Can running on a treadmill ever be as effective as jogging outside?

Question

I have an ancient old treadmill- still goes at a decent speed, but no incline. I run for 40 mins every night, heart rate 150 and work up a decent sweat. I wear ankle and wrist weights and do lots of pumping arm movements. OK, I look daft...but am I getting as effective work out as if I was running outside?

Answer 1

well I prefer running outside because I am a runner for track.  But for a person to lose weight or stay healthy in general, a treadmill is good.  Although, I advise not to use elipticals, they seem not to be very good to me.  Anyway, as long as you get your heart rate up and keep it there, no your geeting a good workout, it will be good.  Try to get your heart rate up a little bit more though.  Also, 40 minutes is good so your on the right track.

To add to the process, do weight training a little.  It wont buff you up huge if yhou dont want it to but it will help.

Answer 2

it seems like the actual cardiovascular exercise would be the same but as far as training you muscles, i wouldnt think so. outside you have obstacles like rocks, curbs, hills, etc. and those obstacles make your muscles move in different ways.

Answer 3

It can be as effective and has benefits that road running doesnt - but road running has other benefits that the treadmill doesnt.

To get a road like work out you need to set an incline on the treadmill - about 1 degree and then it gets simular.

As far as I have read I would avoid the ankle weights, OK they have an effect however thay also alter your running style and could cause injury while running

The important things is to get your heart rate up a bit - 150 is good - and do the time on the exercise, so keep doing what you are doing. If you want to go to a gym and go on a faster treadmill that is good - the work out will be more intense and you could cut it down a bit (still covering the same distance as you do now in 40 mins)

Answer 4

Absolutly I started running on a treadmill the day after Thanksgiving, at 237lbs. and by March I was 193lbs., it's not what your doing the secret is to have a steady heartrate for approx. 20-30min.