Within the running community you may come across two different camps, those who love running outside, and those who prefer to exercise on a treadmill. While the choice often comes down to personal preference, there are many unique benefits to each.
Benefits of Running Outside
Fresh Air
If you’ve been feeling a little stuck indoors, an outside run is a fantastic way to get some fresh air and clear your head, benefiting both your physical and mental wellbeing. The air outside is higher in oxygen as well, which helps to boost your energy, clear your lungs, and lower blood pressure. Natural light can also help boost your vitamin D, which is critical for keeping bones and muscles strong and healthy, especially during the dark winter months that New England has to offer. Our Sherpa personal trainers understand lifestyle and environment, and might just recommend you get out and run as part of a custom training plan.
Explore New Areas
Going for a run outside is a fantastic way to discover Fairfield County or new places you visit while working on your fitness. You can run anywhere, whether you’re on vacation, visiting family, or exploring locations closer to home. Runners see landscapes with a different lens. So whether you are on roads and trails in Westport, Fairfield, or Wilton, they will look different on a run! Check out the Sherwood Island Trail or Grace Salmon Park Trail.
Naturally challenging
As you run outside, you’ll naturally encounter a variety of different surface types, whether that’s hilly slopes, grassy trails, dirt tracks or paved steps. Likewise, our coastal geography adds an element of resistance for you to run through. This means your run is more likely to challenge you and push you slightly outside of your comfort zone. As a result your whole body will have to work harder to keep you stable, strengthening your core, your ankles and legs even more. Dress for the seasons Fairfield County, CT has to offer and you will enjoy the time outdoors!
Free and flexible
All you need are shoes and clothes. Westport, CT and surrounding areas have quiet New England roads, free parks, and access to coastal beaches. Just grab your gear and run!
Benefits of Running on a Treadmill
Run in any weather
No need to put your exercise routine on hold just because it’s blowing a gale outside, or risk exhaustion during a heatwave; treadmill running means you avoid any weather extremes and can always stay comfortable and cool. While it’s possible for the wind and the rain, it takes extra time that you might not have. With a treadmill, you can keep running all year round during any weather Westport throws your way.
Customized settings to match your need
By playing with the settings on the treadmill, you can make sure you’re pacing yourself perfectly, with the bonus of being able to easily increase and decrease your speed for any high‑intensity training sessions. You can also increase the incline for a tougher workout, which is perfect when training for trail runs outside or simply pushing for a different type of challenge.
Gentler on your joints
Thanks to softer cushioning, the treadmill provides a gentler landing as you run compared with concrete, which helps to reduce the impact on your ankles, knees and hips. If you’re recovering from an injury or are prone to issues with your joints, it’s the safest option. Sherpa Fit uses Precor treadmills offering industry leading cushion, support, and stability.
Less gear needed
When running outside your kit needs to adjust to all manner of different variables including wind, rain, and snow. When running on a treadmill you just need one pair of running shoes and your usual gym clothing.
Less risk of injury
Working out on professional grade treadmills in our Westport, CT facility provides a high quality, supervised environment. Our equipment is clean, well maintained, and capable of both easy running sessions and intense intervals. Trainer’s program your workouts to fit your overall plan and guide and assess along the way.
So where are you going to run in Fairfield County?
Whether you choose indoors, outdoors, or a combination of both, Sherpa trainers are here to make sure that you are using running as an effective tool to Move Your Boundaries. With custom training plans, proper diet, and commitment to improvement, running can help you be your best.
