Going for a run on the treadmill is a far cry from running outdoors. Although both can work off calories while working up a sweat, there are a number of differences that can make it tough for you to move from a treadmill to an outdoor workout.
Pollution
Running outdoors can leave you sneezing, wheezing or otherwise gasping for breath, especially if you suffer from allergies or run near heavy traffic. The outside air is rife with pollutants, pollen and particles floating around the ozone. Fitness magazine suggests that before heading out for a run, check an air quality report, usually available from your environmental department. Running early in the morning can reduce the risk of inhaling heavy pollutants, as can picking a traffic-free area -- or opting for the treadmill.
Wind Resistance
The treadmill gives you no wind resistance, something you always encounter running in the great outdoors -- whether it's windy or not. Your running's forward movement creates wind resistance even on breezeless days. The amount of resistance depends on your speed, with a faster clip creating more resistance. The lack of wind resistance on a treadmill makes running easier, although you can mimic outdoor wind resistance by adjusting your treadmill incline by 1 percent, Running Planet says.
Terrain
The treadmill is free of potholes, gravel pits, cracked cement and other uneven terrain you often encounter outdoors. While this may seem like a good thing, it can also mess up your balance and proprioception when you do run outside. Proprioception is your body's innate awareness of its position and movement at all times, an awareness that works to adjust itself over uneven ground. If you constantly run on the treadmill but intend to move it outside, Running Planet suggests training on a wobble board to keep your proprioception keen.
Other Differences
The treadmill offers a more controlled workout environment, as well as a more controlled workout. You determine your pace, incline and consistency of your run without having to stop for strollers, pedestrians or traffic. Even when you don't feel like running, the treadmill provides automatic motivation: either keep up or fall off. Although this automatic motivation keeps you moving, it can also mess up your running stride. Because the belt is constantly pulling you forward, you can overcompensate by bending forward in an attempt to keep up with the speed. Slow it down and pay attention to mechanics over distance.
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