Does running on a treadmill burn more calories than running outside?

Question

If I run on a treadmill, I use the 1% incline and a speed of 6.0 mph. Is this the same as running outside at an average speed of 6 mph?

Answer 1

I have heard estimates of 1% to as high as 3% for incline adjustments to equalize treadmills to outdoor running. The big difference I notice is the lack of any lateral moving when running on a treadmill. There are not pot holes, no curbs, no dogs or kids or bikes to dodge...so, although the running muscles (calves, hammies, quads, etc) get stronger, the secondary muscles (abductors and adductors) DON'T get stronger. So...if you run a treadmill ALL the time...then start including cables for hip flexors, and definitely include adductor and abductor work. Your legs will be more stable and strong and that will lead to better running.

Answer 2

While running on a treadmill can be safer, more convenient, and let's face it... sometimes you don't want the entire town to watch you sweat and struggle with a workout... it's best to find a balance between treadmill and jogging outside. This has been in my experience, at least. I know that it's summer, so some days you are bound to want to stay in a cooler room with a treadmill, but I think it's extremely important to get out for a real run. There are many benefits: first off, there's the scenery! Running in the same room technically going nowhere can get pretty boring, I know. It's not like you can't take an ipod along on your jog outside. Running outside is far more exciting. Running outside presents greater physical challenges... yes, it also presents more dangers, so when there's ice you might want to stick with the treadmill, but there's nothing like building up important muscles which you would not build up doing the same exact motions on the treadmill. If you must use the treamill, try to utilize different programs, such as hills and interval training... the worst thing you could do is always stick with the same speed on a 0% incline. Reality is that outside, there aren't 0% inclines, and you need to be able to run/walk on higher inclines in nature, so you might as well do it right as much as you can. Lastly, there's nothing like getting some fresh air and sunshine. You'd be shocked at how wonderful it feels to get 30 minutes of sunshine, especially during the summer. Remember the sunblock, but you might get a nice tan, and just feel radiant, and look healthy. I love running outside. Just remember to drink plenty of water during the summer- trust me, it's worth it. Oh, and to answer your question, so long as you keep up the same pace as you did on the treadmill, you will probably burn more calories, simply because it takes greater efforts to run over natural inclines which occur in the real world.

Answer 3

while running on a treadmill, all one must do is lift up the feet, while running outside, one must actually push the body forward. also, a treadmill will have you going EXACTLY 6 mph, while it is almost impossible to stay ata steady 6 mph while running, without breaking average. so no, you would burn less.

Answer 4

I dont know about that, but you are certainly safer running on a treadmill. More so if you like to wear headphones when you run.

Answer 5

when you are running outside sometimes you have to stop and you can't understand how much you have ran. so tradmill is better.

Answer 6

actually equal