Is The Treadmill Better Than Running?

Running is running is running, to paraphrase Gertrude Stein, unless you're running on a treadmill. The overall calories you burn running on a treadmill might often approximate what you burn running outside, but there are a great many differences between the two. Which is superior ultimately boils down to personal choice, as each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits of Both

Running provides certain benefits whether you do it freestyle or on a treadmill. Both give you a cardio workout that enhances your immune system, burns calories, improves circulation and decreases your risk for various health conditions, including stroke, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease and certain types of cancer, according to MayoClinic.com. The impact of repeatedly hitting the ground with your feet places pressure on weight-bearing bones, increasing bone strength and reducing your risk of osteoperosis.

Running Advantages

If you plan on running competitively you need to train in the kind of conditions that you will compete in. When you run outside you must deal with adverse weather, different kinds of terrain, turns and obstacles. Gravel, curbs, rocks, roots, rain, heat, cold and wind resistance affect your balance, gait, stride and breathing. Running outside on sunny days gives you Vitamin D, which strengthens your bones by helping you absorb calcium. Many people prefer to run outside because they get the opportunity to commune with nature while they experience the sights, sounds and smells of their neighborhood, parks and running trails. When you run outside you get a feeling of progress and motion, especially as you pass landmarks and close in on your finish line.

Running Disadvantages

When you run outside you risk obstacles and hazards that treadmills don't present. Road hazards such as potholes, curbs and gravel can cause injury, and while cars, bicyclists and pedestrians make for interesting viewing, they can be unpredictable. Bad weather can disrupt your exercise plans, and you might limit the hours of the day you run for safety reasons. Cement and pavement jars your joints, which can cause ankle, knee, hip and back pain if you have orthopedic problems.

Treadmill Advantages

Weather may deter you from getting to the health club, but if you own your own treadmill, neither rain, nor sleet nor hour of the day will prevent you from getting your cardio. And treadmill owners can run in privacy without having to feel self-conscious about their running form or body shape. You can distract your self from boredom or from running pain by watching TV while you use the treadmill. The treadmill platform is softer than cement or pavement, so you lessen the impact, while strengthening bones and muscles.

Treadmills allow you to control the incline, so you can increase the intensity of your run by increasing the angle. You can set the treadmill speed manually, or you can use preset programs that set the pace for you. Different treadmills have different programs available, but all have programs that include a warmup and cooldown and vary the incline to change the intensity of the workout.

Treadmill Disadvantages

If you don't mind running fast and going nowhere, running on a treadmill offers few disadvantages compared to running. You can compensate for lack of wind resistance by setting the incline to one degree, says Running Planet. When you run on the treadmill, you can enhance your strength and endurance, but your form and stride differ from when you run freestyle, so competitors should still hit the road for serious training. Otherwise, it's a matter of personal preference. Choose whichever one pleases you and keeps you running.