Treadmill or Open Terrain?
Isabella Taylor
2026-03-19
4 min. read
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How many professional runners make use of mechanical running devices? Almost none at all. Unfortunately, the treadmill seems to be the ideal invention created for people's convenience... In truth, it has no connection with running in a park or forest, and it's not merely about the lack of picturesque landscapes and fresh air, but also a fundamentally different running technique.
Electric training running track
The treadmill is an electrically powered device designed for running training. At first glance, it appears to have many benefits. Of course, the very idea and concept behind its creation were very good. The goal was to create a machine that would allow running even in a closed room so that it could become an ideal warm-up. We know that running is one of the best activities to warm up the muscles. However, the two-headed thigh muscle is not developed during running on the treadmill, as the leg simultaneously moves along with the conveyor belt of the treadmill. Therefore, one must take care of this muscle individually on other available equipment in the gym.
Risking an injury while running on a treadmill
Running on a treadmill can lead to injuries, because we subject ourselves to constant, automatic movement that is very repetitive. We also need to maintain balance to avoid falling off the treadmill, to not forget the pace and to not lose our steps, which requires constant monitoring. As a result, we focus very much on our steps, instead of relaxing during the run and forgetting about the surroundings. In this way, it is easy to sustain an injury.
A treadmill run with less exhaustive effects?
When utilizing a treadmill, we can traverse the same distance as outdoors, yet with a significantly lower degree of exhaustion. This is due to the superior conditions in the gym. The fitness room maintains consistent humidity, has air conditioning, and without the presence of air resistance, which becomes our adversary during a run in a natural environment and makes running difficult, we can practically run without exertion, albeit slightly less efficiently. Running on a treadmill results in burning fewer calories (at least 200). The uniform running technique on a treadmill does not develop many muscle groups in the legs, causing some of them to be used while others remain dormant.
Being outdoors during running is much more enjoyable
Running is most effective in natural surroundings when we walk through fields and forests during this activity. Of course, we should not forget that it is better to run on soft floors and paths than on sidewalks or asphalt. On hard floors, injuries can easily occur, which can even lead to injury. When we run out in the open air, our body is constantly cooled by the wind. This makes us not sweat as much as on a treadmill and then we do not need to consume fluids. It is necessary to constantly replenish them during mechanical running to avoid overheating of the body, which can even lead to dehydration. A big advantage of running in the open air is the continuous change of scenery. The mind tolerates exertion better when the stimuli change. Running on a treadmill is monotonous and even boring.
Is Treadmill Running Safer for Joints?
According to research, running on a treadmill is less demanding on our joints than running in natural conditions, by about 10-40%. While this may have been true in the past, it's no longer the case today. Shoe manufacturers equip them with the latest technologies that minimize the risk of injury to the joints, especially the knee. Therefore, there is currently no such risk of injury. It's also important to note that we shouldn't view treadmill running as preparation for a marathon or other outdoor activities. The joints get used to the soft treadmill, and running on a hard surface can lead to immediate injuries. Therefore, traditional jogging is good for joint preparation, as not all shock-absorption methods yield the positive results we expect. It's also worth mentioning that running in difficult weather conditions builds our endurance, which is an excellent preventative measure against viral infections, colds, and allergies. It turns out that outdoor training and treadmill training are two different activities that have little in common. Of course, in both cases, it's important to master the proper running technique. However, it's better to lean towards universal jogging outdoors and then toward gym training. This order is most suitable for our health and training efficiency.
