The Great Debate: Running vs. Gym Workouts – 5 Pros and Cons – Is running better than gym ?

Is running better than gym – This is an ever green debate that just never gets old. There will always be people who will take sides and will have their own reasonable justification on why the one they choose is better then others. But its like any other form of fitness regime, consistency is the key. We have people who would swear on the simplicity and freedom of juts hitting the pavement every day and grinding hard, while other would prefer a verity of equipment’s and beauty of variations in exercises, repetitions, progressive overload and comfort of working out indoors irrespective of climate conditions.

We will deep dive in the role of both in our life along with advantages and disadvantages that can help us decide for ourselves.

Running – Pros and Cons – Is running better than gym ?

Running also popularly known as Cardio is one form of cardiovascular exercise that helps improve your heart health, boosts endurance and help you manage your weight as well. What exactly is running, its typically to keep you heart rate at an aerobic level (in presence of oxygen) for long and enduring workout for multiple health benefits. Different from Sprinting and Jogging, though they come under same category but serves different purposes.

Pros –

• A very fast and effective way to burn your calories, specially if you are looking to burnout those excess calories from your cheat meals.
• The are many studies on how Running can help improve your typical health conditions like Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver etc.
• If you are a beginner or starting your fitness regime from scratch, It gives you a quick and effective estimate on your resting, average and maximum heart rates in proportion to the intensity your body can withstand and you can gradually set your pace accordingly.

Cons –

• Sadly there is no guarantee that the weight that you will lose is all fat tissue, excess or unexpected cardio strain can also start to burn your muscles gains along with fat, resulting an unwanted weight loss.
• Your body can get habituated running due to lack of multiple options for variation, therefore hitting a plateau in your fitness journey

Gym Workouts – Pros and Cons – Is running better than gym ?

Pros –

• You have multiple variations you can hit with your workout regime in the gym like, PPL (Push, Pull, Leg), High load intensity less repetition (Fast twitch Muscle fiber), Low intensity high repetition (slow twitch muscle fiber) etc.
• This is an excellent way to have a sustainable weight loss, which body can get habituated to, making it hard to put on weight fast.
• You can make you body a fat burner machine by making your body muscular in comparison to only running or cardio.

Cons –

• Effects of the weight loss and body transformation is slower compared to running
• Multiple variations to pick and choose might be overwhelming for beginners, resulting in mindlessly copying what you see in gym done by others.

Considerations for Choosing Between Running and Gym Workouts:

Running and Gym workouts offers a plethora of benefits, both for physical and mental health. When deciding between running and gym workouts, there are several factors to consider. Your fitness goals, preferences, lifestyle, and access to facilities all play a role in determining which option is best for you. If you enjoy being outdoors and crave the freedom of movement, running may be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer structured workouts and access to a variety of equipment, the gym may better suit your needs.

Combining Running and Gym Workouts

In my opinion best way to deal with to gain the maximum benefit from your fitness journey would be the combination of both in moderation, this is also recommended by many certified Fitness trainers across the globe. This allows for a well-rounded fitness regimen that includes cardiovascular exercise like HIIT or aerobic running, strength training, and flexibility work. Mixing up your workouts also prevents boredom and keeps your body challenged, leading to better and sustainable results over time.

Conclusion – Is running better than gym ?

In conclusion, the decision between running and gym workouts ultimately comes down to personal preference and individual goals. Both options offer unique benefits and can be effective forms of exercise when incorporated into a balanced fitness routine. Whether you prefer the freedom of running outdoors or the variety of equipment available at the gym, the most important thing is to find an exercise routine that you enjoy and can stick with long term.

So, are you Team Running or Team Gym? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below and join the conversation on the pros and cons of running vs. gym workouts. Let’s explore the diverse world of fitness together and inspire each other to stay active and healthy.