Difference Between Walking on a Treadmill vs. The Ground | Live Healthy - Chron.com
By Lindsay Haskell Updated May 07, 2019
It may feel the same, but the way you physically walk on a treadmill is different from the way you walk on the ground. The other differences between the two walking modalities are more subjective and personal, and can vary according to what motivates you, what you enjoy and where you live. When the surface is flat, walking on ground gives you a better workout. However, you can play with exercise intensity by walking hills outdoors and increasing the incline on your treadmill.
Note the Physical Differences
There's a difference in how you physically move your body when you're walking on a treadmill versus when you're walking on the ground. When you walk on a treadmill, the belt moves beneath your feet, so you don't have to use your leg muscles as much to push yourself forward. To make up for that, you have to put the treadmill at 1 percent incline to get to the same exertion level as walking on the ground, according to a study done at the Chelsea School Research Centre in the UK. Walking on a treadmill feels easier on the body than walking on the ground. When walking on the ground, you have more dorsiflexion movement, larger hip extensor movements and you use your hamstrings more.
Many people find the treadmill boring because you stay in one place the whole time. Walking outside gives you things to look at and can allow you to enjoy nature. Another benefit of walking outside is that it works your muscles more, and you don't need a gym membership or a treadmill at your house to get out and do it. Walking outside is more economical and it can be a great way to get in family time and enjoy nature.
Having a treadmill at home can make you more motivated to exercise regularly, and you can even watch TV while you work out. When it's too hot outside, you can walk in an air-conditioned room. Many treadmills also have programmed workouts that can challenge you. Your workouts may benefit from the heart-rate monitor and calorie counter on your treadmill. You can use these fitness indicators to set goals and track your progress. According to Navy Medicine, a treadmill can be a safer option and you can control the weather conditions and lighting, have access to the restroom, and bring plenty of water with you without having to carry it.
Climb Some Hills
The higher inclination you walk at, the more muscles you work and more calories you burn. On a treadmill, the moving belt makes uphill walking less difficult, so you can get a better workout for your legs walking up a hill outside. However, uphill walking on a treadmill is still effective for toning your thighs and gives you a cardio workout. You can also take advantage of changing the incline on a treadmill, so you don't have to find a hill outdoors or take the time to go downhill to get in some uphill walking.
National Center for Biotechnology Information: A 1% Treadmill Grade Most Accurately Reflects the Energetic Cost of Outdoor Running
Journal of Applied Physiology: Biomechanics of Overground vs. Treadmill Walking in Healthy Individuals
Navy Medicine: Treadmill vs. Outside Walking
http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nhoki/Patients/CommunityHealth/HealthPromo/Documents/Articles/treadmill_vs.htm
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