Owning a treadmill gives you the option of getting in a walk even when it's snowing a blizzard outside, but health-conscious individuals often wonder if walking on a treadmill is as effective as walking outside. There are slight differences, and people with certain health conditions may want to choose one form of exercise over the other. With a little information, you can make the best choice for yourself and your personal goals.
Workout Intensity
Walking on a treadmill may provide a slightly less intense workout than walking outside, according to Go Ask Alice, a service of Columbia University's health services. Columbia reports that because treadmills used indoors do not provide wind resistance, and because the moving belt does some of the work, walkers may not use as much energy. Navy Medicine, a service of the Department of Defense health services, suggests setting the treadmill at a slight incline or slightly increasing its speed to counter this effect.
Motivation
If you struggle with exercise motivation, a treadmill, especially one located in your own home, may be a good choice for you. Navy Medicine reports that when the treadmill is always available to you, you may not be as tempted to use the weather or the time of day as an excuse not to exercise. Also, according to Navy Medicine, when you walk on a treadmill you won't have to worry about paying attention to obstacles and can therefore listen to music or watch TV while you work out, which helps keep you from getting bored with your exercise routine.
Effect on Mood
If you tend toward moodiness or more serious mood issues, such as depression, you might consider walking outdoors instead of using a treadmill. A HelpGuide.org article on depression recommends spending time outdoors every day, and reports that exercise is one of the most effective depression fighters. When you go for a walk outside, you get exercise and exposure to healing light. If walking outdoors isn't an option due to inclement weather, you can at least put your treadmill next to a window.
Considerations for Those with Health Conditions
Those with certain health conditions may want to choose walking on a treadmill over walking outside. The belt surface of a treadmill tends to be softer than the pavement, which can help prevent soreness for those who suffer from knee pain, according to Go Ask Alice. Also, according to the Arthritis Today website, walking on a treadmill helps increase blood flow, which in turn can help reduce pain. However, the website cautions against holding onto or leaning against treadmill rails, which pulls the body out of alignment and can lead to injuries.
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