Fitness

Should I run indoors or outdoors?

I’m thinking of taking up running. Is it better to run on the road or on a treadmill?
Bob Winchester, Northamptonshire

Matt Hart answers: Running outside is more interesting than running on a treadmill, which can mean you run for longer for the same level of mental effort. In short, you’ll get fitter more easily. However, a good treadmill will have a sprung running surface that helps prevent injuries such as shin splints and stress fractures, so there are pros and cons to both.

If you do choose to run on a treadmill, you must set the elevation to a minimum of two per cent because effective running involves upward and forward propulsive forces. If you don’t set the elevation you’ll just be pushing yourself up and down, a bit like running downhill.