Treadmill vs Outdoor Running
Running outdoor or running on a treadmill, which one is the best? Which one is more beneficial? What is the right way to run? There are so many questions one can ask related to this. We decide to drive deep on treadmill vs outdoor running.
So, what is the right answer? The answer is there is no right or wrong way to run. It entirely depends on the individual in which way he or she prefers. The same goes for all of us including me and you.
Running outside and running on a treadmill is not quite the same. Both system have their advantages and disadvantages. But each one will help you get faster and stronger.
As we all know about the current pandemic situation all around the world. Millions of people are being a victim of this deadly Covid-19. The most uncertain fact about this virus is you don’t have any idea about whether you are infected or not before a certain amount of time. And by the time you notice anything, you have already spread this virus to others, like your friends and family.
It’s so terrifying to even think about that. So, it is vital to take the necessary steps to prevent that from happening. For example, maintaining social distance, wear a face mask, goggles, and hand gloves whenever you go out. And most importantly not going out if not necessary.
So, when it comes to running outside you may have some doughts, like is it safe to go out? Is it safe to run even maintaining 6 feet standard distance?
Let’s find out what the experts say.
According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “If you are outside. You should maintain at least 6 feet of social distance.” But for runners, maybe that’s not enough. Because when you are running or just finished a run, you inhale and exhale more air than usual. So, the risk of receiving the virus from other people becomes greater.
Experts also say that exercising can help fight the virus. In one study, a researcher found that the average instance of physical exercise can expand someone’s ability to fight viruses. It also improves immunity and helps fight illness like the common cold, influenza, and pneumonia.
Another professor agreed with the health benefits of doing workout during this pandemic. However, he warned runners to watch out their environment before start running.
Now, if you put the Covid-19 situation aside, and think about running outside as general. Running outside will activate more muscles in your body. Most of the cases you can’t run in a linear pattern when you are running outside.
For example, dodging other people on a public sidewalk avoiding an obstacle. As it’s a random motion with lots of ground reaction forces involved. You will certainly need to develop basic strength.
Also, you can have some fresh air if you run outside. It will give you mental refreshment. Imagine running early in the morning in a park or an open ground, just thinking about it calms my mind! And if you are getting ready for a marathon, it will be a good idea to practice running in a similar condition.
On the other hand, running on a treadmill is easier compared to running outside. There are a couple of reasons to be so. One of the reasons is you can exactly know how much distance you are running on the belt. The tracking system of some of these machines is pretty effective.
And as you run only straight on a treadmill, it helps you to run faster. You don’t have to think about dodging passer-by or any obstacle as I mentioned before. Also, most of the runners find their pace on the treadmill doesn’t match their pace on the road.
The treadmill has another advantage and that is a cautioning belt. Intense running outside can create a huge amount of pressure on your joints. This can cause you pain if you are injured or have joint problems. But if you enjoy running outside and like to take the challenge of the instance running, a treadmill may bore you. This machine only replicates the motion of running you know. A duplicate can never beat the original for sure.
The reason for picking a treadmill over running out is of course the weather conditions. Sadly you can’t control the weather; unless you are a magician. Just kidding! So, if it rains, starts a storm or becomes cold, running outside won’t be an easy option.
But you will get a controlled environment while running on this machine. The pace, interval, incline, or recovery, you can control them accurately. Also, it will keep every detailed information about your workouts and help you improve.
I guess everything has some downsides as this device has its own. You can injure yourself by overdoing an exercise in the same predictable pattern. It can harm your muscle or bone. Also, certain muscles of your body could become weak and out of shape. It can cause injuries and other difficulties when you switch to outdoor running.
And considering the current coronavirus pandemic situation. It would be ideal to run on the treadmill instead of going out. Why take a risk if you can run indoor without interacting with people.
So, when it comes to running, it depends on you. Going out or running indoor the choice varies person to person.
In this condition, do your preferred workouts but remember not to overdo it.
Stay home, stay safe!