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Treadmill vs Track

SRZrasoul Posts: 153 Joined: 2002/07/03	2002/11/17, 01:42 AM I always do my cardio running on the track, but recently, for the first time, i tried the treadmill. In terms of fat loss and calories burnt, which is better. I find that i can run alot faster over a longer period of time on the treadmill than i can on the track, so to say, the treadmill seems easier... am i right or is there not too much of a difference between treadmill and good ol fashioned running track?
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2002/11/17, 10:41 AM I think cardio is done however "feels" best to you. When I am preparing for a comp. and have to do cardio, I find the treadmill works great for the days I am in the gym, but I find my local high school track is great for HIIT cardio. sometimes also the gym is closed when I want to do cardio. In the wide open space of the track I feel free to run windsprints and fast walk at whatever paces I want. In the gym, sometimes I just feel confined, 5 minutes seem like 5 hours. I think in the end, either will work well, it is just a matter of what you are comfortable with. Both will burn calories well, and you will achieve your goals.
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2002/11/17, 04:46 PM bbi is exactly right. What ever you prefer, no rule. I do cardio 5x a week 3 are at the gym, 2 are at the track. I find the treadmill is good if you want all the tech info while running. And no rain in the gym! lol -------------- To change it, or to create it, simply train it! Ivan
Lumina20 Posts: 966 Joined: 2001/10/31	2002/11/18, 05:39 PM I actually find that running outside is easier for me, it's less boring. And winter is a great time for running on the lakefront here, because it's way too crowded in the summer. But, like the others said, do whatever works for you.
mackfactor Posts: 766 Joined: 2002/10/17	2002/11/19, 01:53 PM I love the track for interval training, too. It's easier to change speeds (from shuffle to sprint). Personally, I believe that the easier something is (the treadmill in this case) the less effective it is. I'm not sure if there's really a difference in calories burned, but I imagine the lack of wind resistance on the treadmill and the lack of wind in the gym account for the difference. I'm of the opinion that you get a better workout on the open road (or track). -------------- "Don't follow leaders and watch your parking meters!" -- Bob Dylan