Which is better running outside or going to the gym?

Question

I ask this because I have been doing gym 3-5 days a week. I recently started running outside 2 miles. I notice I am much more soar running outside than from the gym. I was wondering if I should run outside more and go to the gym more. OR should I mix up both?


Also, which burns more calories?

**At the gym I do weights -20 minutes, elipitcal- 20 min. and run -20 min.....**

Answer 1

I like doing both. They both not only take care of different needs in your body, but also in your mind.

You can feel more free as you get out in the fresh air to run.

At the same time, you can do more specific exercises at the gym in a controlled environment.

Both are a good mix.

I believe that running burns the most calories because it involves most muscles and organs working at one time in the body.

Answer 2

I think running outside is better. When you are running in a gym, you have flat flooring, which doesn't require as much effort as running outside, where the hills and grass are. If you run for 30 minutes, you'd probably get more of a workout outside then you would inside.

It's a good idea to mix up both, when the air gets cold. Both is good, but for me, i'd prefer running outside. Either way is fine. Running burns more calories because, if you think about it, would you get more tired from running or weight lifting after 10 minutes?

Answer 3

I actually have the opposite experience. I find that running on a treadmill is more difficult because my body tends to overheat more. While running on a treadmill, you're running in "dead air." Outside, if you are running 6 MPH, you'll get the breeze from that to help keep you cool.

I agree with another poster that you can controll your workouts on a treadmill. I run races with lots of hills, so I program the grade to match my future races. It really helps my training.

I disagree with the another poster that running on the treadmill is boring. Most gyms will have a plug for headphones and you can watch TV. I'll go at halftime of a game I want to watch and just stay until the game is over. I won't want to leave because I won't want to miss the action. I'd just be watching the game at home anyway, so I don't lose any time out of my day by running at the gym.

Answer 4

It all depends on what you like. Running inside has its benefits and so does running outdoors.
You're probably *sore* from running outside because, technically speaking, the pavement is much harder on your joints than the treadmill. The treadmill absorbs the shock a lot better than concrete and or asphalt.
If you run outside, you are exposed to the fresh air and many people argue that there is more to see (as a treadmill makes you stay in one spot). Others argue that running in the gym is safer and can give you more of a challenge (b/c you can set the speed and incline and you are "forced" to run at those constant rates for longer periods of time).
If you want, mix them up. There's nothing wrong with being outside and nothing wrong with being inside. I personally think you have the potential to burn the same amount of calories on either run - it all depends on your drive and perseverance.
Sounds to me like you'd burn a few more calories at the gym, though. You mentioned that you lift and also hop on the elliptical. Those two activities will help your body stay in "calorie burn" mode.

Good luck to you!
~peace love & light~

Answer 5

To be a better runner you need to run outside. If you are trying to get to running longer distances outside is easier than being stuck on a treadmill. It is more of a mental thing I guess. Running but not going anywhere is tough compared to being outdoors and having a different scenery. That does not mean the treadmill and other gym equipment is useless. I like to practice speed work once in a while on a treadmill. The reason is I can set the pace and have to keep at the pace useless I actually push the buttons in decrease speed. It is like being forced to run fast. and sometimes the weather is not right to run. Two years ago we had below zero temperatures and my gym membership came in very handy. Dealing with the outdoor elements and different road surface conditions will take a tougher toll on your body compared to running indoors. Depending on what your running goals are mixing it up on running at the gym and outside is not a bad idea. If you are trying to become a better runner well than you need to get the majority of your running outside.

Good luck

http://www.enduranceninja.com

Answer 6

Outdoors is my num 1 fav.

During the harsh winter times, indoors.

-- Sorry, i have no idea