Any major difference...

[MagicBucsWsoxFan]

Between running on a tredmill or running normally outside/inside

Im considering buying a tredmill, but it would be quite the investment for myself. Would take a pretty good hit in the pocketbook, but it could be worth it if I can get into shape and get more motivated. Plus with the weather changing, it would be very nice to have this type of luxury.

Also, my girlfriend who has one tells me its much nicer since you could watch TV or listen to music while doing it. Also very convinent in morning, afternoon or evening, especially with snow coming soon.

[MassNole]

Re: Any major difference...

Great thread, I was going to ask the same question. We walk 2.5 miles 3-4x a week and with winter coming that won't be the easiest task soon.

[larrygiterdone]

Re: Any major difference...

you cant do windsprints on a treadmill


the weather should not be an excuse either, as i condition year round outdoors

[RubenDouglas]

Re: Any major difference...

ive been looking into this pose method of running. with that method, its a lot harder to put less strain on the body when doing it on the treadmill.

If at all possible imo, run outside or on a track or trails. treadmills seem to be a last resort. they work but for some, myself included, they tire my muscles out way more than running on the streets.. everyones different. i'd honestly test one out for 2 weeks before buying it.

get a short gym membership or something.

some seem to be able to do either just fine. its definetly a body type, type of question... very hard to answer.

[mjb2124]

Re: Any major difference...

Get an eliptical. Better for your knees and joints.

I got one about a year ago and it's been great. I can watch TV/movie in the basement while working out on it.

[Vince]

Re: Any major difference...

Get an eliptical. Better for your knees and joints.

I got one about a year ago and it's been great. I can watch TV/movie in the basement while working out on it.

My trainers at the Y say that when you do the eliptical, compared to the stairmaster or tradmill, you're not really burning as may calories as the machine says you are. So if you're doing the eliptical and it says you've burned off 400, it's actually only 200.

[mjb2124]

Re: Any major difference...

My trainers at the Y say that when you do the eliptical, compared to the stairmaster or tradmill, you're not really burning as may calories as the machine says you are. So if you're doing the eliptical and it says you've burned off 400, it's actually only 200.

My understanding is that none of those calorie burning gauges are accurate - even on treadmills, stairmaster, bike etc...

Personally I can't see how the eliptical would be any different though. In all machine's your upper/lower body is moving and burning calories while doing so. I'm not an expert in this, but I just don't see how a stairmaster or treadmill is any better if all are done correctly.

[MagicBucsWsoxFan]

Re: Any major difference...

Get an eliptical. Better for your knees and joints.

can watch TV/movie while working out on it.

That seems so intreging and why I want one even more. Example, on monday's I can spend an hour or so just using the tredmill and watch Raw.

[Jimplication]

Re: Any major difference...

Either works. The important thing is that you are consistent and get into the habit of running on a semi-daily basis, if you want to get in shape.

I am able to push myself harder on a treadmill, because there is no set destination. When I run outside, in my mind I know how much I have left to go, and thus physically pace myself.

It mostly comes down to personal preference. I enjoy running on a treadmill because I can literally run until I am about to drop, then go upstairs and literally do that. Running outside requires more planning, in that you likely are going to be running to a destination and returning. And that may affect your ability to push yourself.

I think running outside is more challenging due to the terrain being varied, and there being hills and inclines. It's a more genuine experience than the rather white bread run a treadmill offers.

In my experience, I push myself much harder on a treadmill. Like I said above, when I run outside I generally only push myself the last 1/3 to 1/4 of the route, because I don't want to burn up early. On a treadmill I just run balls out until my legs are jelly. Then I run a little more, before stopping and going to the other room and collapsing.

Regardless of what method you choose, the most difficult, but also most beneficial, aspect will be geting into a routine and sticking to it.

As for buying a treadmill, I'd check the classifieds for a used one, or even ask around your family to see if they have any available that are no longer used. A used treadmill may not have all the newest technology and displays, but ultimately that is just fluff anyway. At the core, most treadmills are the same.

I'd also recommend investing in a pair of running shoes. I generally run in sneakers, but running shoes are created solely to focus on running, and thus they are more comfortable for such purposes.

[Vince]

Re: Any major difference...

My understanding is that none of those calorie burning gauges are accurate - even on treadmills, stairmaster, bike etc...

Personally I can't see how the eliptical would be any different though. In all machine's your upper/lower body is moving and burning calories while doing so. I'm not an expert in this, but I just don't see how a stairmaster or treadmill is any better if all are done correctly.

This is just my personally opinion, but,all things equal (workout levels, time) doing the eliptical is easier than doing the treadmill or stairmaster. I don't have any facts or anything of that nature, but I go to the gym at least 4 times a week and do cardio and I've felt that way for a while.

[mjb2124]

Re: Any major difference...

This is just my personally opinion, but,all things equal (workout levels, time) doing the eliptical is easier than doing the treadmill or stairmaster. I don't have any facts or anything of that nature, but I go to the gym at least 4 times a week and do cardio and I've felt that way for a while.

I guess it depends on the person. When I run through some of the higher level programs on my elliptical (ie: more resistance, longer length), I get a pretty good workout in the end. The lower resistance levels don't provide me with enough of a workout though.

One thing I like about the elliptical that your arms get a workout at the higher resistance levels as well - not as good as lifting of course, but it's something. Stairmasters are good as well (I actually think they're somewhat similar to an elliptical), but I don't like treadmills. I don't feel a treadmill gives me a good workout.

Most reports I've read (I wanted to read a lot before I dropped a few thousand on a machine) claim the elliptical is better as long as the resistance is the same on both machines. They claim this to be true because you're using more muscles in an elliptical and the more muscles used, the more calories are burnt. However, I think whatever gets someone off the couch to workout is what's best for them.