5 Reasons Why Running Outdoors Is Better Than Running on a Treadmill
The debate about running on a treadmill vs. running outdoors is a complex one. Everyone seems to have an opinion on that. Running on a treadmill has its advantages. However, they don’t come close to running outdoors.
The control treadmills offer – plus the fact you can watch your favorite show while you run – makes treadmills attractive to some.
However, does one running method have an advantage over the other? Running is running, you might think.
Running in the open air will provide you with a more wholesome experience and is a lot better for you in so many ways, from building your muscles to clearing your head.
The advantage of running in the gym is that jingling keys in your pocket and a dangling water bottle will not interfere with your performance. On a treadmill, you can keep your phone and water bottle in a holder.
Nevertheless, you can easily carry your phone, water bottle, and keys on your running belt when you run outdoors. A running belt comes in a variety of styles and materials. Find out more about the best running belts for different purposes here.
Here are the top 5 reasons why you should run outdoors as compared to a treadmill!
1. Builds Stronger Bones
Research conducted has shown that running outdoors helps you build stronger bones.
This is because running on hard surfaces enables greater gravitational force, which causes more stress on the bones, strengthening them.
2. You Activate More Muscles
When running outdoors, you don’t run in a particular linear pattern instead of running indoors in a controlled environment. You have to make do with the surroundings and move by them.
For example, if there are people or other obstacles in the way, you have to activate specific muscles to make your way.
If you only run indoors, your muscles can become weak, as not all of them are being used.
3. It’s Better For Your Mental Health
Not only is running outdoors good for your physical health but your mental health too.
By running outdoors, you breathe fresh air and absorb scenic surroundings, which will make you happier and at peace.
Being in nature is proven to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression; hence running outdoors will improve your overall wellbeing, including your mental health.
On the other hand, running indoors can become depressing after some time, so you may want to keep that in mind.
4. It Doesn’t Get Monotonous
It can be argued that running outdoors is more motivating as compared to running indoors. You have so many more options that way as compared to running in the same place every day.
If you feel like you’re starting to get bored or demotivated, change your routes, and run in a different street or park.
Running outdoors will provide you with a different experience every time. Your beautiful surroundings will keep you fully immersed in your run, enabling you to do your best, therefore getting you better results.
5. It Burns More Calories
The one we all were waiting to hear! Yes, by running outdoors, you are more likely to burn more calories than running on a treadmill.
You burn more calories because there are so many external factors that you have to deal with when running outside, the wind, the terrain, etc.
This means that you have to work harder to keep up the pace compared to indoors, where you wouldn’t face any of these issues.
Working harder means burning more calories, so it’s a win-win situation.
The Bottom Line
Are you now convinced that running outdoors is better than running on a treadmill? Try it out for yourself and see the incredible results you get!
