Im an Exercise PhysiologistHeres Why You Shouldnt Worry About Cortisol Spikes When You Do HIIT Workouts.

I still remember the feeling of accomplishment after my first treadmill run.

Several sweaty miles later, it was love at first run.

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Eighteen years after that, I still prefer treadmill running to outdoor running.

That is, until COVID-19 hit.

I had no choice but to take my runs to the pavement… which hadneverclicked with me before.

image of a person doing a low lunge yoga pose in a pink sports bra and matching leggings on their blue yoga mat in the middle of their living room, learning the best yoga poses for your zodiac sign

former lead trainer, Charge Running

Jogging now felt like I was running in place rather than bouncing at a casual 5-mile-per-hour on the tread.

Thats because there are legitimate biomechanical differences when you look at treadmill running versus outdoor running.

When youre outside, you have to activate them on your own.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

Without a moving running course, you have to doallthe work yourself.

Does Dancing Count as Cardio?

Pavement or tread belt, its the miles that keep me moving forward.

woman sweating in the gym

The most important lesson?

Stop comparing the two.

Six months later and I still havent stepped onto a treadmill.

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

Pavement or tread belt, its the miles that keep me moving forward.

Wherever youre running, be sure to do it in proper formheres how:

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Tara Davis-Woodhall of Team United States celebrates with husband Hunter Woodhall after winning the gold medal in the Women’s Long Jump Final on day thirteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 08, 2024 in Paris, France.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.