Wondering whether to take your lunchtime walk outside, or to the gym? We’ve spoken to an expert about which is better — and the answer might surprise you.
There’s a reason why you tend to walk more while abroad. We rarely have weather in the UK that encourages lengthy walks, and the darkness that falls after 4pm during the winter doesn’t particularly invite outdoor exploration on foot.
Thus, many of us have turned to treadmills as our solution. For years, we’ve welcomed the comfort of indoor workouts, watching the rain pour down outside the window as we slowly step towards our goal for the day. But it begs the question: is there a difference between outdoor strolls and indoor treadmill climbs? We thought not, but experts beg to differ.
Read more: The best free walking clubs in London
Is it better to walk on a treadmill or outside?
According to personal trainer Georgia Garlick, walking outside can “subtly change how hard your body has to work”.
Georgia explains that when treadmills and walking pads move beneath you, they’re assisting you by propelling you forward, mitigating the need to do it totally independently.
“Topography is another key difference,” she explains. “Pavements, paths and parks naturally rise and fall, while treadmills provide no obstacles or similar challenges.”
But while walking outdoors is more demanding than on a treadmill, Georgia adds that consistency plays a key role.
“Consistent effort and commitment play a far bigger role in long-term health outcomes than the walking environment itself.”
For those who still prefer to stride indoors, Georgia recommends following her simple treadmill routine for cardio.
Read more: Why walking after eating could transform your health
Treadmill routine for beginners
Weeks 1-2
Walk at approximately 5.5 km/h, flat, for 15-20 minutes.
“This typically equates to around 1,600-2,200 steps, depending on stride length,” she explains.
Weeks 3-4
Increase pace to 6.0 km/h and add a 5% incline, maintaining the same duration.
Weeks 5-6
Reduce speed slightly to around 5.0 km/h, while increasing incline to 8-10%.
“Handrails should be avoided where possible, as leaning will reduce the true training impact,” Georgia says. She recommends acting as though you’re walking outdoors, and there are no handles to grip or moving belt propelling you forward.
If you find your posture slipping, Georgia suggests lowering the incline and building back up again slowly.
Feature image: Pexels
