Indoor/Outdoor dilemma

Working out indoors has many upsides.  There are more choices of what you can do.  For example, there are classes you can take, weights you can lift, and socialize with other gym rats.  Let’s not forget the weather aspect as well.  When it’s nasty outside, you can still workout indoors.  Running on a treadmill versus running outside has its own benefits.  On a treadmill, you are running on an even surface and you can really regulate your pace.  While running outside has many challenges.  You probably have to dodge people, traffic, not to mention running on an uneven surface can result in an ankle injury.

Now, let’s consider the benefits of working out outside.  The biggest one is the fact that oxygen quality is by far better outside than it is inside.  Why is that important?  You need oxygen to ignite your fat storage and use it as fuel.  Have you ever noticed that you get more tired working out indoors?  It could be due to lack of oxygen.  Running on an uneven terrain, while treacherous at times, with proper ankle stretches can improve your physical ability.  What will happen is that you will train your supporting muscles to become more adaptable to sudden movements.  With proper care, your muscle will become more functional, and it will result in you being less susceptible to injury.

Bottom line is, both options have their pros and cons.  The idea is to weigh the options and act accordingly.  Maybe a combination of the two is a good choice for you.  It can add variety to your routine.  Just remember, if all you’ve been doing is running on a treadmill but now decided to start running outside, please be careful and exercise with caution.  Warm up properly and stretch very gently right before you run.  After your workout, stretch your back, hips, ankles, quads, hamstrings and calves for a few minutes.  It’s going to take time for your muscles to adapt to new surfaces and you can’t rush the process.  There’s nothing more frustrating than an injury that can set you back weeks, if not months.

I personally do both.  I love taking some classes at the different gyms I belong too.  Boxing, aerobic classes and weight lifting classes are a big part of my weekly routine and I enjoy them all!  But I also love to run, and I choose to do it outdoors.  I find it that running on a treadmill can get very boring and repetitive.  Also, running, while balancing on a moving belt is quite different than you pushing off the ground and moving your body with your own momentum.  I love site seeing while I run.  It makes it more fun, and helps to pass the time.