Walking Outside vs. Walking on a Treadmill: Which Is Best for Your Health?
Let’s be honest: running is one of those easy exercises that everyone of any age group can do easily and enjoy several health benefits.
But there is one crucial question that sparks a lot of debate among runners: which is best for health, running on a treadmill or running outside?
Here, in this blog, we are going to answer this so that you can pick one (or maybe both) and start smashing your goals today!
Let’s begin!
Benefits of Walking Outside
⮞ It’s free, free, and free
Among all the benefits that we are going to explore here, this is the best one, i.e., walking outside will not cost you a single penny. It’s natural, so it is completely free and accessible. You don’t have to buy gym memberships or spend on any additional equipment; all you need is workout dedication to burn those calories.
⮞ Fresh air and Vitamin D
Without debate, the sun is the best source of vitamin D. By walking outside, you can grab this vitamin along with fresh air. For those who don’t know, vitamin D is essential for keeping your bones strong and your immune system healthy.
It is worth remembering that the UV rays of the sun are not good for health every time as they can cause several skin and health concerns. So, it is not suggested to walk in harsh sunlight; try to go early morning. Also, never go outside without applying sunscreen with a good SPF, no matter if it’s cloudy or sunny.
⮞Connection with nature
A study suggests spending at least 30 minutes per week around nature reduces depression rates by 7% and high blood pressure by 9%.
By walking outside, you are not just burning calories but also connecting with the natural world gifted by god. This connection is good for your mind and soul.
Imagine strolling through parks or riversides, surrounded by trees, flowers, and birds, it’s like pressing the reset button on your brain, clearing away stress and worries. Isn’t it?
Overall, the sights, sounds, and smells of nature have a calming effect, helping you feel more relaxed and at peace.
Also Read: Healthy Travel Tips, According to a Personal Trainer
⮞Train for longer distances
While walking outside, you’ll find all sorts of different paths to travel on. Sometimes, it’s a flat sidewalk, but other times, you might walk up over rough grounds. Doing so makes the muscles stronger by working in different ways. Additionally, when you choose to walk through bumpy trails, it helps improve your balance and coordination.
So, when you’re walking outside, you’re not just moving your legs; you’re giving your whole body a workout without even realizing it. And that’s pretty awesome, right?
Moreover, if you are a fan of long-distance walks, then you might prefer walking over treadmills as these are handy for within-week workouts of 30 to 60 minutes.
⮞ Boost creativity & lessen anxiety
Believe it or not, walking outside can also do wonders for your creativity. Here’s the proof!
According to research by Stanford University, individuals were given a creative task to complete in three completely different settings: indoors, outdoors, and walking outdoors. They were asked to solve word puzzles and draw pictures through geometric shapes.
Any guesses who whose creativity won? The researchers revealed that the outside ones gave the most creative answers. This is because walking outside allows you to focus on the surroundings, which can ultimately help with creativity.
Not only does it boost creativity, but it lessens anxiety as well. We all need some time to recharge ourselves from the everyday grind, and walking outside is the best way to do so. The fresh air and natural surroundings help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
Disadvantages of Walking Outside
While walking outside offers numerous benefits, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider.
⮞ Safety concerns
Walking outside is great, but it comes with some safety concerns you should be aware of.
If you are walking in parks or other designated areas, then it’s good to go. But if you are walking near roads, then it could be risky because of cars and other vehicles.
Also, the surface isn’t always smooth and flat. Trails, sidewalks, and other walking paths can have bumps, holes, or uneven surfaces. These may cause you to trip and fall, which might lead to injuries. Majroely, the ones with certain physical disabilities or mobility issues find it challenging to walk in these areas.
So, pay attention to where you’re stepping, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar area.
Further, people who are allergic to dust are not recommended to walk outside as they might feel uncomfortable.
⮞Time and convenience
Walking outside is fantastic for your health, but it can sometimes be hard to fit into your schedule or find the right place to go. Not everyone lives in a place with easy access to parks, trails, or quiet streets. If you live in a crowded city, finding a peaceful place to walk can be a significant challenge.
⮞Weather conditions
Nature is beautiful, but it can also be unpredictable sometimes. In weather conditions like rain, snow, extreme heat, or cold, walking outside is not considered safe. Even this can be the biggest excuse to ditch a workout on that specific day.
Further, seasonal changes may limit the time available for safe walking, especially if you prefer daylight.
Benefits of Treadmill Walking
Treadmill walking is great for regular workouts. Here are some of the advantages offered.
⮞No weather dependency
The con that we have just discussed above is resolved by treadmill walking. This is one of the biggest perks of treadmill walking is that it’s not affected by the weather.
Whether it’s raining, snowing, or blazing hot outside, you can continue the workout routine without any obstacles. Further, a treadmill allows you to walk any time of day, even when it’s dark outside. This is especially helpful for people with busy lives who find it hard to make time for outdoor walks.
All you need is a pair of men’s or women’s walking shoes with proper cushioning and support.
In a nutshell, you can stick to your routine regardless of the weather outside, making it easier to stay consistent with the workouts
⮞Better grip and safety
Walking on a treadmill eliminates many of the safety concerns associated with outdoor walking. The best part is that it provides safety. There’s no risk of traffic, uneven terrain, or encountering unsafe areas.
Treadmills offer a smooth, even surface that reduces the risk of falling. With no rocks, roots, or other obstacles, you can walk confidently without constantly watching your step.
Also, these machines are equipped with an emergency stop button or safety key. If you feel dizzy or need to stop suddenly, you can quickly halt the machine.
⮞Better control over the workout routine
Health is something that you can’t maintain by just exercising a single day, but you have to do consistent workouts and have control over them to see visible results.
Here’s how treadmill walking helps you maintain better control over workouts.
- You can set the treadmill to a specific speed, ensuring that you walk at the same pace throughout the workout.
- The treadmills also have digital screens that show heart rate, number of calories burned, and average speed. You can track these metrics and improve the workout progress accordingly under the guidance of a personal trainer.
- Unlike walking outside, where you might have to stop for traffic or other obstacles, a treadmill workout is smooth and uninterrupted, letting you focus on your exercise.
Recommended: 10 Easy Exercises to Do at Home for Beginners.
⮞Entertainment options
The workout becomes more fun when one gets to listen to their favorite music.
Right?
Modern treadmills come with many entertainment features that can make your workout more enjoyable. They have built-in TV screens where you can watch your preferred TV shows, movies, or sports while walking. This makes the workout more fun and keeps you entertained.
Also, some treadmills come with music players or speakers. You can listen to podcasts or songs while you walk. Music can motivate you and make the workout feel easier.
PS: The features may vary according to the specific treadmill brand.
⮞Convenience & year-round fitness
With a treadmill at home, you can walk at your convenience. You don’t need to go to the gym or find a park. This saves time and makes it easy to fit a workout routine into your day.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about driving to a workout spot or dealing with traffic. Just step on the treadmill and start walking. The best part is you can walk for as little or as long as you want. Even a short 10-minute walk is beneficial. This flexibility helps you stay consistent with your exercise routine.
Disadvantages of Treadmill Walking
Along with advantages, a treadmill walking regimen also has several disadvantages.
⮞You Don’t Work as Many Muscles
The way your body moves on a treadmill differs from walking or running outside. Unlike when you walk or run outside and push yourself forward, on a treadmill, the machine moves the belt for you.
This means that while your front thigh muscles (quadriceps) work like they would outside, the muscles at the back of your thighs (hamstrings) and your buttocks (glutes) aren’t as involved.
Over time, this difference in muscle use can lead to an imbalance, making you more likely to get hurt. To avoid this, make sure to do other exercises that target your hamstrings and glutes. This helps keep your muscles balanced and lowers the risk of injury.
⮞Cost
Nature is available free of cost to everyone, but not the treadmills. Whether you are buying these or using them in gyms, you have to pay a price. In fact, high-quality treadmills are a bit more expensive. Not everyone can afford to buy a treadmill for home use. Further, these demand regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly, which can add to the overall cost.
So, if you are planning to buy a treadmill, always ensure that it fits into your budget and you’re willing to invest time and money into maintaining it properly.
⮞Treadmill running can be boring
No matter if you have the best playlist, running inside is a bit boring. While walking outside, you get to interact with different personalities and enjoy the beauty of nature.
The smell of flowers, the sound of birds, and the feeling of a gentle breeze can make outdoor walking more enjoyable and refreshing compared to treadmill running.
The Bottom Line
Whether you walk outside or on a treadmill, what matters the most is your goal. There is no right or wrong way of walking because both the treadmill and the outside have their own pros and cons.
In the end, you can choose the type you enjoy and stick to it for a longer term to see visible results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is better – walking outside or on a treadmill?
Both walking outside and on a treadmill have their own pros and cons. Walking outside allows you to experience the beauty of nature, and the best part, it’s free. On the contrary, treadmill walking is convenient, weather-proof, and proves successful when outdoor walking becomes impossible.
2. What burns more calories – walking outdoors or on a treadmill?
Calorie burn is similar for both outdoor and treadmill walking if the speed and intensity are the same. However, research suggests that walking outside on uneven terrain or uphill can increase calorie burn due to the added challenge.
3. Who should choose to walk outside?
Choose walking outside if you are a nature lover and don’t want to spend on gym memberships or buying costly treadmills. It’s best for those who want to enhance their mental well-being through outdoor activity.
4. Who should choose for treadmill walking?
Treadmill walking is best for people who want a convenient and controlled way to exercise. Also, the ones living in urban areas who don’t have access to parks should go for this option.
