Is running on a treadmill the same as running outside?   

The quick answer is no, it is not the same but depending on your goals and external factors it may be better to run either indoors, outdoors, or use a mix of both.  In my opinion nothing beats running outside.  The only thing that stops me from running outside is slippery conditions in snow and ice.  All other weather conditions can be managed with the appropriate gear.  

Biomechanically running on a treadmill is very similar to running outside.  Outside you will use more hamstring and glute muscles to drive forward momentum, on a treadmill the belt does that work for you so you will use more of your quad muscles while running.  The treadmill surfaces are also softer reducing impact on joints but it doesn’t build the same durability/endurance that running outside does. 

So which is better?  IT DEPENDS 

WHEN IS A TREADMILL BETTER 

  • NOT TRAINING FOR A RACE BUT WANT TO GET SOME CARDIO
  • BAD WEATHER OUTSIDE 
  • KNEE OR ANKLE JOINT PAIN 
  • DARK OUTSIDE 
  • LOWER IMPACT RECOVERY RUN

 

 

 

WHEN IS RUNNING OUTSIDE BETTER? 

  • WHEN TRAINING FOR A RACE OUTSIDE MORE SPECIFICALLY PREPARES YOU FOR THE RACE 
  • LOOKING TO BENEFIT BONE DENSITY
  • YOU HAVE BEEN INSIDE ALL DAY AND NEED TO GET SOME FRESH AIR
  • LOOKING TO IMPROVE BALANCE