momto4kiddos
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,156
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:15 GMT
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Post by momto4kiddos on Sept 10, 2014 17:57:03 GMT
Anyone know whether one is harder on your body than the other? I feel like the pavement would be harder on you, but not sure i'm right.
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,992 
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Sept 10, 2014 18:13:34 GMT
It depends on the surface of each. I feel like either a track or asphalt is more forgiving (and less boring) than a treadmill or concrete.
ETA: trail running is often times more forgiving as well, but obviously much more uneven.
We have a couple of treadmills at my gym that emulate a track surface, and I don't mind those. You just have to remember to adjust to a 1% incline (i think) to account for the added assistance the movement of the treadmill provides.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:01:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2014 18:21:26 GMT
I've had trouble in the past from running on the road. Roads have a slight pitch to them, with both sides sloped toward the center. If I did a loop (not going out and back) I could feel it in my knees from running a long distance with one leg a little higher than the other.
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Post by Dictionary on Sept 10, 2014 18:35:16 GMT
I thought running on the treadmill was better since most will provide a cushion deck for the running area...both are hard on your knees but running on asphalt is harder.
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Post by pretzels on Sept 10, 2014 18:48:11 GMT
I'd rather crawl across crushed-up glass than run on a treadmill. Seriously. I run exclusively on the roads, and have for almost 8 years. The only "injury" I've had is plantar fascitis, and that was because I wore my running shoes well after they were pretty trashed.
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Post by Dori~Mama~Bear on Sept 10, 2014 19:04:25 GMT
I am not sure if one is better or worse. We did just get a treadmill a couple weeks ago. Even though I haven't ran on it I have walked on it. I do feel the difference in walking on it veruses walking on pavement. It is a softer more giving surface on the treadmill then the pavement. I will need to work up to running on it. I think I have only been on a treadmill 4 times in my life before we got it. I have a spin bike that I have been using for the past few years for exercise. I have a bad knee and running has been out of my life fore 30 + years so I am hoping with the treadmill I can get back into it again.
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mimima
Drama Llama
Stay Gold, Ponyboy
Posts: 5,213
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Post by mimima on Sept 10, 2014 19:07:17 GMT
I use a treadmill because I can read on it.
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Post by gmcwife1 on Sept 10, 2014 19:10:57 GMT
I'd rather crawl across crushed-up glass than run on a treadmill. Seriously. I run exclusively on the roads, and have for almost 8 years. The only "injury" I've had is plantar fascitis, and that was because I wore my running shoes well after they were pretty trashed. One of my co-workers used to use a treadmill to run on. Her doctor said running on the treadmill was worse for her and wanted her running outside unless it was snowing. |
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Post by MommyofTriplets on Sept 10, 2014 19:18:21 GMT
Running on a treadmill often forces you to change your natural running motion because you're not actually propelling yourself forward like you are on the road. That said, I'm a big proponent of doing whatever gets you moving.
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anniebygaslight
Drama Llama
I'd love a cup of tea. #1966
Posts: 7,412
Location: Third Rock from the sun.
Jun 28, 2014 14:08:19 GMT
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Post by anniebygaslight on Sept 10, 2014 19:20:53 GMT
Running on a treadmill is easier I find. I prefer to be outdoors though, in the fresh air.
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Post by candygurl on Sept 10, 2014 19:26:01 GMT
I really don't like running on the treadmill no longer than 4 miles because it's really boring! Even if I'm watching tv or listening to music. Running outside is so nice and I think easier on your body. I trained primarily on the treadmill for my 2nd half marathon and felt worse than my first when I trained primarily outside.
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Post by Lindarina on Sept 10, 2014 19:28:45 GMT
Outdoor running is better for the soul  |
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Post by anniefb on Sept 10, 2014 19:38:28 GMT
There are a couple of issues with treadmill running - first you don't learn to pace properly because the belt is doing it for you. Not a big deal if you just want general fitness but if your goal is competing in events you should combine indoor & outdoor running. Second, your leg action on a treadmill is not the same as when you're running on a road or trail outside. You use your quads a lot more and your hamstrings, glutes and calves less. If you do nothing but treadmill running and then go outside, you may find your hamstrings and glutes are not developed enough.
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Post by Anna*Banana on Sept 10, 2014 19:41:59 GMT
I just saw my Sports Dr. this afternoon because of some nasty shin splints. We had a lengthy discussion about treadmill vs. pavement running. Much of the issues of running on a treadmill can be easily overcome according to him. Also, Jeff Galloway says you can train for races on a treadmill but be sure to account for a 10% calibration issue, so increase your workouts by 10%.
According to my Doc, they make treadmills so much better now and they are fine, the issue comes with your push-off. You do not get the real push-off that exercises those foot muscles and calf muscles like you need. Increasing the grade to 3 or 4% will cover that and you're about equal at that point to what your body is getting out of running on the treadmill vs. on the road.
So, it kind of comes down to personal taste and comfort. I guess there are some that are inflexible and feel one is superior to the other, kind of like those that say the run/walk ratio running isn't really running... But you're still lapping everyone on the sofa and you're still getting exercise, so run on the treadmill or run on the road, but run. And if you train on the treadmill for races or you go back and forth between treadmill and road, be sure to set your incline grade to 3% or 4% so you can avoid injuries.
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Post by alibama on Sept 10, 2014 19:46:14 GMT
I prefer to run on the treadmill. I don't like running in front of other people and I hate running when it is hot outside. I also find I get shin splints more easily running on the road or heck even walking does it outside.
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Post by adoette on Sept 10, 2014 20:33:49 GMT
I like running outside better. I find treadmill running to be very hard on my ankles And I am way faster outside than on the treadmill. But I am happy I have one on days when going outdoors is just not going to happen.
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