Is it better to run on a treadmill or outside?

Author: Georgette Watsica MD  |  Last update: Saturday, January 24, 2026

If you want to improve or maintain your cardiovascular fitness, then running on a treadmill is fine. However, if you're training for a race or want to see greater benefits in terms of muscle tone, then running outside is the better fit for you.

Is a treadmill as effective as running outside?

Yes, the treadmill is slightly less effective. Running outdoors provides an uneven surface side-to-side which helps to build balance and control muscles in the legs, feet, and ankles which are not as effectively strengthened on a treadmill, which generally only changes slope in one direction.

Do you lose more weight on a treadmill or outside?

Yes, running outside typically burns more calories than running on a treadmill. Several factors contribute to this difference: Wind Resistance: When running outdoors, you encounter wind resistance, which requires more energy and increases calorie expenditure.

Is 3 miles on a treadmill the same as outside?

The ground reaction forces created during a treadmill workout are significantly less than those generated on harder surfaces outdoors, and ten miles on the treadmill differ to a statistically significant degree than ten miles outside.

What are the disadvantages of a treadmill?

Treadmills require regular maintenance and can be difficult or near impossible to repair on your own, often requiring you to hire a trained professional if yours breaks down. The noise from treadmills can be loud, potentially disturbing others if it's not in a gym.

Treadmill vs Outdoor Running: Which is Better? [According to Science]

Why is it not recommended to run on a treadmill?

That can increase the risk of injury when running on a treadmill for two reasons. Firstly, because you overwork the same muscles and bones by running in the same way for long periods. Secondly, when you do go back to running outside, you may not have the muscle conditioning to make the necessary twists and turns.

What will happen if I do 30 minutes treadmill everyday?

The benefits of walking for 30 minutes a day are astounding – a cardiovascular boost, enhanced mood, and improved overall well-being. You'll sleep soundly, tackle your day with renewed energy, and leave stress in the dust. This is the power of 30.

Is it better to run a mile on a treadmill or outside?

Even if you run at the same pace on a treadmill, you will generally expend more energy running outdoors. This difference in calorie burn is not only due to variations in terrain, weather, and wind conditions but also because the treadmill does a lot of the work by propelling you forward.

Can I lose belly fat with treadmill?

The best way to reduce belly fat on a treadmill is to combine it with: Consistent workouts: Aim for at least 30 minutes of walking or running daily, or incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to maximise calorie burn and lose belly fat.

What speed should I run on a treadmill?

For most people, alternating between jogging at 4 to 6 mph and sprint intervals at speeds higher than 7 mph can maximize calorie burn and increase metabolic rate.

Is it better to run on a treadmill or outside for your knees?

Treadmills are gentler on your joints. If you have cranky joints or knee pain with high-impact exercise, treadmills typically provide a softer running surface. This means less impact on your bones and joints, helping to prevent injuries.

Is it better to run outside or on a treadmill to lose weight?

Although running in any setting has its benefits, running outside on a road or trail, as opposed to running inside on a treadmill, has been shown to burn more calories and allows for a more effective workout. “Running outdoors gives you a better bang for your buck,” says Dr.

Is it better to run in the morning or at night?

At the end of the day your body is ready for the effort and the window from 5 to 7 pm is often conducive to good performance. If your training plan calls for a long run, getting out during the early evening can be your best bet.

How long should I run on a treadmill?

TREADMILL WORKOUTS

The goal is to exercise for 30 minutes to an hour at roughly 60 percent of your maximal heart-rate effort. Most treadmills and wearables will monitor heart rate for you, but another way to calculate is to take 220 minus your age to find your maximum heart rate, then multiply that by .

Is it OK to run on a treadmill instead of outside?

“Overall, both treadmill running and outdoor running can be effective forms of training, and the best choice for you depends on your goals and personal preferences,” Jou said.

How many miles is a 5K?

Doing a 5K run can add a new level of challenge and interest to your exercise program. A 5K run is 3.1 miles.

What happens if you run a mile on the treadmill everyday?

Running can improve markers of cardiorespiratory fitness by challenging both your heart and lungs. It forces your heart to pump harder, strengthening the cardiac muscles, while also increasing your lung capacity.

What incline should I run on a treadmill?

If you're looking for a workout to aid in weight loss, increase your treadmill incline to 3-5% after a solid warm up. If you're an advanced runner, consider increasing the incline to 6-12%. This will help improve your cardiovascular health and challenge your body more.

What speed to run on a treadmill to lose weight?

Not too fast, not too slow. Most people will find 6-8 mph a comfortable speed to jog at, and your heart rate should be sitting at around 70-80% of its max .

Do treadmills burn belly fat?

Regular treadmill workouts can help you lose belly fat and lower your risk of serious health problems at the same time.

How to lose 5 pounds in a week?

If you want to lose 5 pounds in a week, you will need to reduce your food intake by 17,500 calories, which is a huge calorie deficit. If you weigh 250-pound, you will need to reduce your daily calorie intake to about 1,250 calories per day, an amount that is too low amounting to starvation.

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