Image details: Couple running on the beach served by picapp.com

Runners of the world, weigh in: Do you prefer getting your run on outside or inside? Pavement or treadmill? Why?

We all know some of the benefits of indoor running: adjusting incline, temperature control, a nearby TV, etc.

And outdoor running: becoming one with nature, natural visual stimulation, fresh air, etc.

Given those reasons and more, most runners have their favorite running spots and rituals, so naturally, whatever works best for you and gets you moving off the couch is the way to go.

However…

Is there a scientific difference between the two, health benefit-wise?

Short answer: Nobody’s really sure.

See, researchers have found the following:

• Outdoor running promotes a more intense exercise.
• With outdoor running, there is greater wind resistance and no assistance from a treadmill’s track.
• Therefore, outdoor running burns about 5% more calories than treadmill running does.

And that all seems to put outdoor running in the leader’s chair, except…

• Outdoor running can lead to significantly higher rates of bone strain and tension, particularly in the shinbone area.
• That same increased strain can increase the risk of stress fractures by more than 50 percent.
• Treadmill running, on the other hand, reduces the risk of injury, allowing people to run longer and “farther”.

So the end verdict on this:

While you may burn more calories hitting the pavement, the risk of injury runs higher. That being said, what form of running (or walking, for that matter) do you prefer and why? Leave us a quick comment and let us know…

Source: NY Times

Post from: Healthbolt

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Post from: Healthbolt