The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

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The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

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What Are the Benefits of Treadmills vs Walking on a Track?

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Are you ready to start getting fit but want to know whether it’s better to run/walk on a treadmill or outside?

Whichever activity you choose will help burn calories and build muscle, but depending on your lifestyle one may be better than the other.

Keep reading below to learn about the benefits of treadmills.

What Are the Benefits of Treadmills?

If you’re just starting to exercise, here is some good news! There are many benefits of using treadmills.

Here is a list of treadmill benefits:

  • Treadmills are better at targeting specific muscles like glutes, hamstrings, calves, or quads
  • They are perfect for people recovering from injuries
  • Surfaces are more predictable and safer than outdoor environments
  • Many treadmills can help measure your heart rate
  • Runners or walkers can program their own unique workouts

With a button, you can choose to go faster, slower, or increase your incline/decline on a treadmill in seconds. This could take a lot longer if you’re running outside.

If you’re ready to start using a treadmill to get in shape, you want to find the best gym in your local community. Make sure it has plenty of new treadmills.

Treadmills vs. Outdoor Runs

Now let’s take a look at the difference between running on a treadmill or doing a traditional outdoor run.

Running on a treadmill is more convenient. You can do it before or after work. Or whenever you squeeze in a few minutes in a busy schedule.

Treadmills are also useful if you live in a place with rough weather (rain or snow) preventing you from going outside. They’re also great for people with small children who can’t get away.

The benefits of running outdoors include seeing the sights and getting fresh air. Some runners claim they can go further outside than on a treadmill because their minds are occupied with what they see.

There are also other obstacles like tree roots, loose rocks, traffic cones, or pedestrians that you’ll have to go around. Sometimes this can help with your coordination and awareness. Treadmills are far more predictable.

Should I Use a Treadmill?

So here’s the big question. If you want to start walking or running, do you use a treadmill or go outside? It all depends on your schedule and what conditions you’re willing to endure.

If you work a lot and you have a family, a treadmill is probably the better option because you can fit it in anytime.

People who need more stimulation and want to see more gains with their running should probably go outside. The downside to this is you have to worry about the weather and the ground is harder on your joints.

Think carefully about which option is best for you.

Start Getting Fit!

After reading this article you should know all about the benefits of treadmills. They are more convenient for people with busy lives and can be individualized for all fitness needs.

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