Indoors or Outdoors? Which Is The Better Way To Run?

Let’s start off by saying that there is no bad way to run. Running is an excellent exercise. It burns fat, improves sleep, and reduces stress. The list could go on and on. Inside or outside, it’s all good. However, there are definite pros and cons to running indoors or outdoors. One location may better suit your needs and preferences.

The Benefits of Running Outdoors

#1 Variety – Even if you run the same route every single time, you’ll encounter different experiences outdoors. Animals, people, vehicles and route conditions all change day after day.

#2 Sunshine – Our bodies need sunshine. It helps you produce vitamin D which elevates your mood and makes you less susceptible to disease.

#3 Realistic Conditions – When you run outside your body has to deal with changing terrain. Not only do you have to watch out for obstacles in your path, you also experience hills. Indoors that isn’t always possible. If you’re training for a race it’s likely going to be outside. And real running terrain also helps you build core strength and stability.

The Downside to Running Outside

Snowy weather. (Photo credit: UIC Digital Collections)

#1 Bad weather – While some people do enjoy running in the rain, wind and snow, many do not. You can’t always count on perfect weather.

#2 People, animals, and vehicles – When you run outside you definitely have to keep an eye out for the things around you. It’s not unheard of to be chased by animals, bothered by people or to have to dodge a car or a bike when you run outside.

#3 Lighting – Many runners have to run before or after work and that means running in the dark. Running in the dark brings its own risks to the program.

The Benefits of Running Inside

#1 The biggest benefit to running inside is convenience. This is particularly the case if you run on a treadmill in your home. You can watch television, make phone calls and check your email while you run.

#2 Safety. In general, running indoors is safer. You don’t have to deal with animals, other people, or vehicles.

#3 Privacy. If you run on a treadmill in your home you can run in whatever suits you, including nothing at all. It’s private. If you run in a gym, that’s not the case of course. However, you don’t have to dress for the weather when you run in a gym which may save on fitness attire.

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Downside to Running Inside

#1 Boring. Running inside can get downright boring. You’re either running in circles on a track or you’re running in place on a treadmill.

#2 Lacks social element. There’s just no way to go on a group run on a treadmill. It’s you and you alone on your runs. You can’t even take your dog with you.

#3 No race training. Some runners do supplement their outdoor running program with a treadmill run when the weather gets bad. However, it is difficult to train for a race when you run on a treadmill. An indoor track might be okay however when most people run on a treadmill their running form changes. It’s difficult to replicate an outdoor run.

You don’t have to choose one or the other. Many runners run outside when they can and they run inside when they have to. The important thing to remember is to make time for running, wherever you can.

Outdoor Exercises to Combat Spring Fever

Every year we spend the winter cooped up inside - although this year not as long as usual for many parts of the country. Nonetheless, now that spring is here, we can’t wait to get outside!  Getting outdoors can not only battle spring fever, it can also get you up and moving, and start losing those leftover holiday pounds.  Exercising outdoors can give you a better workout and burn more Exercising (Photo credit: NOAA's National Ocean Service)calories than the machines at the gym, as you tend to work more muscles and get a better overall full-body workout.  As spring approaches, if you want to get outdoors and get in shape, here are some great activities you can do to start getting in shape, while enjoying this beautiful spring weather. 

* Walking.  Not only is walking a great way to get some fresh air and sunshine after being cooped up all winter, it’s also great exercise if you do it right.  For an optimal workout, walk for an hour a day at least three days a week.  You should also alter your pace during the walk, i.e. go as fast as you can for a minute, then a slower pace for a minute, etc. This will get your heart pumping without having to do a hard workout, and studies have shown it will help you lose weight MUCH faster than maintaining a steady pace for the whole time.  If you’re bored of walking around your neighborhood, why not visit a nature park or zoo? You can enjoy the change of scenery and wildlife, while getting a workout in!

* Yoga.  Sure, nowadays yoga is often done in your living room or in a gym, but this art was made to be done in the great outdoors!  So tote your yoga mat to the park or just to the backyard.   This can give you an excellent toning and strengthening workout and calm your nerves at the same time.

* Swimming.  Want to get a fantastic full body workout while your kids are playing?  Then take them down to the community pool.  Many pools have an area for kids to splash and play while the adults swim laps.  Just make sure not to leave any child that doesn’t know how to swim without adult supervision.  And when you’re done with your laps, maybe you can splash and play with your kids too.

Mountain biking in Arizona desert, USA (Photo credit: Wikipedia)* Volleyball.  This sport doesn’t have to be played inside with a ref; you can play at a sand volleyball court, or just set up a net in your back yard.  Volleyball is a great way to socialize with your friends, or to meet new people by joining a league. And if you have kids, this is a great form of fun exercise for the whole family.

* Biking.  More and more cities and towns are putting in bike paths.  These are a great way to get a workout without risking serious injury by biking on rough terrain.  However, if you’re up for a challenge, there are probably paths through woods, hills, mountains, or some other difficult, but rewarding terrain.  Just be sure to wear proper safety equipment no matter where you’re biking. 

* Hiking.  If you want to get out and go, and you’re up for an adventure, why not take the family and go for a hike?  You can experience nature, get a great workout, get some fresh air, and spend some quality bonding time with your family. 

So what are you waiting for?  Get out of your artificial lighting and into the great outdoors for a workout and a fun time at the same time!