Treadmills: walk slower, work harder, feel worse

[OakLeaf]

http://runningmagazine.ca/2010/11/se...nd-feel-worse/

[TsPoet]

"The goal of the study was to figure how to convince more people to exercise (and in that sense, it was somewhat unsuccessful because the volunteers chose paces that were too slow to elicit significant fitness gains)"

Interesting - but this snippet doesn't say who the population was (ie, fitness oriented or couch potatoes).
On the other hand, makes me feel a little bit better for my choice of an elliptical over a treadmill, at least it's intentionally different.

[if potato is spelled without the famous e, why is potatoes spelled with it?]

[emily_in_nc]

Wish they'd studied runners too. I always feel like the treadmill is easier than running outdoors since it helps move your feet along.

[ny biker]

I don't see how walking on a track is less boring than walking on a treadmill.

[Dogmama]

I don't see how walking on a track is less boring than walking on a treadmill.

Depends on who is walking ahead of you.

[Owlie]

I don't see how walking on a track is less boring than walking on a treadmill.

I prefer a track, especially outdoors. It feels like you're going somewhere, even if it is in circles. Of course, I'd prefer to be outside walking around on sidewalks, but they don't like that in PE classes...

[OakLeaf]

There are all sorts of explanations, and as the article points out, there weren't enough controls to sort among any of them. Intellectual stimulation? Sunlight (which has significant physiological and emotional effects)? Body mechanics? Fresh air (I know I breathe differently outside than indoors - can't say why or how, but it sure feels different)?

Even on a track you have some lateral movement to avoid obstacles, and the ability to change speed quickly to react to obstacles, start an interval, etc.