running on a treadmill can feel harder than running outside due to a variety of factors. one of the primary reasons is the reduction in horizontal force acting on the body, which reduces the effective mechanical power available from the legs. This decrease in force is caused by the presence of air resistance, which is absent when running on a level surface outside.
another factor is the different gait patterns used on the treadmill versus running outdoors. when running on the treadmill, individuals tend to reduce their cadence (steps per minute) and increase their stride length to make up for the reduced effective force. this change in gait requires the muscles of the legs to work harder to move the body forward at the same speed.
Additionally, the use of a treadmill encourages aconstant stride length, which can make running feel harder over time as the body adapts to the consistent pace set by the treadmill. thisconstant pace can be more mentally exhausting than physically demanding, leading to feelings of fatigue and a greater sense of effort despite the same perceived effort.
The monotony of running on a treadmill can also contribute to feeling harder. The lack of variation in the workout, combined with the repetitive nature of treadmill running, can lead to boredom and a decrease in motivation. this monotony can result in a slower perceived effort despite the same pace being maintained, making the workout feel more difficult., the increased wind resistance, changes in gait patterns, the need to maintain a constant stride length, and the monotony of treadmill running can all contribute to the perception that running on a treadmill is more difficult than running outside. However, these factors are primarily psychological, and over time, the body can adapt to the demands of treadmill running and even improve its performance through consistent practice.
