Indoor vs. Outdoor Running: Which is Superior?

For centuries, running has been one of the most popular ways to exercise and get in shape. Runners come in all shapes and sizes, and thus prefer all different types of activity. Some run short distances while sprinting, while others keep pace and run for miles. Many people choose to run outdoors around their neighborhoods or at a nearby park, but others prefer the air conditioning of an indoor track or a treadmill. 

Depending on your intentions with the sport, there may be specific benefits or drawbacks to running inside or in the great outdoors. Read below to figure out which is best for you. 

The casual runner 

If you are taking up running as a way to get in some cardio, get in shape or simply as a hobby, running indoors can have its perks. On a treadmill, you can catch up on your favorite TV show or YouTube channel while simultaneously burning calories, and you never have to worry about being rained out or snowed in. Indoor tracks at gyms offer an air-conditioned environment that is also sheltered from the elements. 

On the other hand, treadmills and gym memberships are expensive. If you aren't positive that running is for you, it might not be time to make the big investment. Try a free month at your local gym to see if running inside is working for you-- physically and mentally. If it isn't, try a jog outside. 

The athlete  

When training to run for a long distance-- like a marathon or half marathon-- a mix of indoor and outdoor training is preferable. If there is a particular aspect that you need to work on, like improving your pace at a certain time or running at a specific incline, you are able to adjust the settings on the treadmill to target that area. In addition, if you are intensively training, the lower-impact nature of treadmills can help reduce impact on your joints. By combining indoor exercise to give your body a break and outdoor running which challenges your coordination, you can train to the best of your ability.