Working alongside a Physio in Cambridge we recently discussed running outdoors vs running on the treadmill. What are the differences and benefits of each? Which do you prefer? In this article I discuss both and look at the benefits of running in general.
Physio Cambridge - Outdoor vs Running on the Treadmill
So you've decided it's time to get fit. You've found yourself undeterred by the unhappy faces of joggers passing your window and thought "that's the path for me!" Running it is, decision made. But what is the best way to go about it?
The best way to go about running - Physio Cambridge
Runners are an enthusiastic bunch, and those fanatical about it tend toward running outside. That's all very well and good, but there must be a reason why the home treadmill market is booming, so what are the differences?
Outdoor or Indoor Running - Physio Cambridge
Outdoor running might not suit you for a number of reasons. The area where you live might be heavily built up, leaving you with no option but to pound the tarmac through city streets. Nothing like a good lungful of carbon monoxide to make you really feel that burn!
A daunting landscape - Physio Cambridge
If it's not built up, it could be that the landscape itself is daunting to run on. Maybe there are daunting steep hills, or rough cross-country terrain in thick grass to wrap itself round your training shoes and throw you unceremoniously to the ground. Sure, the challenges of running on that surface will be many for an experienced runner, but what if you're just getting started?
Starting out
For those of us just about to embark on a personal fitness regime, our bodies clad in lycra might not be something we want to go flaunting to all and sundry at the local park. A treadmill at home can avoid the need to declare your body beautiful in front of Joe Public, at least until you've lost that spare tire and feel like braving it in front of the world.There is also the possibility of suffering a sports injury and having to limp home.
Does the treadmill cut it
For some however, the treadmill just doesn't cut it. Just 10 minutes on the hamster wheel can bore some to giving up long before the timer tells them to, and the visible progress you make when running in the real world gives you a good sense of achievement. A treadmill only represents this with disappointing numbers, and that sometimes isn't enough to warrant the demands running places on the body.
Endurance running
Endurance running for most is always a battle to keep going. A regular running route outdoor can help to pull you through those tough moments when you feel like giving in. When you round the corner and know exactly how far it is to get home, it can give you that confidence kick you need to cross the finishing line. On a treadmill that doesn't really exist, you just have to wait out the time/distance, and the lack of changing landscape can make motivation hard to come by.
Does the weather make a difference - Physio Cambridge
However, there are many other factors that can put off the outdoor runner. Here in England, weather can obviously put a downer on the whole run before you've even started. How many outdoor running enthusiasts pull on their running spikes when it's raining? Or simply when it's winter, for that matter?
Thanks for reading Running Outdoors Vs Running on the Treadmill - Physio Cambridge.
The best way to go about running - Physio Cambridge
Runners are an enthusiastic bunch, and those fanatical about it tend toward running outside. That's all very well and good, but there must be a reason why the home treadmill market is booming, so what are the differences?
Outdoor or Indoor Running - Physio Cambridge
Outdoor running might not suit you for a number of reasons. The area where you live might be heavily built up, leaving you with no option but to pound the tarmac through city streets. Nothing like a good lungful of carbon monoxide to make you really feel that burn!
A daunting landscape - Physio Cambridge
If it's not built up, it could be that the landscape itself is daunting to run on. Maybe there are daunting steep hills, or rough cross-country terrain in thick grass to wrap itself round your training shoes and throw you unceremoniously to the ground. Sure, the challenges of running on that surface will be many for an experienced runner, but what if you're just getting started?
Starting out
For those of us just about to embark on a personal fitness regime, our bodies clad in lycra might not be something we want to go flaunting to all and sundry at the local park. A treadmill at home can avoid the need to declare your body beautiful in front of Joe Public, at least until you've lost that spare tire and feel like braving it in front of the world.There is also the possibility of suffering a sports injury and having to limp home.
Does the treadmill cut it
For some however, the treadmill just doesn't cut it. Just 10 minutes on the hamster wheel can bore some to giving up long before the timer tells them to, and the visible progress you make when running in the real world gives you a good sense of achievement. A treadmill only represents this with disappointing numbers, and that sometimes isn't enough to warrant the demands running places on the body.
Endurance running
Endurance running for most is always a battle to keep going. A regular running route outdoor can help to pull you through those tough moments when you feel like giving in. When you round the corner and know exactly how far it is to get home, it can give you that confidence kick you need to cross the finishing line. On a treadmill that doesn't really exist, you just have to wait out the time/distance, and the lack of changing landscape can make motivation hard to come by.
Does the weather make a difference - Physio Cambridge
However, there are many other factors that can put off the outdoor runner. Here in England, weather can obviously put a downer on the whole run before you've even started. How many outdoor running enthusiasts pull on their running spikes when it's raining? Or simply when it's winter, for that matter?
Thanks for reading Running Outdoors Vs Running on the Treadmill - Physio Cambridge.
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