@livelaughlove. “This is only true if you’re using a treadmill with no incline.”
That’s not entirely correct. It’s certainly true that an incline will give you a more challenging and effective workout. But, it’s still not as good as walking outside.
—Even with an incline, the moving tread does some of the work for you. You don’t get an equal push off the backs of your heels.
—A treadmill has no downhill! You use different muscles to go uphill vs. downhill, and it’s preferable to train and build both sets of muscles.
—Holding onto a treadmill’s handrails, which many people don’t realize they may do as they become tired or distracted, will reduce the calories burned.
—There’s no wind resistance indoors.
—Walking outside challenges balance and stability—going up and down curbs, handling steps, tackling sloped sidewalks and roads, dodging people and puddles, etc. It’s effective to move side-to-side or around things as well as forward.