Whether it is frigid winter temps, a chronic knee injury, or a lack of safe running space, there are many factors that can make running on the treadmill an inevitable part of your workout routine.
As the days get longer and the air gets warmer, even if you’re a devoted gym rat, now is the perfect time to take your daily jog to the great outdoors. From stronger bones to better mental health, we’re giving you four great health reasons to swap the treadmill for the trail.
1. Increase your bone strength
Running on the treadmill can feel easier on your knees due to the lack of hard impact. However, running on a sidewalk or trail gives a powerful impact to your bones and connective tissues, building stronger bones and will even help prevent future injuries.
2. Burn more calories
Unless you are running on an inclined treadmill, running outside can be significantly more challenging due to an increased wind resistance. When you run outside you are also adjusting to both the change in running surface and the changes in temperature, two things that make your body burn crazy calories.
3. Have more energy and better mental heath
A research study from the University of Exeter in the UK revealed that running outdoors not only increases your energy levels, but also boosts your mood! Taking your workout to the park or a running trail means seeing the trees above you, feeling of the sun on your back and being surrounded by the sounds and smells of nature. This personal time outside will relax and rejuvenate you, making you happier and much more likely to look forward to your workouts.
4. Fire up your glute muscles
When you run on a treadmill, the movement underneath you helps to lift your legs up behind you, reducing the effort output by your glute muscles. But when you exercise outdoors, your glutes get the full impact, giving you a stronger butt and thighs. With bikini season among us, who could say no to that?
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