If you've committed to making running part of your fitness routine, congratulations! And if you haven't, what are you waiting for?
Running is one of the very best forms of cardiovascular exercise—and it builds strength and endurance.
As a runner, you have two choices of how you will work out. You can run outside on the streets, in the parks, in the woods, and on the sidewalks. Or you can run inside on a treadmill.
Look, the two are not mutually exclusive. People who live in a temperate climate may very well run inside on a treadmill in the chilly months and outside in the sunshine in the warmer seasons. It's not a breach of the Runnner's Code of Ethics (not in the North American Chapter at least (joke!)).
For the most part people do both just for the sake of variety and to defeat boredom—which, as we all know, is one of the chief enemies of commitment.
People who run outside often get a thrill from being in the environment; feeling the heat of the sun, the cool of the breeze, the fresh air, and getting to know their neighborhood differently. Many runners report that running outside conditions their soft tissue more effectively. Also, running outdoors generally burns a few more calories than running inside, due to the increased wind resistance.
However, nearly all of these perceived benefits can be seen as negatives. Being in an outdoor environment means accepting the increased risk of tripping on a hazard and all of the other hazards of the world, like the Kilanowski's terrier. Bruiser helps keep the pace up though, that's a plus, right?
And, of course, the seasons. The summer heat can be debilitating and the winter cold can deter all but the hardiest of souls making running outside harder than running on a treadmill. These can make it even harder for beginners.
Treadmills have come a long way since the days when they were little more than glorified hamster wheels. Today’s most radical treadmills put you in virtual fitness classes and allow your coach to adjust the treadmill’s inclination and speed remotely.
They offer Bluetooth speakers, streaming apps, and 32-inch hi-def video screens. They have incline and strength training functions. And, they collect and display your biometric data. Sweet, right? Also, they can be used 24/7/365 regardless of rain or snow or heat or rain or sketchy neighborhoods!
Cool as they are, though, treadmills do have their drawbacks. They cost as much as a good entry-level motorcycle. While using them may be safer than running in some outdoor environments, they are not risk-free.
Some kinesthesiologists report concerns about treadmills and knee damage since the machine—rather than the body—regulates the pace of the run.
While others have found treadmills to help in the recovery of injuries and long-term knee health. It all really depends on the quality of the treadmill you use!
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