verdict on this:
While you may burn more calories hitting the pavement, the risk of injury runs higher. That being said, what form of running (or walking, for that matter) do you prefer and why? Leave us a quick comment and let us know…
Source: NY Times
Tags: , Exercise, Fitness, Indoor Exercise, outdoor exercise, Physical Activity, Running, treadmills| 3.2 |
6 opinions for Running Indoors or Out: Which One Reigns Supreme?
May 6, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I’m not sure if I’m considered a runner or not. I usually do about 6 km a day @ about 11 km/h. I prefer to run outside when the weather permits but most of my running over the course of a year happens indoors.
May 6, 2008 at 8:28 pm
As a runner I found out that a treadmill lowers your stamina when you get ready to run outside. A treadmill is okay to get the mechanics of the run correct but, after a little while the program should be taken outside. Great Post!
Alex ~D~
May 6, 2008 at 8:53 pm
I don’t think anyone should run except when being chased! haha. Seriously.
May 7, 2008 at 11:13 am
I am a runner too. I absolutely hate running more than 2 miles on a treadmill, although in the winter, it would be nice to have one (I have an elliptical instead, which I love). I run outdoors and will be running my first marathon in 3 weeks. Outdoors is much more fun, but I’d agree, the potential for injury is greater, not to mention dealing with the elements (nature, human, animal, motorized). I have noticed that I get shin splints when running on a treadmill, which is the opposite of what the research says.
May 7, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Outdoors is my preferance, hands down. Treadmills eventually make me cranky! Running outside makes it more interesting, more of a challenge, and it also calms me and puts me in a really good mood. If I’m inside a gym running in one place I feel kind of like a hamster on a wheel.
May 8, 2008 at 9:50 am
I can’t run anymore, but I always preferred to run alone outdoors.
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