Running is one of the most popular sports, also thanks to the immediacy with which it is possible to start and to the fact that no particular previous skills are needed to take the first steps.
When you decide to embrace running, one of the first questions that usually arises is whether it is better to do it outdoors or indoors, using a treadmill.
Often we make the mistake of believing that there is not much difference between the two variants but it is not so, so much so that there are supporters of one and the other variant, proponents of arguments at the antipodes.
Those who love being outdoors say treadmill running is monotonous and boring, while treadmill runners prefer to run in a controlled, risk-free environment.
The truth, however, is that there is no better race than another. You can take advantage of both, just know the pros and cons and then decide which is best for each.
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One of the greatest advantages of using a treadmill is the fact that it is not tied to time or atmospheric conditions, since being placed in an enclosed place it can be used during the day or at night and in any climate.
Most proponents of indoor running also appreciate the various functions the machine can offer, such as precise control of stride pace, incline and running time intervals.
This run is also particularly suitable for those recovering from injury, who can set up a training program that progresses along with their rehabilitation. A "non-existent opportunity for outdoor running" which, due to factors such as uneven ground, slippery sidewalks or obstacles in the course, can pose a greater danger.
Finally, training on a treadmill reduces the risk of joint injuries as most models absorb the impact of running, as opposed to outdoor terrain such as sidewalks, paths or roads. But be careful not to make these mistakes.
At the moment, unfortunately, the gyms are still closed and only those who own it and can use it at home can run on the treadmill.
In France, however, the sports masks are ready that perhaps will allow the reopening of the gyms.
Against
Unlike running outdoors, during which you are surrounded by a landscape that changes as you progress, practicing the indoor one always remains in a fixed place and this can become boring in the long run, despite the most modern models. have integrated screens that simulate an outdoor run.
In addition, treadmill training involves less muscle groups in the glutes and hamstrings than the outdoor alternative because treadmill movements are much smoother.
To remedy the problem and tone your muscles better, a solution might be to do resistance training a couple of times a week.
Finally, one of the biggest drawbacks of treadmill running is the cost. While running in the open air is free, doing it on a piece of equipment, whether it is your own or the gym, always implies a price.
Pro
Most professional runners find running outdoors much more enjoyable than running on a treadmill, due to the changing scenery in front of your eyes, the fresh air on your face, the challenge with uneven ground and the options. unlimited in terms of routes.
Although both the treadmill and the outdoor run have health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, increasing stamina and decreasing the risk of depression, the outdoor variant can provide additional benefits, both physical and psychological.
In the first case, the harder surfaces fortify the bones, and the obstacles and barriers that may be encountered along the way, such as puddles to jump or people to dodge, activate many more muscle groups and develop better balance.
In the second, the feeling of well-being arises above all from the connection with nature.
In fact, a 2016 study found that spending at least 30 minutes a week immersed in places rich in vegetation, such as parks or forests, could reduce the rates of depression by 7% and hypertension by 9%.
Finally, the outdoor run is completely free, if we exclude the cost of running shoes and appropriate clothing.
Against
Running outdoors in dry and moderately warm temperatures is ideal for the body, but it is much less suitable, as well as risky, to do it in rain and extremely cold or hot temperatures, even if you have specific clothing.
In fact, training in extreme weather conditions can increase the risk of dehydration or injuries, the latter more frequent also due to the uneven terrain.
The dangers increase further if you run late in the evening or early in the morning, when the sun has not yet risen, due to poor visibility and the risk of not being seen by a "passing car or approached by an attacker.
If you get traumas or bruises, the hot water or ice bag may also be useful, depending on the case.
Either way, you could try running with weights.
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