Question:
Treadmill VS Runing on the streets

Got another exercise question for ya'll. Perhaps this is just me...and I almost hope it is...BUT! I've been jogging on the treadmill at the gym lately. I run for 5 mins then walk 3...run 5 walk 3...so on and so on for about 40-45 mins. This morning...I knew I wasn't going to make it to the gym today so decided to jog in my neighboorhood instead thinking it's the same thing. Why is it though, that as soon as I went 1 block (maybe 1 or 2 mins) I was out of breath and felt like I had just run a marathon? It was level ground, no hills or anything like that and I went at the same speed I do at the gym..so why was it so much harder? Thanks for your help everyone!! HUGS    — Christie N. (posted on April 5, 2003)

April 5, 2003
The treadmill moves underneath you providing forward motion. On the street, you are providing the forward motion. The street is not moving. Mary
   — packwrap

April 5, 2003
Wow Mary, great answer! Christie, I've experienced this same "phenomenon" and I feel kind of silly now that Mary explained it as nothing more than simple physics. lol But there's something else I've noticed and sometimes I think I'm the only one. My balance seems to be a problem when I jog on a treadmill... just can't seem to keep steady (I wonder if this could be a result of the high blood pressure meds I take). Also, jogging on treadmills seems to be harder on my knees. So anyway, guess that's why I prefer outdoor jogging.
   — Leni M.

April 5, 2003
Also, on a treadmill you are usually resting your arms on the siderails or the handle and the arms are supporting some of your wt., when on dry land, your arms are hanging, adding additional wt. UGH.
   — Dana S.

April 5, 2003
wow..thanks ya'll for the fabulous answers!! at least i know there is a logical reason behind it. I have found that i have trouble running in a straight line on the treadmill but, i don't think my arms are added weight outside as on the treadmill, i do run with them up...not resting on the rails. But, all great advice! So, guessing it's actually better for me to run outside then huh? Guess it's time to start interval training! Thanks again! HUGS
   — Christie N.

April 6, 2003
Hey, good question! I've been running now for about a year. I noticed that I get a much better workout running outside vs. treadmill. I think there are a lot of factors involved...first of all, there is air resistance outside and none inside. And you are only getting a lower body workout on the treadmill...the other posters were right about the arm rest thing. Also, on the treadmill, you tend to set the speed at a certain number, and outside, you don't pick a real speed unless you have a personal pedometer type thing. I totally think that running outside is a MUCH better workout.
   — Brittany C.