Treadmills are one of the safest tools you can use if you are trying to lose weight or just tone your muscles. The benefits they offer in comparison to running outside, on a track or on the road are substantial and can be utilized almost anywhere, at anytime.
Running on a Treadmill vs Running Outside
Running outside has its advantages. Most of those advantages, however, are dictated by the changing of the weather, the seasons and a variety of other factors that often get in the way of your workout schedule. While running outside can be interesting and somewhat adventurous, it can also be limited by the amount of time you have and when you are able to actually work it into your schedule. Using a treadmill offers all of the advantages of being outside, except for the changing of the scenery. Treadmills can be used whenever you have the time and offers a safe and protected environment. Secondly, you don’t have to plan a route or worry about where you will end up. With a treadmill all you have to do is set your distance, incline and speed and take off.
Running on a Treadmill vs Running Outside to burn Calories
When you are running outside, you normally run on the same, even terrain. There is little variation on incline or resistance and you run the risk on stepping on soft spots or loose gravel that can cause you to lose your balance or twist your ankle. Treadmills offer the option of inclines and allow you to adjust your speed at different intervals. They are stable, even during periods where the incline is adjusting, so you will maintain a level footing at all times. Both activities can provide the same level of fitness and cardio, but it is often a trade off as to whether you want the fresh air and a change of scenery or the convenience of being able to workout whenever the mood hits you.
Running on a Treadmill vs Running Track
Runners who use the track do so for several reasons. They increase endurance, build lung capacity and remain on a level surface that allows them to determine exact distance. All of this is available when a person uses a treadmill. Competitive runners often use the track simply because it helps them to retain the mindset and accurately assess their speed and distance. Newer treadmills offer the same type of benefit, only in a stationary format. Incline and speed are adjustable and can be varied at any time with a few clicks of a button. The dashboard of the treadmill displays incline and speed, as well as over all distance, degree of difficulty, optional programming, heart rate and the number of calories burned. The last two must be monitored by an external device if the person is running on a track.
Running on a Treadmill vs Running on the Road
Running, jogging or walking along the road offers slight to moderate inclines, a stable (but slanted) surface, a way to determine distance and a constant change of scenery. This is ideal for long distance runners who want to explore and learn about their environment. Treadmills offer the same results, but it also adds the option to alter the terrain from flat to almost any degree of incline. It also adds the convenience of allowing the runner to use it whenever they need to without having to worry about rain, intense heat and humidity or snow and ice. Treadmills also help runners to avoid the common pitfalls of running in or near high traffic areas where automobiles and other large vehicles travel.
Running on a Treadmill vs Walking
While treadmills are often used to put in a brisk jog, it’s important to remember they can also be used for a casual walk. Many people like to walk outside for the fresh air and change of scenery, but weather and time constraints can often limit how much time is available in a day to actually head out the door and take the walk that you need so badly. A treadmill can be placed in front of a television or a large window to give you something to occupy your time while you are exercising. Many have book or tablet rests that allow you to catch up on your favorite author or videos. Treadmills allow you to vary your speed and incline at will providing you with a constantly changing workout routine.
Treadmill vs Aerobics
Aerobic exercise increases cardio performance and helps to burn calories quickly and efficiently. Step and other types of aerobic exercise are effective for individuals who want to maintain a certain level of fitness endurance. Aerobics is an excellent group activity that is great for beating the boredom associated with some types of exercise. Treadmills, on the other hand, can be placed anywhere, in front of the television or facing outside. With the treadmill’s adjustable settings, the user can gain similar benefits to aerobic exercise by altering the incline and speed. Using a treadmill places less stress on the knees and ankles. Stability is the key will allow you to workout at your own speed and convenience.
Treadmill vs other fitness equipment
Treadmills offer benefits over many other popular types of exercise, but comparing how treadmills stack up against other types of exercise equipment will give you a good idea of how efficient your treadmill workout really is.
