Running is excellent cardiovascular exercise--perhaps providing the most effective cardio workout available. Whether you run outside or on a treadmill can depend on a lot of factors. There are, however, distinct advantages to each.
Features Of Road Running
Road running is a complete workout for your body. The uneven terrain of the outdoors requires the stabilizing muscles of the pelvis and back to work harder.
Challenges of Road Running
Road running challenges you with real hills and can interest you with varied scenery. Additionally, the wind resistance of the outdoors increases the intensity of the workout.
Expert Insight
Running outdoors also increases proprioception. According to Rick Morris at runningplanet.com, proprioception is "intuitively feeling and knowing the position and motion of your body, feet, legs and arms, etc. at all times."
Benefits Of Treadmill Running
Treadmill running is perfect when extreme weather makes road running too dangerous. The treadmill belt is also gentler on the joints.
Versatility Of The Treadmill
The versatility of the treadmill allows runners to design their own workouts to incorporate speed work, especially if they do not have access to a track. Runners can also simulate wind resistance by setting the machine at a 1 percent incline. Runners who live in flat areas can use treadmills to simulate hilly terrain, which can be useful when training for a hilly race course.
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