One question I get asked all the time is whether running outdoors is better than running indoors. I personally love my treadmill and I know I wouldn’t want to give it up during the winter months, but is is any better for me than running out on the asphalt? The answer to this is actually pretty interesting.

There isn’t a big difference between running indoors and running outdoors. Keeping that in mind, it is important to note that there are a few benefits to running outdoors as opposed to the treadmill, especially is you are running to lose weight.

1. Cardio Outside Can Burn More Calories - when you run outdoors you’re going to encounter a lot of different terrain, which is going to mean that your body must make small adjustments as you move. You may have to jump over obstacles or run up and down hills or between trees. Running through rough terrain helps to train the tiny muscles in your body that are in charge of keeping you upright.There is also the added benefit burning through more calories as you alter your intensity to the terrain around you.
2. Get Some Fresh Air - it may seem silly to say, but one benefit of running outside is that it gets you out of the house. This isn’t a major benefit, but it is a small change that can make you feel better throughout the day. You get to be out in a natural environment away from the TV and the air conditioning and clear you head.
3. More Vitamin D - Take the time to run outdoors means that you’re going to be in the sunshine and be getting a nice helping of vitamin D, which has been shown to play a role in cancer prevention and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Exposing yourself to direct sunshine has also been shown to lighten depression and increase your mood.

There are, I’m sure, some people reading this (no you of course) who are just bound and determined never to leave their treadmill behind.I know I love being able to point my elliptical at the TV and run while watching Oprah, but there is something so much better about being in nature and not couped up in the house running on the same strip of rolling rubber. All in all, I’d take the treadmill on the rainy mornings, but running outdoors can take your fitness, both mental and physical to a whole new level.

If you’d like more info about running for fat loss, I recommend checking out the running to lose weight resource at Home Fitness Challenge.