Why is it bad for you to run on concrete?

Question

i am a long distance runner and most the time i train on the streets. but i hear a lot of people say that it is not good to run on concrete. they also say that you wont get a full benefit form your workout. does anybody have some guidance.i really need your advice. thanks

Answer 1

i dont see anything wrong with running on the street. I do it all the time but it just depends who u r. and what feels good to u.

Answer 2

many people don't like running on the street because it can hurt your knees, as it is a harder surface.  As far as i know, no workout's benefits are diminished from running on a hard surface.  If that's where you run, there really isn't a problem.

~Abab

Answer 3

Concrete is dense. There is no "give" to concrete whatsoever. It is a bit like the analogy as such:

What would you rather jump onto from a burning building?  A rescue trampoline, or  a cement sidewalk? ;)

It doesn't matter if you get the *best of the best* insoles from Spenco or the latest "running shoe" from New Balance or Vasque----- if you keep running on concrete, eventually it will catch up with you.   Every time you slam your foot down on cement/concrete, you're creating a ripple effect through your whole body.  You may not feel it *now*, but you'll feel it a few years from now when you can't figure out why you have lower back problems.

Anyway....sorry I am long winded. =)

Stick to nature trails and some great running hikers (yes there is such a thing).   Most trails will have the natural moss substrate or the bark----either one is much better for your feet and your body as a whole.  Your feet support your entire body---don't forget that.  ;)

Answer 4

because you wont get a full benefit form your workout!

Answer 5

You get more impact on your knees if you run on concrete, it's much better for you to run on the rubbery stuff on a track or on the grass.

Answer 6

It damages the cartlage in your patellas and thus in the future you'll feel painful aches ect  so get off the road and let it be used for what it was built for cars!! (the impact of your foot to the cement cause in away trauma to the area that sustain the pressure.) not everything you hear is true as for the "not full benfit" thats a lie whats the difference between running on grass, sand and cement (ya of course the solidity of the molecule structure) but it still works your cardiovascular system

Answer 7

Concrete is the most dense surface you can run on.  Your legs have natural shock absorbers built in, but they can quickly wear out.  Tracks or trails that are dirt/gravel are much better for you.  If you are a long-distance runner, the sooner you get off the streets, the better.  It's good to hear you have people looking out for you.  Enjoy your runs!

Answer 8

it is?

maybe because it's hard so it damages ur feet if u run too long

just run on grass then

Answer 9

It kills your knees.

My knees are really damaged because of it.

I know someone who had to give up running because of it.

When you buy your shoes, ask the workers at the shoestore if they have any shoes that are softer so you can run on concrete.

Or just run along side of the sidewalk-on the grass-

It has something to do with absorbing the shock --look it up and find more about it!--