Which is really better? Doing the treadmill or walking?

Question

I find that after 40 minutes on the treadmill, I am soaked in sweat. When I do an hour walking outside, I dont lose half of much sweat. But still I have always heard that walking outdoors is better for you. Enligthten me please... somebody, anybody.

Answer 1

is because theres wind outside and there aint non inside. its exactly the same with me. but exercise is exercise so do which ever one you enjoy more. i go on the treadmill while i watch ufc or boxing or anything and i saty on for ages.

Answer 2

Interestingly, your question runs counter to most of the treadmill questions on here. Generally people find them easier than the outdoors, but not you. If you accept that (barring headwind) the physics of walking on a flat treadmill is the same as walking on a completely flat, smooth, infinite plane (or at least along a flat road) then what could cause this?

I think that, because it's impossible to know exactly how fast you're walking when you're outdoors, there is a tendency to walk more slowly than on a treadmill, which has a speed readout. You're probably just walking faster indoors because you want to stay fit and you can see your speed right there in front of you. You also might move more quickly indoors knowing that nothing (cars, kids, bikes) can run into you. And just a slight slowdown outdoors could be enough to move you from a good workout into your comfort zone.

There are other benefits to walking outdoors, though. Because the terrain varies your knees and ankles (and all the surrounding muscles and connective tissue) have to work to maintain balance. A treadmill, by providing a completely consistent surface, sacrifices much of this excercise (ironically allowing most people to walk or run faster, getting a better heart workout.)

Your best bet would be to use a treadmill, but also walk outside. Your heart will benefit from the increased speed indoors, but your ankles and knees will benefit from coping with the varying outdoor terrain.

Plus you'll get to go for a walk outdoors, which is always nice!

Answer 3

It could be a couple of things. Are you working as hard outside as you do on the treadmill? On a treadmill if you don't keep up you immediately know it. On the road you can slow down as there is no moving sidewalk, LED displays or electronic beeps. Make sure you are working just as hard outside as inside.
Next, being outside allows for better ventilation. You could be working just as hard but the sweat is doing what is supposed to do-cool you down-only more efficiently.

I don't know what the outside temp is like where you are so it's hard to determine if it's very hot outside.
So, it could be either of the above or a combo of the two.
I've always found treadmills easier because they do part of the forward motion for you. Of course, you can crank them up because you don't have to worry about having to walk back to your starting point.
As to which is better, that is a very objective determination. I personally despise treadmills because I find them extremely boring. That's even if I'm listening to music or watching TV. I have the same problem with indoor cycling.

Answer 4

It's preference, I personally hate the treadmill it's so limiting. I can never sprint on a treadmill and adjusting the speed is such a pain. I mean if I'm doing a hard cardio session where I'm pushing myself to failure I'm obviously going to be suffering at the end compared to the beginning and the machine is not going to really adjust for that.

Answer 5

I prefer walking myself: I can do more stuff while I am out, and the last treadmill I TRIED to use kept snagging and nearly tripping me. I ended up fighting the thing.

Answer 6

I think it depends on if it's raining or not. Sweat isn't bad, you might try finding a treadmill with a ceiling fan overhead.

Answer 7

well people have diffrent body types. so swet more on a tredmilll and others on tredmills. i know that wen i run on a tredmill its more affective...but walking keeps my haert rate going. if u dont know wich is the best do a little bit of both. or try one week walking 10 min and the other running on the tredmill. hope i helped u out.:p

Answer 8

When I do three hour walking outside i get better reissue.

Answer 9

I'de say walking outside is better, but their both good.

Answer 10

your a dumb a s s ..read question b4 u answer them..lol