Running Outside vs. Stair Stepper: What’s better?

It’s winter. I LOVE winter. I really do! But the cold weather has a tendency of making me less motivated to work out. I am a dedicated runner, but the past couple weeks I took a break from running outside because I didn’t want to run in the cold and the wind. Instead of running outdoors, I began working out on the stair stepper while watching Hart of Dixie. (So good!) This change in my workout routine definitely altered how I felt on a day to day basis, and found it so interesting! 

Typical Weekly Workout Routine

I normally run four times a week, always outside. I’ll usually run anywhere from three to eight miles, but my go-to distance is five miles. It takes 45 minutes (the perfect amount of time for a lunch break), and it’s a good amount of time to clear your head. 

Why running outside is good for your mental health:

• Running outside gives you life. Breathing in fresh air clears your head, and it makes me personally more level headed haha.
• It’s a great way to see new things. Find a path that takes you by a creek or through an open field, and just take in the scenery. If you’re bored with your current views, change up your running route so that you run through a cool neighborhood. Having new things to look at is always fun!
• Getting some Vitamin D can improve your mood. Feeling the sun on my face while I run is one of my favorite feelings!
• Running now can help you achieve your goals later. Do you need to be in good shape in order to accomplish a goal you have? Personally, I love to hike Fourteeners, but they are hard.  Being able to look up at the mountains during my run is such a great feeling, because 1. they are beautiful and 2. it makes me want to get into great shape so I can hike them in the summertime! 
• Taking time to not look at a screen is so important. Try using your lunch break to be alone with your thoughts rather than eating at your desk while scrolling through social media. See how the rest of your afternoon goes with this change! You may not even need that 3 o’clock cup of coffee!
• Listening to music that you love can instantly improve your mood. I use Spotify (which I would highly recommend!), and what I love about this app is that you can make any playlist that you want. Take the time to create a playlist that you love, and you’ll be surprised how much more fun running can be with the right music!

Stair Stepper Workout Routine

I rarely work out inside, but since I was feeling a little unmotivated recently, I thought just being around all the gym equipment would help me get in the zone. I do the “interval” program on the stair stepper for 40 minutes. The stair stepper at my gym has different levels of difficulty ranging from 1-10, and I can usually survive level 7 haha. 

What I love about the stair master:

• You can burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. The interval program really gets your heart rate up, so it’d be like mixing sprints into your run. 
• It’s easy on your knees and joints. The stair stepper I use is actually two pedals – not stairs. So you get the benefit of climbing stairs without the actual impact.
• Your lower body is being sculpted while you’re getting cardio, so it’s a double whammy.
• You can catch up of your favorite show while getting exercise! Believe me, I NEED to watch TV while I do the stair stepper, otherwise I’ll get bored!

Outfit Details: Leggings || Similar Sweatshirt* || Shoes: here and here || Hat || Jacket**

*Exact pullover is sold out!

** This puffy is actually the liner for my ski jacket. It’s so warm!

What’s better: running outside or the stair stepper?

For me personally, there is nothing like a good run on a sunny day. I always feel like I get a better workout when I run outside versus using the stair stepper or even a treadmill. When I need a pick me up, I’ll always choose getting fresh air rather than being in the gym. Like I said, it’s important for me to take time away from my phones / screens, and running with no distractions is the perfect way to unplug from the social media world!

What’s your favorite kind of cardio workout? Do you prefer the treadmill, stair stepper, or the pavement?

Thank you for reading!!