Treadmill running harder than road running?

[Spartan]

It seems like there is so much contradicting information out there, some people say treadmill running is easier, some say it is harder, some research backs this opinion, other research backs that opinion... etc. I am now pretty confused as to which is harder, i.e. gives the better cardio workout.

Many people claim that you have to add a 1% incline on treadmills in order to make treadmill running equivalent to road running - due to the lack of air resistance inside. However, there is also evidence that refutes this claim purporting it to be a myth; stating that air resistance is negligible and only factors at speeds close to sprinting. The 1% Incline Treadmill Myth

"Although over-ground running creates air resistance, such resistance brings an added aerobic demand only at velocities considerably faster than those routinely used in our evaluations. According to the studies of Pugh (1970), the effect of air resistance starts to increase O2 consumption measurably only at faster paces."

Thus by adding a 1% incline, you could in fact be making treadmill running harder than road running!? (On a flat surface with normal weather conditions).

Other evidence claims that treadmill running could also increase muscular demands, and require a higher stride frequency for equal distances.

"Reporting in Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, researchers evaluated the kinematics and biomechanics of treadmill running and determined that running on a treadmill increases the muscular demands made on hip flexors and knee extensors. The authors concluded that treadmill running might improve sprint times due to the extra effort of those key muscles. Other studies have shown that the treadmill requires a higher stride frequency because the treadmill pushes the rear leg forward and the advancing leg must plant more quickly. As a result, a faster cadence and shorter stride produces more steps per mile and the cardiovascular demands of running may be higher on a treadmill than outdoors at the same pace."

I myself run on a treadmill, and often find that gyms are too hot and have bad air quality. I often feel like I'm overheating after about 15 minutes. I can sometimes feel the body heat radiating from the person running next to me, as they suck up my oxygen. So do the possible decreased oxygen levels and increased temperatures factor into cardiovascular demands, making treadmill running harder?

Also, many people claim that treadmill running is boring and requires more mental stamina than that of road running.

Hence after considering all this, is treadmill running harder than road running?

[Honeywith4bees]

I HATE running on the treadmill! It's so boring that I just can't stand to do it for more than 15 or 20 minutes. Once I get out on the road though, it's a different story. The changing scenery, the birds singing, the sunshine, it just puts me in such a good mood!! Then there is the uneven ground surface and gradually changing inclines and declines. That coupled with the wind probably factors in something worthwhile.

But, thats me, if I could only run indoors, on a treadmill, I wouldn't do it.

[Spartan]

Any other thoughts?

[JOHNSHED]

Try running from home to the tread mill. (the long way around). Once you get there do some light exercise followed by a sauna and jacuzzi ......... It works for me.

[JOHNSHED]

Is tread mill running harder than road running?.................i don't think it is.

[Spartan]

Originally Posted by JOHNSHED

Is tread mill running harder than road running?.................i don't think it is.

Why? Is this just based on your own pesonal feeling, or do you have any objective reasons? I would appreciate objective reasons if you have any.

[Ree]

I agree 100% with Honey, treadmill running is BORING. When I'm on a treadmill I'm always in a huge battle with myself as to whether or not to keep going, because you can just hop off and be done at any time. Alternatively, if you're road running you have to keep going until you get home

[Amandaaa]

I think running outside is much harder than running on a treadmill...

They both give you a decent workout, but when you're outdoors, it seems like the impact of the sidewalk (or the road) makes it harder on your joints... I always get out of breath faster when running on concrete.

Going running on sand is also a lot harder than running on a treadmill. (Or it feels that way to me!)

Also, many people claim that treadmill running is boring and requires more mental stamina than that of road running.

^I don't think so. I like going walking outside, but if I'm running, I would rather do it on a treadmill. It's easier to lose track of time when you're watching a good TV show or movie.

[Spartan]

Amandaa I think you're right about road running being harder on the joints, however I don't know how that would factor into cardiovascular demands? How does inreased pain and discomfort in your knees for example, make your heart work harder? Perhaps running outside is merely more painful, and thus perceived as a better cardiovascular workout?

Also, harder surfaces will deform less on impact, thereby conserving energy for the runner. Whereas softer surfaces like sand will absorb the kinetic energy from the runners stride - making the runner use up more energy. Thus running on harder surfaces, such as roads, takes less energy.

[sheffy4]

Hey Spartan,

I've read some articles (sorry, I don't remember the source) that said that people generally push themselves harder when they are running on the road as opposed to the treadmill (i.e. they run faster and longer). I would say that in my experience this is true.
Plus, I think getting outside is very good for your spirit, and you get to know the neighborhood around you and such.
In the summer I generally go running outside, but in the winter when it is cold and snowy I usually go to the gym and use their machines. Although I do know some hard core people who run outside no matter what the weather is.
I say if you feel better running outside than on the treadmill, just do what your body likes.

[Zombie]

I'm not a runner but I am a weightlifter and it stands to reason that outdoor running is better for you overall than the treadmill in the same way that freeweights are better than mechanical / pulley systems.

On the street you would be requiring more finesse from your limbs just by navigating the various ground conditions; stepping over curbs, going around slow people, leaping over dog poop You would be sending more blood flow to the smaller stabilizer muscles in your legs. Whether it makes a cardiovascular difference, I don't know, but it makes an overall fitness difference for sure.

The only times I would take indoor over outdoor exercise are a) in the winter when weather and the risk of injury is much higher or b) in the summer when air quality can get pretty bad. In those instances you're better off in the gym.

For those of you who run - did any of you get shin pain when starting out and how do you overcome that?

[Spartan]

Originally Posted by Zombie

On the street you would be requiring more finesse from your limbs just by navigating the various ground conditions; stepping over curbs, going around slow people, leaping over dog poop You would be sending more blood flow to the smaller stabilizer muscles in your legs. Whether it makes a cardiovascular difference, I don't know, but it makes an overall fitness difference for sure.

Time to use a phrase I've learned in Economics: Ceteris paribus - "all other things being equal." That means no slow people, dog poop, falling meteorites... etc.

Originally Posted by Zombie

For those of you who run - did any of you get shin pain when starting out and how do you overcome that?

Sounds like shin splints.

[JOHNSHED]

Zombie....I agree with what you say. In answer to the shin pain, i kept on running and the pain became less.(dont let all your weight drop on one foot)
GOOD TIP FOR ANYONE.....If you are thinking of running on a regular basis invest in a good pair(unless you hopping then only buy 1)of trainers.Running in a field made of soil not to bad but for concrete a sound pair of shoes is required for maximum effect.

js

[Selmanito]

I feel your pain on this kinda confusion, Heres my two cents -

I think treadmill is easier because its simply in one place, calories are being recorded, exact time is being measured and it seems all "professional training" sort of anyway. Thats why some people might refer to it as easier. Plus you can incline and decline whenever you want.

In my opinion, its harder to use the treadmill simply because it bored the hell out of you. You have no visuals to look at.

I tested this out myself. My university campus i can jog for 1-2 hours without really getting tired, only boredom stopped me actually, plus overtraining will eat up my hard earned muscles!

Then i tried training on a treadmill. I can do one hour, with maximum effort. I really have to concentrate on giving it all. Most days i can only do 30 mins of jogging. This is because i do not see anything around, no fresh air, no visual stimulus.

[beautyscientist]

Surely the key factor is how many calories you burn?

[Spartan]

Originally Posted by Selmanito

I tested this out myself. My university campus i can jog for 1-2 hours without really getting tired, only boredom stopped me actually, plus overtraining will eat up my hard earned muscles!

Then i tried training on a treadmill. I can do one hour, with maximum effort. I really have to concentrate on giving it all. Most days i can only do 30 mins of jogging. This is because i do not see anything around, no fresh air, no visual stimulus.

Hey Selmanito, what speed do you run at, if running for 1 hour on the treadmill?

Also, do you find that weight-training interferes with your running performance, i.e. muscles already feel fatigued from previous days weight-training?

[Spartan]

Originally Posted by beautyscientist

Surely the key factor is how many calories you burn?

Only if your goal is to lose weight.

[theresmynapkin]

Maybe it's just my committment issues, but I love running on the treadmill. Running on roads just makes me feel like I'm locked in, and I'm not always sure if I'm up for the task. But running on a treadmill pushes me to go farther because I know I can stop whenever I want. It's like "I could stop.... But let me see if I can do five more minutes!" over and over. I also blare my music and zone out. It really lets me wander with my thoughts without worrying about tripping over the uneven ground.

Personally, I also think running on roads are harder because of the time committment and uneven ground. I think which is harder just depends on the person and what they prefer. Also, what incline and speed you have your treadmill on, as well as what type of road your running (hill vs flat road) constitutes towards which is harder, so there really is no answer. It all depends.

[infinitytruth]

Originally Posted by Spartan

It seems like there is so much contradicting information out there

I found this to be so true in my own life. It's annoying as hell to hear one thing and get hear the opposite the next day from a different source. It does teach you how to think for yourself though.

The important thing is the exercise anyway. So long as you have the basics down there's no need to worry.

[Clint Cora]

If one really wanted to get a detailed analysis between the two, couldn't one hook up a heart rate monitor?

[Ajna]

From all of the comments here and my personal opinion it seems like it comes down to choice. I am a trail runner and I dislike roads because it is crowded and I have to watch where I am going. Treadmills are boring plus when I get off I have vertigo.

[aussieNickuss]

I personally find outdoor running much harder than the treadmill. At the gym on the treadmill, I can easily do a continuos 5K within a half hour. Outside, I'm gasping for air and feel like my chest will explode at about 2.5-3km.

I also find outdoor running is much harder on my joints as the TM has a bit of suspension.

[Clint Cora]

Originally Posted by Ajna

From all of the comments here and my personal opinion it seems like it comes down to choice. I am a trail runner and I dislike roads because it is crowded and I have to watch where I am going. Treadmills are boring plus when I get off I have vertigo.

I agree and this could be weather dependent as well. Even if good stats point to one or the other, I doubt that it will significantly influence people to make a switch. I think that as long as whatever you are doing is getting you healthy, that's good.

Having said that, I've seen people fall off threadmills which is something you don't see on the road.

[Ajna]

Originally Posted by Clint Cora

...Having said that, I've seen people fall off threadmills

Ha that was me

[jamesm]

i don't know if it is physically harder to run on a treadmill i know mine has a nice shock system so i can run with less pain, BUT i will say it is more mentally demanding. i have a tv in from of mine to try and take away the boredom and i still can run generally 70% further outside than on a treadmill. i