Running is a great way to get and/or keep fit.
The best thing about it? It's convenient and super cheap. Look around your average gym and you'll also see lots of people using the treadmills, so which is better - pounding the pavements or hitting the treadmill? We look at the pros and cons of both to help you decide.
Treadmills
Pros
- Perfect for fair weather runners, treadmills allow the flexibility and convenience for you to run, whatever the weather.
- If you're working towards a race or marathon, treadmills are a great way to facilitate your training as you can set your pace and allow your body to get used to running at a certain speed.
- Although previous research suggests that running outside expends more energy due to air resistance, counter evidence from the University of Exeter found that runners could compensate for the extra effort required when running outdoors by setting the treadmill incline to 1%.
Cons
- Treadmills and their environment are by their nature (pardon the pun) pretty boring which can lead to lack of motivation
- In order to use a treadmill you have to either have a gym membership or buy one to use at home which can both be pretty pricey.
Outdoor Running
Pros
- There's been a lot of research conducted around the positive mental benefits of the great outdoors. Add in the bonus of vitamin D from the sun (when it chooses to come out!) and running outdoors can make you feel great.
- When we run outside on uneven surfaces it helps strengthen ligaments, activate more muscles and helps improve balance.
- Running outdoors allows you to learn how to pace yourself, something which you can't do properly on a treadmill.
Cons
- If you have a pre-existing injury, road running can be pretty hard on the body. Treadmills are designed to be shock absorbant and kinder on your joints.
- There's an issue of personal safety that surrounds running alone, especially if you're a woman. Keep to well lit paths and try to buddy up if possible.
- Although some of us are born gazelles, there's a few of us who aren't filled with joy at the prospect of running out in public.
