With fall approaching, many runners will soon be taking their workout indoors. Fortunately, researchers say there are only subtle biomechanical differences between treadmill and outdoor running.
Running indoors on a treadmill may seem less challenging because of the lack of wind resistance, but that can be compensated by setting the machine at a very slight incline. And treadmill running offers more shock absorbency, giving less impact on joints than running on hard outdoor surfaces. This is a good thing, especially if you are recuperating from an injury, or suffer arthritic joints. Avid treadmill runners, however, won’t be conditioned to run on harder surfaces. They must prepare and build the muscular endurance needed for high impact.
If you’re a winter treadmill runner, be sure you gradually adjust to road running again in the spring. Better still, try to run outdoors in winter months whenever the weather allows, to keep your legs accustomed to the impact. Be cautious running on wet, slippery leaves in the fall. It’s like skidding over banana peels! Also, spend a little more time stretching after your outdoor runs. Flexible muscles act as much better shock absorbers.
Treadmill running is convenient and you have complete control over your terrain and workout intensity. It’s also more enjoyable for those who hate to exercise because the time can fly by, if you run while watching television. In addition, treadmills are considered the best choice of exercise machines for calorie burning; they show greater calorie usage and cardiovascular fitness improvements than several other fitness machines. It’s speculated exercisers can work at higher intensities because walking and running on a treadmill are familiar and natural movement patterns, making it more comfortable. Therefore, longer time is spent on a treadmill than other exercise machines.
Outdoor running, on the other hand, is an enjoyable activity in the great outdoors, offering the opportunity to be in touch with nature (depending, of course, on where you choose to run). Try doing both treadmill and outdoor runs, especially if you live in an area where the view – and not just the effort – takes your breath away.
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Eve Lees has been active in the health & fitness industry since 1979. Currently, she is a Freelance Health Writer for several publication and speaks to business and private groups on various health topics.