Burning more calories with no ‘To Do List’
If you’re anything like me, running inside on a treadmill can cause a bit of boredom after the first 10 minutes or so. I find I have to start coaching myself to keep putting one foot in front of the other, while thinking of a million other things I could be doing that don’t involve shortness of breath.
Scenery has cured me of this boredom and allowed me to run for longer amounts of time without even thinking about putting one foot in front of the other. When running outside, I start to think about the things around me instead of my “To Do List.”
Despite the obvious advantage of being able to run for longer time periods, researchers have found that those who run outside also burn more calories. In fact, running outside is proven to burn 5 percent more calories than running on a treadmill for the same amount of time, according to a recent article in the New York Times.
The studies showed that running outside helps to promote a more a intense exercise session. One reason is when adults opt to train on a treadmill they often move more slowly with shorter strides. They also have a moving belt to help them do the work. Unlike the open road, a treadmill has moving belt that keeps pulling your feet back underneath your body.
The scenery itself, that I’ve come to enjoy, is another reason why running outside burns more calories. According to one study, natural elements such as sand, rocks and hills force a runner to exert extra energy.
But, the study also found these natural elements could be a negative thing for runners. When it comes to injuries, a runner is less likely to get hurt while on a treadmill, which offers a stable environment. Running outside does get rid of my boredom but it does make it more likely to suffer from a shin injury or another injury caused by bone strain or tension.
I’d still take running outside over a treadmill any day. Not only does it allow me to workout for longer periods but you can’t beat burning more calories, too.
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When you run outside, as a women, do you run alone? If so, do you run in the day or night time? Have you ever felt threatened or unsafe while running? do you have any tips for young women running in the Lansing area to stay safe while running solo? Thanks!