Why harder to run outside than on a treadmill

Try simulating a few small hills at different intervals, Hadley suggests, to get more of your legs involved. Running coach Bobby McGee recommends a slight incline of 0. As a general rule, McGee advises runners to be wary of older, worn-out machines, which may be in desperate need of calibration. One way to beat this feeling? Switch things up with pre-set exercises on the machine meant to simulate a changing landscape or specific workout.

Or try a treadmill HIIT program or group treadmill class. But the boring atmosphere, could also be an opportunity to grow as a runner if you choose to lean into the monotony. As Walker notes, running on a treadmill can help you build mental toughness by focusing just on the running and no other outside distractions.

Some folks will point to calibration of the machines as a reason why their workout might feel harder at the same pace they keep outside. Running on a treadmill is not physically the same as running outdoors. The way the treadmill belt propels you forward means you use less of your hamstring muscles.

Contact Support. Log Out. Your cart is empty. Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world. Explore Classes. April 20, Well, there are a few reasons. Running outside means you have to deal with the weather. She holds a degree in creative writing from the University of More On This Topic Motivation. Sarah Regan. You Can Control Your Pace. Outside, it can be difficult to maintain a consistent pace.

For this reason, treadmill training can be a good solution if you are coming back from an injury. The treadmill makes it easy to track your mileage and pace. You can also stop anytime you want. But you can also use the treadmill pace to push yourself. It's Convenient. Home treadmills let you run on your own time, even in bad weather, late at night, or when you need to keep an eye on your children.

You Can Multi-Task. On a treadmill, it's safe to use headphones to listen to music or podcasts. You can watch TV or even page through a magazine or book. It's Easier on the Joints. Treadmills offer better shock absorption than pavement or roads, which means less stress on the ankles and knees. And when you run at an incline on the treadmill, you build strength and endurance like you would running hills outside.

But you don't have to run downhill, which can be hard on your body. Running indoors on a treadmill means you avoid the hazards of running outside. It's also safer than running outside by yourself, without a running partner or group. While there are many benefits to choosing indoor treadmill workouts, it's important to know some of the dangers and drawbacks of treadmill running.

You Can Still Get Hurt. While treadmills are considered the safer option by most users, the CPSC reports that there are more than 24, treadmill-related injuries in the U. These include sprains, falls, head injuries, and cardiovascular events in people who either ran too fast or pushed too hard. But the figures for outdoor runners are much higher. You Can't Go Downhill. Most treadmills don't have a downward incline feature which you need to strengthen the anterior tibialis muscles at the front of your legs.

If you're training for a race with lots of elevation changes, you'll want to train for downhill portions of the course as well. You Can't Make Turns. Similarly, there are no turns on a treadmill, limiting your ability to improve your lateral agility. It Can Be Boring. Even with music or TV to keep you company, treadmill running for a long period of time can be tedious. While treadmills may be great for short interval runs or speed training, they can be very monotonous for hours-long running sessions.

From being outdoors with nature to people watching, there are many notable benefits of taking your run outside. It's Inexpensive. Running outside is free and you aren't constricted by a gym's schedule or the availability of machines. You don't need to purchase a gym membership or a treadmill to enjoy running outdoors.

Hotels can often suggest nearby routes. Running is a great way to check out a new place. As long as you take safety precautions and use a pre-planned route, running can be a great way to explore a new destination. By running outdoors, your muscles and joints will be more conditioned to the varied terrain you'll encounter in a race. Depending on your race, train on a track, road, or trail, and you can closely mimic your final race conditions.

You'll be better able to adapt to changes in weather and know when to exert extra effort when faced with elevations or known obstacles.