Health and Fitness

Below are common questions many people have regarding the benefits of indoor and outdoor running.

Does running outdoors burn more calories than running indoors?
Some studies indicate that running outdoors burns 5% more calories when going at a speed of 5 to 9 mph. When running at 10 mph or more, you can burn 10% more calories. The reason you can burn more calories jogging outdoors is because there is wind resistance, making the workout more challenging than if you run on a treadmill.

To mimic an outdoor run, incline the treadmill at least 1%. In addition, the treadmill surface is flat. Unlike outdoor running where there are dips and valleys in surface, even if they are minor. On the flipside, some studies indicate that there isn't a difference at all. In the end, it's hard to tell because treadmills are known to be 10%-15% percent off when it comes to displaying how many calories a person loses.

When training for a 5k run, should I train indoors or outdoors?
Since 5 K's are run outside, the best approach is to train outdoors the majority of the time. For best results, shoot for exercising at least 60% outside. This way you have the opportunity to train in conditions that closely simulates the 5K contest.

Is it safer to run indoors or outdoors?
Studies indicate that treadmill running decreases injuries 50%. That said, some joggers indicate that their ankles and hips hurt when working out on the treadmill. So you should run both indoors and outdoors to determine which method is best for you.

The debate between indoor and outdoor running is contentious. There are die hard fans of each method. Even though there are some differences between the two, in the end, it really does not matter which method you prefer. What counts is that you workout.

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Elle Matthews is a freelance writer who promotes several websites. She enjoys writing about relationships, effective workout routines (TheWorkoutRoutines.com) and organic baby food (OrganicBabyFoodRecommendations.com).