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Treadmill vs. Outdoor Running: What's the Difference?

Treadmill runnerYou may have wondered what the difference is between running outside and running on a treadmill. Both types of running have their advantages and disadvantages. However, both are good for your body and can help you maintain a healthy weight.

Treadmill walking compared with running outside will feel somewhat easier physically because the "ground" is being pulled underneath your feet. Also, unlike when you are outside, there is no wind resistance inside on a treadmill. Walking or running outdoors requires more energy since you are propelling your body forward with each stride.

We know from research, that in order to accurately simulate the same pace you walk or run outside, you need to make sure the treadmill you are working out on is set for a 1.0% incline. A 1.0% incline will make up for the lack of wind resistance and better simulate outdoor running.

Psychologically, you may have a harder time handling the monotony or potential boredom of the treadmill. In general, it may be far easier to distract yourself when running outside. It is also easier to tune into your running and to work on your form and stride when you are outside.


However, treadmills do offer advantages. The belts on all modern treadmills are padded, which makes them a good option if you are very overweight or are more injury-prone (especially with knee issues), and want to decrease the impact. Additionally, there are days when the weather just does not cooperate. A treadmill inside a climate-controlled environment can offer a great refuge from the inclement weather and still permit you to get your training completed.

With regard to calories burned on a treadmill versus walking or running outdoors, there is little difference, especially if the treadmill is set at a 1.0% grade. Some studies have noted a slightly increased calorie burn (less than 3%) when running outside, but many others have reported no differences. Keep in mind though: those treadmills that indicate the number of calories burned are generally not accurate. Many reports suggest that treadmills and other cardio machines actually overestimate calories burned by 15% to 20%.

Now that you know some of the research about treadmills compared to outdoor running, start putting some miles on your running shoes!

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This article is a NetWellness exclusive.

Last Reviewed: Jul 23, 2014

Associate Professor of Sport & Exercise Sciences and Physiology & Cell Biology
School of PAES
The Ohio State University