The debate over working out on a treadmill vs. running outside has been around for a while. While running helps improve stability as you navigate different terrains, a treadmill allows you to sustain performance and speed levels that otherwise may otherwise lag when running outdoors.
Both treadmill and outdoor running have their own benefits and shortcomings based on an individual’s training goals and needs and both can play an important role in your running routine. As a result, there’s no correct or wrong answer to the ongoing debate over 5k on treadmill vs. road.
Is It Easier To Run 5k On A Treadmill?
Yes, it is easier to run a 5k on a treadmill. This is due to the runner not having to work as hard on a treadmill due to the fact that the belt moves underneath the runner. This allows the hamstrings and glutes to not have to engage as much. There are also no hills, obstacles, or inclement weather to deal with.
You can get a similar workout whether running outside or on a treadmill as long as you put in the same level of effort. However, it is essential to understand that effort is a subjective measure. From a clinical perspective, effort is based on several factors including your heart rate and perceived exertion.
When it comes to working out, perceived perception refers to how “hard” the athlete considers an activity to be, regardless of their body’s response to that particular activity. For instance, the perceived exertion of running on a treadmill indoors is less than road running on a cold, rainy day even if you have a faster heart rate or burn more calories indoors.
Running up a hill on a very hot, sunny afternoon is considered to be significantly harder than running the same distance at the same decline on a treadmill. Perceived exertion is extremely important. Most people tend to give up much sooner if something is considered to be difficult. This is an important psychological component that influences how much you get out of your exercise routine.
5k On Treadmill vs. Road
Running on a treadmill is generally easier. However, when it comes to assessing the real benefits, rather than the perceived benefits, road running usually comes on top. You typically expend more energy running outdoors compared to running at the same pace on a treadmill. Differences in calorie burn can be attributed to a wide variety of factors including terrain, wind, and the prevailing weather conditions.
Moreover, you should note that the treadmill does a lot of work for users by pushing them forward.
A treadmill might be a good option for anyone looking to meet and maintain their cardiovascular fitness needs or goals. If you pair running on a treadmill with a reliable pulse monitor, you can easily push your limits while keeping within your recommended maximum heart rate (MHR). However, if you’re training for an actual race event, you will benefit more from road running outdoors.
Pros And Cons of 5k on Treadmill
There are many pros and cons to running a 5k on a treadmill vs outside. We’ll cover both here below, but some of these may be subjective and could possibly not apply to all runners. That said, look through them and generate your own opinion on whether or not they apply to your situation.
Pros of Running a 5k on a Treadmill
- Convenient
- No temperature or weather constraints
- You can simulate a variety of race conditions
- You can easily multitask
- Easier on your joints
- Easy to control your pace
- You can work out alone and at any time
Cons of Running a 5k on a Treadmill
- Can’t make turns
- It can be boring
- You can still sustain injuries
- Can’t run downhill (this might be possible on a special treadmill)
Related Reading: 11 Disadvantages of Running on a Treadmill
Pros and Cons of Running a 5k on the Road
Similarly, there are pros an cons to road running or training outside for a 5k. Many of these are the opposites of the treadmill, but it’s still important to look through them if you’re deciding between the treadmill and the great outdoors.
Pros
- Provides more variety
- Burns more calories
- Inexpensive
- Prepares you for other forms of sport-specific training
- Allows you to breathe fresh air and enjoy nature
- You can continue working out even while traveling
- Can be motivating
Cons
- Some risk of injury
- Can be dangerous
- Dependent on prevailing weather conditions
No matter your health and fitness goals, where you ultimately choose to exercise depends on your personal preference. Therefore, if you prefer road running to the treadmill, you are more likely to commit to your workout routine, and vice versa.
What Is A Good 5K Time On A Treadmill vs. The Road
Road running in unfavorable weather can be uncomfortable, even with the correct attire. There’s a risk of heat exhaustion or dehydration in hot weather and it is risky to run on ice and snow. Running indoors on a treadmill helps you avoid these risks and discomforts.
When you are running at the gym or at home, you’re working out in a climate controlled setting and safe from harsh weather conditions. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about attire or sunscreen and being caught unaware in inclement weather. With a home treadmill you can exercise anytime, in any weather, even when you need to monitor your kids. This can often be more convenient than using a jogging stroller to push them with you outside.
On a treadmill, you can multitask and you don’t have to miss your favorite TV shows. Treadmills exert less stress on your joints and you can use them even while recovering from injury. Running on a treadmill is also safer compared to running outdoors alone without a running group or partner. On the other hand, road running allows you to workout even while traveling when you don’t have access to a treadmill.
Remember, whether you are road running in summer or winter, unfavorable weather can happen any day and at any time. This means that you need to watch the humidity and heat index to avoid dehydration or heat waves, especially in hot summers.
Conclusion
If your main goal is to improve your cardiovascular health, a treadmill might be just what you need. However, if you are training for an outdoor race event, road running is better suited for you.
The choice between running a 5k on treadmill vs. road is not necessarily an either/or decision. In fact, studies show that a combination of both works for most people and if it is practical, you stand to reap the potential benefits of both.
