Treadmill v Prairie Lane: Which Gives Better Results?
For most of the year, my fitness routine lives in the living room, credit to the snow and ice outside! I’d hop on my old, early-2000s treadmill, lace up my socks and sneakers, and walk a steady pace while watching TV. It was predictable and convenient. But now that spring is really here (no more snow encroaching in May) I’ve taken my “122-step rhythm” out onto the private L-shaped roads of our acreage, and the results have been eye-opening.
The Data: Living Room vs. The Lane
I’ve always been a fan of tracking my pace. On the treadmill, I usually aim for a steady 122 steps per minute at about 3 km/h. It’s a great, low-impact way to get moving. However, when I stepped onto the flat prairie road, something surprising happened.
With a mild wind at my back and the wide-open horizon ahead, my body naturally “leveled up.” My cadence jumped from 122 to a brisk 141 steps per minute, pushing my speed to about 3.5 km/h.
Outdoor Lane: 141 steps/min (Brisk & Energized)
Treadmill: 122 steps/min (Focused & Steady)
Cadence Comparison
Serotonin vs. The Screen
Watching TV on the treadmill is a great distraction, but it doesn’t compare to the “soft fascination” of the outdoors. Walking past our hayfields provides a serotonin boost that a romcom just can’t match.
The “distractions” outdoors—the wind, the birds, the now visible grass—actually keep the brain more engaged. While the treadmill is a controlled environment, walking the lane requires me to physically push myself forward, making the workout feel more rewarding.
A Walking Partner with a Job
One thing the treadmill definitely lacks? A hunting partner. My cat Vega loves to join me on my walks, popping in and out of the hayfields as I make my rounds. On a recent walk, he even managed to catch a mouse while keeping pace with me! It’s those little moments of farm life that turn a 40-minute “workout” into an experience.
Reliability and Gear
Even though I’ve moved outdoors, my gear stayed the same: a reliable pair of socks and sneakers. While they are a safety must on my trusty treadmill, they are even more essential on the gravel and pavement of our farm roads.
Final Thoughts
The treadmill is a great tool for bad weather, but the outdoors is where the faster progress happens. Between the higher step count, the fresh air, and the feline company, the “L-shaped” lane wins every time.
Ready to Lace Up?
Whether you’re stuck inside with a treadmill or have a country road of your own, there’s no better time to start. Even 15 to 30 minutes of brisk walking a day can transform your health by:
- Boosting your mood: Those natural endorphins are the ultimate stress-buster.
- Strengthening your heart: Just 21 minutes a day can cut your risk of a heart attack by 30%.
- Clearing the mental fog: Walking outdoors is proven to improve focus, memory, and creativity.
Try a “Walking Combo” this week!
Pair your walk with a favorite podcast, a catch-up call with a friend, or—if you’re lucky—a stroll with your cat.
Need a Little Extra Motivation?
If you like to track your stats or want a bit of a “game” to keep you going, here are few highly-rated appsI found on the ‘net: Disclaimer – I don’t use apps.
- For the Competitor: Strava (Great for community challenges and tracking your pace over time).
- For the Explorer: AllTrails (Perfect for finding new scenic routes near your home).
- For the Goal-Setter: Pacer (A simple, reliable pedometer for both Android and iPhone users).
- For the Gamer: Zombies, Run! (Turns your walk into a fun, immersive story where you’re the hero).
What about you? Do you prefer the steady rhythm of the treadmill or the fresh air of the open road? Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite way to get your steps in!
With love,
Susan
(Treadmill Photo credit Pexels)