Should I Run Indoors or Outdoors
People going through the Running to Lose Weight Guide often wonder which is more productive, running indoors or outdoors. I personally love my treadmill and I know I wouldn’t want to give it up during the winter months, but is is any better for me than running out on the asphalt? The answer to this is fairly surprising.
There isn’t a big difference between running indoors and running outdoors. With that in mind, there are some little differences that can really add up over time.
- Running Outdoors Improves Your Balance – running outside makes your body adjust to the world around it, meaning that your muscles are going to be making minor adjustments to keep you upright. You may be running through a park or up and down a hilly area. When you run through these challenging areas, your body is working the micro-muscles that help to keep you balanced.The other benefit of this uneven terrain is that you are generally going to burn more calories as you adjust your intensity to your environment.
- Get Some Fresh Air – I know it might seem a little corny, but running outside means you’re going to be getting more fresh air. This won’t change you’re life drastically, but it’s a nice benefit. Running outdoors means that you can take a break and get away from the technology of the modern world for a while.
- Healthy Dose of Vitamin D – Vitamin D plays a significant role in preventing cancer and cardiovascular disease and you’re going to be getting a big dose of it every time you go running in direct sunlight. Exposing yourself to direct sunshine has also been shown to lighten depression and increase your mood.
There are, I’m sure, some people reading this (no you of course) who are just bound and determined never to leave their treadmill behind.I can understand wanting to be inside where it’s comfortable and you can see the TV, but you’re missing something wonderful by not being outdoors. I know no one wants to get out and run when the weather is extreme, which is why I usually recommend having a treadmill for the rainy or cold days, but doing cardio outdoors when you can will take your overall fitness to a level it’s never been before.
This is just a tidbit, if you’re looking for an in depth program to help you run for fat loss I recommend checking out Run to Lose Weight: The Ultimate Guide.
