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Original poster

Treadmill or Run outside

42 replies

christmassyqwerty · 30/10/2022 07:03

Which is best and why?

I like the treadmill if the weather is bad but it is so so so so mundane.

I prefer outdoors as there's stuff to look at.

OP posts:
ProfessionalTeaDrinker · 30/10/2022 07:08

Outside. A million times betters. It goes faster, it feels better, it's less monotonous, you can adapt your route to push yourself without really thinking about it.

The treadmill has its place and has when the weather is horrendous or I can't leave the kids, I'm grateful for it, but it's just so much harder. Every minute on there feels like five. To go faster or up a hill, I have to press buttons and make myself do it....which it's far to easy to not do. But it's great for easy runs when recovering.

ThisIsNotARealAvo · 30/10/2022 07:10

I prefer outside by far. It's not often so bad you can't go at all, and I really like going out when it's cold and dark as I don't get as sweaty and feel like I focus better. I used to do 20 minutes in the treadmill and would be staring at the timer, now 40 minutes outside goes by much more quickly as I get into 'the zone' with things to look at.

Frogsalad · 30/10/2022 07:11

Outside without doubt. Even in bad weather unless it’s truly horrendous. I quite enjoy runs out in the rain.

Mysterian · 30/10/2022 07:11

Outside. And for me it has to be in nature rather than town streets. I'm only a 10 minute drive from a lovely common so go there half the time.

BogRollBOGOF · 30/10/2022 07:12

Outside, it's physically and mentally more varied and stimulating.

I favour excerising outside generally with classes like outdoor bootcamps, and it's nicer being out in the open air than in stuffy or air conned spaces.

Swissnotswiss · 30/10/2022 07:12

Outside. Treadmill is just boring. Makes me feel like a hamster in a wheel. Outside I feel free.

Fingernails4Cash · 30/10/2022 07:20

Treadmill does half the work for you because the belt is moving for you. It's similar to running downhill.

You can counteract this by adding a gradient to the machine- 2% incline or thereabouts. But much better to do real running outside.

Treadmill can be useful for interval training (ie running very fast for short bursts so you overall get faster) because you can set the speed and push yourself. Must use the incline though!

HauntedCabinet · 30/10/2022 07:20

Outside in the woods, listening to Zombies! Run! Grin

Whereisthehugeteddybear · 30/10/2022 07:29

Outside every time. I used to run on a treadmill, but now on the rare occassion I use one (literally once a year at most) I can barely manage 10-20 minutes whereas outside I would happily run f

Whereisthehugeteddybear · 30/10/2022 07:31

..for 40 minutes. There are 2 gyms near me situated on the edge of large parks. Often on beautiful mild sunny days I see lots of people at the window on the treadmill and wonder why they would rather run on a treadmill looking outside rather than being outside!

Hedonism · 30/10/2022 07:33

Outside, in every way.

grafittiartist · 30/10/2022 07:38

Outside!
Air, things to look at, route to start and finish.
In fact- I am off for a run now. In the rain- love it!!
Enjoy whichever you chose.

LemonDrizzles · 30/10/2022 07:41

Treadmill 100% of the time, any weather, any time of day

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 30/10/2022 07:46

Treadmill. We put the hamster outside once and he never came back. We had to buy a new one. So now this one can only use the treadmill.

Basilthymerosemary · 30/10/2022 07:55

Treadmill vote here. But that's because I find it less painful on my shins after a prolonged run. And interval training is easier on a treadmill. Plus- I can watch a tv show while I run!

ncforyetanotherone · 30/10/2022 07:55

I vote treadmill as it's a life saver when you live in a village with no decent run routes (as a woman I don't like going off road for safety reasons). Can pop the iPad on and watch whatever I like which makes time pass quickly. Also I like doing intervals and playing with incline and speed. And I have young DC so it means I can give them something to do while I run nearby, no need for childcare while exercising.

I do love outside too though, but it doesn't fit into my life. If I could run properly without having to drive somewhere first that would be more appealing.

Rainsdropskeepfalling · 30/10/2022 07:59

Outside with an audiobook.

But I don't have a treadmill. So I don't really have any options 😃

FourEyesGood · 30/10/2022 08:13

Outside. Fresh air, stuff to look at, no need for any fancy equipment. And I don’t get anything like the same mental health benefits from treadmill running as I do from a good run outside, even in unpleasant weather.

ChristmasCakeAndStilton · 30/10/2022 08:19

Outside. It means I actually have to get home once I've had enough, rather than just hit a buttonand stop. Can run much further outside!

justdontkno1 · 30/10/2022 08:47

I actually prefer the treadmill and I’ve gotten so much fitter and toned using it. I use it in a gym though and just find I’m way more focused and run for much longer. I find outside way more distracting . I also go for a swim and use the sauna after running so it’s a good motivator , I also go every second day as I’ve paid a lot for a family membership so that’s also a motivator.
l love fresh air but prefer to enjoy it when out walking. But it’s a great feeling coming home after a run in the rain.

MsMartini · 30/10/2022 08:55

Outdoors. Love it.

In awful weather or on non-run days, I do an indoor les mills on demand HIT-type class, so my outdoor runs are about slow and steady, enjoying the parks and streets, and my audiobook.

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 30/10/2022 08:58

Treadmills are horrendous for overuse injuries. It’s all so repetitive, whereas outside your constantly slightly adjusting your stride.

Lalliella · 31/10/2022 08:25

Outside! Much better for your mental health imo. And cheaper! And better for the planet! Mind you I like running in the rain though!

trailrunner85 · 31/10/2022 11:50

Outside, every time. Treadmills are tedious and leave you far more susceptible to injury, as @Lastqueenofscotland2 said. Also, treadmills are very difficult to do long runs on, due to the temptation of just being able to stop when it gets tough. You can't just stop 18 miles into a 20 mile run when you're outdoors, as much as you might want to, as you need to get home...

MissDollyMix · 31/10/2022 12:00

Going against the grain here but I definitely prefer the treadmill. Possibly it is slightly easier, although I usually go for between a 2-4% incline. I ran outside for years and hated every minute of it and had an epiphany when I started running on the treadmill, I actually enjoy running! I think because I don't get cold and wet and I either listen to an audiobook or watch tv so I barely notice that I'm running. I get a better endorphin rush after. I accept that for fitness and health though running outside is probably better for you.