When it comes to staying active, both outdoor walking and treadmill walking offer unique advantages for seniors.
For example, walking outdoors doesn’t require access to a treadmill and you get to enjoy the fresh air and everything else nature has to offer.
On the other hand, a treadmill allows you to walk anytime day or night, regardless of the weather, while providing additional safety precautions.
Ultimately, walking outside and walking on a treadmill can both offer the same health benefits, so the right option for you really depends on your safety requirements and personal preferences.
In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits, drawbacks, and key considerations of each option to help you choose the best fit for your lifestyle and fitness goals.
After reading, you’ll know which option is the better fit for your lifestyle.
Benefits of Walking Outdoors
Walking outdoors brings physical and mental health benefits that go beyond exercise:
- Mental Well-being: Being in nature has been shown to reduce stress, enhance mood, and promote relaxation, making outdoor walks both physically and mentally rejuvenating.
- Varied Terrain: Walking on different surfaces (like grass, gravel, or pavement) activates various muscle groups, improving balance and coordination.
- Social Interaction: Outdoor walking allows seniors to interact with neighbors or friends, which can help combat loneliness and improve overall happiness.
- Vitamin D Boost: Sun exposure is essential for vitamin D, supporting bone health, immunity, and mood. Even a few minutes outdoors can contribute to daily vitamin D needs.
- Easy on the Budget: another obvious benefit of walking outside is the simple fact that it’s free – you don’t need to purchase a home treadmill or join a gym to walk outdoors.
Drawbacks of Outdoor Walking
- Weather Dependency: An obvious drawback to walking outside is that you’re at the mercy of nature. Most seniors won’t want to walk when it’s raining, cold, or extremely hot, so you may not be able to get your exercise in when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
- Fall Risk: Walking outside in the real world comes with a lot more potential hazards. Uneven surfaces, traffic, pets, and other obstacles can increase fall risk for seniors. Using an appropriate walking aid or walking with a caregiver can help improve safety, but outside walking still tends to be more dangerous than using a treadmill.
- Limited Access: Some seniors may have limited access to safe, nearby walking paths, making it difficult for them to safely walk outside.
Benefits of Walking on a Treadmill
Walking on a treadmill provides a controlled environment, offering many benefits for those seeking a convenient, safe way to exercise:
- Controlled Conditions: Treadmills offer stability and even surfaces, reducing the likelihood of falls. With a treadmill, you don’t have to worry about curbs, uneven terrain, or other obstacles sneaking up on you.
- Weather Independence: With a treadmill, you get to walk indoors, where the weather isn’t an issue. This allows you to maintain a routine regardless of weather, keeping exercise consistent.
- Customizable Settings: Many treadmills offer variable speeds and inclines, allowing users to adjust their workout intensity easily.
- Convenience and Privacy: Treadmills provide an easy way to exercise at home, which can be especially valuable for those with limited mobility or transportation options.
- Safety Features: Most treadmills come with safety rails and handles, giving seniors a sturdy place to hold on while walking. These safety features can make a big difference for seniors with balance issues, mobility deficits, or who don’t regularly have a family member or caregiver to walk with.
- Lower Impact: Treadmills come with built-in shock absorbing systems that reduce the stress going through your joints. When walking outside, you’re often walking on unforgiving paved surfaces like sidewalks and roads. Walking on a treadmill is actually a very low-impact form of exercise.
Drawbacks of Treadmill Walking
- Not as Scenic: Walking inside on a treadmill can certainly be less entertaining. With less variety and fewer engaging visuals, treadmill walking can be a little dull compared to outdoor walking.
- Price/Access: High-quality treadmills can be costly, and cheaper models may lack stability or necessary safety features for seniors. The price alone can make purchasing a treadmill undoable for some families, while others may not be able to access a gym for regular treadmill use.
- Uncomfortable: Seniors who aren’t used to walking on a treadmill may find it awkward and challenging to do compared to walking outside. This can usually be overcome with a little practice, but some seniors may not like the feel of having a moving belt underneath their feet.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Outdoor and Treadmill Walking
Personal Safety and Health Needs
Safety is always the most important consideration when it comes to exercise.
Seniors with balance issues or those prone to falls may find treadmills with handrails and emergency stop functions safer.
However, if a treadmill feels too monotonous, the outdoor environment may enhance enjoyment (but don’t forget a lot of treadmills come with handy tablet holders, allowing seniors to watch their favorite Netflix shows while exercising).
Fitness Goals
If you’re looking to improve cardiovascular health and endurance, both options work equally well.
Walking outside usually involves navigating over different terrains and going up/down inclines of various degrees, all of which can help you burn more calories than walking on a treadmill indoors.
That said, you can make up for this by adjusting the speed and adding a little incline while walking on a treadmill.
If you’re training for an organized walk (3k, 5k, etc.), you may benefit from outdoor walking to prepare your body for the specific event.
And when it comes to mental relaxation and sensory engagement, outdoor walking is likely preferable.
Access and Convenience
For seniors with limited access to safe, walkable areas or who are prone to weather-sensitive conditions, a treadmill provides a reliable option.
The weather is always fine when using an indoor treadmill – whatever nasty weather is going on outside, you can still get your workout in.
That said, if you don’t have the budget to invest in a treadmill or readily available access to a commercial gym, treadmill walking may not be doable.
In these cases, outdoor walking may have to suffice.
Tips for Maximizing Benefits from Both Options
- Safety First: Wear proper shoes for both outdoor and treadmill walking, preferably supportive sneakers that are comfy and have a nice grippy sole. When walking on a treadmill, use handrails if you’re unsure of your balance or walking against higher inclines. When walking outside, it’s ok to use a walking aid or have supervision if it helps reduce your fall risk. Seniors should always be mindful of their balance and avoid overexertion.
- Set Goals and Track Progress: Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, tracking distance, time, and frequency can help monitor progress and motivate you to stay active. Any proper walking program should include these to ensure you’re working toward your fitness goals. And don’t forget, the CDC recommends seniors get 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise (like walking) each week!
- Alternate Between Both: Try walking outdoors when weather and energy permit and use the treadmill for colder or rainy days. This flexibility helps keep your exercise routine consistent, while adding a little variety. Of course, you need access to a treadmill to make this happen.
Final Thoughts
Both outdoor walking and treadmill walking have benefits that make them great options for seniors looking to stay active and healthy.
When deciding which route is best for you, consider your personal preferences, environment, and physical needs.
Seniors may prefer outdoor walking if:
- They’re mobile and don’t have any significant balance issues
- They live in a scenic area with easy access to walking paths
- They don’t have the room/budget to place a treadmill in their home
- They don’t have easy access to a commercial gym
And on the other hand, seniors may prefer walking on a treadmill if:
- They have balance deficits or aren’t as confident with their walking
- They don’t have access to safe walking paths outside
- They have the floorspace and budget necessary to purchase a treadmill (or have easy access to a gym)
And don’t forget – just because you use a treadmill doesn’t mean you can’t still switch things up and walk outside from time to time.
Going for a walk outside on a beautiful day is always a good way to get your steps in.
In summary, walking outside and walking on a treadmill can both provide the same health benefits, but each mode comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Regardless of which option you choose to include in your routine, you can still reap the numerous physical and mental benefits of regular walking.
The most important thing is that you keep walking!
