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Resolved Question
Is running four miles on a treadmill equal to running four miles outside, on pavement?
Posted 1 month ago
Best Answer
It depends what you mean by "equal". A 150 pound guy will burn about 400 calories over four miles,indoor or out,and the effect on VO2 (can't do a little 2!) will be broadly similar. However if you run on pavement,the bumps,dips,gravel,kerbs etc put more demand on your feet and legs,making them stronger in the long run. As msterling45 suggests that goes double for running offroad,which will also burn more calories. Throw in variables like hills,temperature,rain,snow,traffic and the occasional loose dog - running outside asks more and delivers more.
Don't let that keep you off the 'mill. It's fine for the self-conscious,beginners,recovery from injury,or waiting for the phone,babysitting,watching TV...
Remember,whichever exercise option you pick will have drawbacks. Unless you're trying out for a specific event on the track team it is unlikely to matter much how you run,just so long as you keep on running! : )
Posted 1 month ago

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Posted Nov 8th, 2008 at 11:06PM
No way! The treadmill keeps moving, while you're just lifting your feet.

On pavement, you actually need to use your muscles to push your body weight against the stationary pavement beneath you.
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Posted Nov 8th, 2008 at 4:13PM
Running outside on pavement seems to burn more calories for most people - it's not as even and smooth.
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Posted Nov 8th, 2008 at 4:32PM
no

you'll burn more calories running over terrain than you will a treadmill
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Posted Nov 8th, 2008 at 4:39PM
Running outside in fresh air is probably better for the body. But if you mean in terms of calories, I think you burn slightly less on the treadmill, unless you make an effort to run energically. :)
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Posted Nov 8th, 2008 at 5:10PM
Not remotely. My experience with exercise: The body cuts you no slack. If you want to get better at something, do that one thing more. Running on a treadmill will get you good at running on a treadmill.
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Posted Nov 8th, 2008 at 5:59PM
I don't know....But if your running on a treadmill, at least you won't get rocks in your shoes!!
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Posted Nov 8th, 2008 at 7:19PM
Treadmills are lower-impact, so you burn fewer calories on them. Running outside is the most efficient calorie-burning cardio workout.
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Posted Nov 8th, 2008 at 11:33PM
I was wondering the same thing...because during the winter, there is no way am I going for my walk in sub zero temps with degerative arthritis already eating me up! I just up the pace on the treadmill and work out longer so I can try to burn as many calories. Then when the ice thaws I'll resume my walk outside.
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Posted Nov 9th, 2008 at 5:27AM
Not really. If you really want to get fit then running across different terrains is how to go. Treadmills are just repatitive actions...in 'real' you have to get used to the general twists and turns that roads and paths throw back at you...

Plus...you notice more about your local environment if you run around it...

Sammy Jo xx
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Posted Nov 9th, 2008 at 2:45PM
Not exactly. With the treadmill there's a much smaller chance of a bird sh*tting on your head.
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