Diet & Fitness 

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Treadmill or track

Yes, there is a definite difference between the two, with pros and cons to each. The main benefit of running on the treadmill is that you don’t have to contend with the hazards of British weather like wind and rain. The surface of a treadmill is cushioned for impact, which helps prevent the joint and muscle strains that are associated with running on concrete. Another factor is the motivational benefits of treadmills – you can go up and down hills and move at different speeds – all you have to do is set the course and follow it. And because it’s usually difficult to find a running route where the terrain is as diverse, a treadmill can offer you the variety that running outside cannot.

The drawback of the treadmill is it forces you into a four-foot-wide running frame, which limits your body’s range of movement. When you run outside, your muscles and joints move around more due to uneven ground, corners, obstacles, wind resistance and your body’s natural efforts to balance itself – this all helps the body to burn more calories than it would on a treadmill. Moving within a treadmill’s restricted space can constrain your body – limiting the natural range in your running gait. This can cause your muscles to tighten up and cause back, hip and knee problems in the long term.

Therefore, if you run long distances (over 5 miles), or are training for a race, you are better off running in a park or on a soft surface (like grass, gravel or tarmac). Ultimately, it will be safer for your body as it can move more naturally than it would on a treadmill.

But, if you use a treadmill as part of your cardio workout, it is not advisable to run more than 30 minutes at any given time. If you don’t feel you are getting enough of a workout, it is better to increase the intensity by adding an incline or doing interval training. You should also try to alternate running with other cardio exercises, such as rowing or biking, as well as weight training.

As far as burning calories is concerned, you don’t need to spend a long time on any cardio machine to reap the maximum benefits. If you increase the intensity of your workout through interval training and vary it through circuit training, you will ultimately burn more calories than running for long periods of time, whether on the treadmill or outdoors. Finally, don’t forget to stretch after running, particularly if you’ve been using the treadmill.

For more information about Josh Salzmann check out www.salzmann-fitness.com

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