Treadmill Running vs. Outdoor Running: Which Is Healthier?

As a form of frequent exercise, running has many health benefits, including stress reduction. Some people prefer to run indoors on a treadmill, while others prefer running outdoors. Both methods will increase wellness, but one way of running is better than the other.

Treadmill Running

Running on a fitness treadmill offers the convenience of a good home workout and a place to rest when your stamina is drained. Running on a treadmill is a healthy way to burn calories, and unlike running outdoors, you can adjust features on a treadmill to strengthen different muscles. Modern treadmills will come with different functions, such as an incline setting to simulate running uphill or timers to keep a specific pace until the timer runs out.

Treadmills are versatile, and if you need to increase the intensity of your run, you can adjust the timer, incline, and speed. Plus, your ankles and knees won’t suffer as much because the shock absorbers underneath the belt cushion the impact of every step.

Outdoor Running

Running outside is a great way to get fresh air and feel more in tune with your body. You will find that running outside is naturally versatile with uneven pavement and gravel, which will require extra effort in your leg and footwork. Spending time outdoors is helpful for your mental health and will help you recharge your emotional battery while surrounded by nature. While running outside, you can explore your neighborhood or park and enjoy the many sights and sounds.

Which is Better?

Running outside and on a treadmill are both healthy, but the treadmill is the healthier option between the two. Getting out is great, and we should spend a little time outdoors every day, but running outside may be more tiring given all of the uncertain situations, and you could run into bad weather.

When you run on a treadmill, you will have the luxury of running at your own pace with different controls to increase or decrease the intensity. The treadmill has a smaller risk of injury, and if you fall and injure yourself, you will at least be in your home or a gym. There, you’ll have tools and people to help you.

Running is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. And if you do run for exercise, use a treadmill to get the best results.