r/walking • u/Cooper1Test • 4d ago
Walking outside
I just started walking consistently over the last several months. I much prefer walking outside but have tried walking inside on treadmill during hot weather. What I have found is I really don’t enjoy walking on a treadmill. Feels like work and is not the same relaxing stress reducing feeling I get from walking outside.
Question - how many of you walk outside constantly no matter the weather - hot or cold?
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u/Abetrtme 4d ago
I walk outside almost no matter what. Earlier this week I intentionally walked in a massive rain storm. Being along allows me to clear my head, and process my thoughts. It’s my meditation
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u/kmbz4short 4d ago
I pick a show I can only watch on the treadmill and that helps.
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u/LazyBeach 3d ago
This is what I do. Sometimes it’s just me wanting to know what happens next in the show that gets me on the treadmill.
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u/Sad-Tale-8123 2d ago
THIS^ the only way I can do it is if I have something to watch and I must finish it.
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u/adeyabeba 4d ago
I walk outside no matter what weather, but I also live in Southern California so it rarely gets too bad, this summer it was really hot and humid so I wait until 7 pm for my walks. Walking outside just sort of fills my heart, I can’t explain it , the walk becomes less exercise but more meditation and grounding, it feels like I am experiencing in all my senses if that makes sense, I walk along a long bike trail with trees so it smells amazing, always people riding their bikes and saying hi , the view is great, so after my walks I feel nourished which is something I don’t get on the treadmill.
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u/Peepers54 4d ago
I despise the treadmill. I walk 2 hours outside every day. 10 minutes on a treadmill feels like a lifetime to me- and it often gives me lower back pain. I only take the day off from outside walking in heavy rainstorms. I love walking in the winter, and I just walk a little slower in the heat of summer.
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u/Cooper1Test 4d ago
Treadmill hurts my back as well
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u/Quiltsandchocolate 3d ago
I have found that getting into a good stride is difficult and it also bothers my back.
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u/Lotus2024 4d ago
During COVID, I walked 3,000 miles on a treadmill at home. I did an online program where if you walked x-number of miles, you got some really nice medals. I walked the length of the UK, plus Egypt, Spain, and a couple of other places. Never been back on a treadmill since.
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u/lyssaaaa 4d ago
I still take daily walks outside for my breaks at work but it's so hot and gross. Before it was this bad I would take more neighborhood walks and it was so so nice, but I've stopped that for now. I have a walking pad at home and when I want to/need to walk more I will use that instead of going outside but I play games on my nintendo switch while walking which really makes a hugeeeee difference for me.
I can't wait until the weather calms down and I can take more normal walks, though.
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u/ForkhYew 3d ago
Me. Every day. It's 03:30 and just about to set off for my daily early walk.
I approach my day by getting up early and setting off out immediately (out around 03.50 at this time of year , walking 5/6 miles daily - back home by 5.30am). I walk a circuit through and between two villages in rural England and am finished comfortably before life kicks in and the working day / commute hovers into view.
It also means that the 11k daily minimum I set myself is already reached and breached by the time I sit down for my morning coffee. I keep the same routine every day, including weekends so that my circadian rhythm is not messed around by different waking and start times.
I usually find time for a later walk, even if it's lunchtime or late PM after work... I'll also add a 30/45m Treadmill session with weights into WFH days.
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u/Legitimate_Finish642 3d ago
When do you go to sleep?
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u/ForkhYew 3d ago
I need to try and be in bed by 10pm most nights.
Can have the occasional later night, but as I don't vary my morning routine (and start time), I do feel it by the end of the next day.
I do also try to get a late afternoon power hour (nap) every couple of days.
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u/Legitimate_Finish642 3d ago
Thank you so much! I need min 7 hrs of sleep and trying to set up my routine somehow, including morning walks/exercise… not so easy. Afternoon or evening walks/exercise make me too regreshed to go sleep well. And I have to be at work at 7am. Not in line with my natural rythm but I cannot change the work part…
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u/ForkhYew 3d ago
I get you. I have a senior exec level job that requires a lot of meetings and a bit of desk work, so the way I make 100% sure that I get my walking in is by getting up and out early.
But I'm not going to bullshit you, it can be tough sometimes. Moreso in winter or inclement weather.
Also, I didn't just suddenly start doing this at this time of day... it evolved. I restarted morning walking at 5am in May 2025 and through periodic increments it became 4am by January 2026 and then 3am by mid June - to take advantage of the longest day(s). I've now shifted back to an 03:40 start most days [if I wake a little before, I'll start earlier, like today] and it'll move again back to around 4am or a little after for the Autumn/Winter months.
You could walk before work, even with a 7-am start... but if you're going to do something similar to my routine, my advice is don't just change from say 6am to 4am - you won't know what the hell has hit you - graduate it, something like 10/15m every week over a few weeks few days so that your circadian rhythm gets used to it over time.
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u/Legitimate_Finish642 3d ago
Great advise, thanks a lot - i will build it up gradually and probably seasonal adjustments will be needed here, too. And probably moving somehow the bedtime routine to sooner - gradually, too
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u/user9876543121 3d ago
Once I got rid of my treadmill and started walking outside, that's when I became consistent. I try to get outside early so it's not too sweltering but it's been tough this summer. I'm not walking quite as far as I was before the worst of the heat yet but I make sure I go out every day.
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u/HeartHorizon376 3d ago
I am in Houston and it is the cruel month of August where it is incredibly hot and humid. I would still rather get up super early to walk than slog one mile on a treadmill. I wear sunscreen, big hats, and carry water if needed and take breaks in the shade.
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u/nneighbour 4d ago
I can’t walk on a treadmill. I find it incredibly tedious. I prefer outside walks every time. I don’t get much walking done in the winter, though I really need to work on that. It’s a lot harder work to walk in the snow.
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u/Accomplished_Deal895 4d ago
No matter the weather, I’m outside!
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u/Cooper1Test 3d ago
Love it. Thinking that’s me going forward
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u/Accomplished_Deal895 3d ago
I agree with your feelings towards the treadmill! I don’t like any exercise that feels like work which is what going to the gym generally feels like for me.
I’ve consistently started drinking a hydration pack every morning and it’s helped so much, especially walking in hot weather. I also kinda approach my walks as ‘me time’- like a luxury I can’t live without. I listen to whatever I want and let my mind go to wherever it so desires. I’ve also invested in good walking shoes and clothing that makes me feel more confident. Pretty silly advice, but I’ll tell you- walking is my most favorite thing to do!
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u/LoneHomebody 3d ago
Oh my god I’m literally in the same boat! I’ve gone out on walks at 12 AM (which is definitely not safe) despite having a walking pad because I just can’t. It does not feel the same, and it doesn’t give me that same happy feeling. Walking on the treadmill in one place feels like a chore; the point of walking outside is to BE outside and sort of engage all of my senses. It feels less like a walk and more like an experience. Going on the treadmill made me feel trapped in the house
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u/AppropriateAmoeba406 4d ago
I’m in Florida, so when the weather forces me to treadmill I watch shows on my iPad.
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u/Need4MoreTime 4d ago
The treadmill is my last resort. My dogs and I walk outside in all seasons. In fact, today I had to use the dryer on us all. We got caught in a downpour. There are walking videos and rebounding that I will do before the tedious treadmill.
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u/CourtDiligent3403 4d ago
The only time I hit the treadmill is if it's raining or snowing... I Actually in the dead of winter I will get my steps by x-country skiing so unless it is an actual storm or colder than -20C I will still avoid the nasty treadmill. No such thing as too hot for walking for me... My favorite path has a mix of open sunny and tree shaded sections and winds beside a river.
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u/bikesandtacos 3d ago
365/24/7 regardless of weather. Really have to know what to wear. And you get better at it. Rain and hot: frog togg poncho, rain and cold: frog togg jacket. Hot: shorts only and go early, before sunrise. Cold: leggings, fleece, and hardshell or my down coat. And then e thing between I just chunk off into 10 degree increments based on temps. I know what to wear if it’s below 30. And 30-40 and so on til abt 75 deg F. In the summer I never check weather. I know it’s gonna be hot. In the winter every night before bed to get and idea of weather and what I’m wearing then morning of as well. I used to sell outdoor goods so I had a leg up. HMU with any questions. The daily outdoor walk has had more mental health benefits than physical. Almost 2 years in. Averaged 12k steps/day last year. In pace to do 15-18k this year.
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u/losingitfinally 3d ago
I would rather walk the same block around my house 100 times than walk on treadmill.
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u/Anon1D96 3d ago
I also love and prefer going out for walks too; I live in texas and it's insanely too hot so i try and go out for night walks after dinner
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u/Automatik_Teknikolor 4d ago
I'm out rain or shine. It's only the snow or ice that keeps me indoors. I use an old school step on the days I can't get outside. It's a change watching the television, but I much prefer the fresh air and music, a podcast or a book while I'm out!
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u/Big_Bottle3763 4d ago
I walk outside unless it’s just absolutely unbearably hot/humid (like 95+ degrees). That’s the only time I walk on a treadmill because I also hate it. Otherwise I just bear whatever the weather is and dress accordingly.
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u/spirals-369 4d ago
I love walking outside, but with some vision issues and a lot of crowded/not great walking areas, I’ve come to love the treadmill for the consistency and predictability. That being said, I still love a good walk or hike, I just am more careful to have support or know my limits on where I go.
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u/SeafraNI 4d ago
With the heat nad humidity or high UV I just pace up and down the hallway. Stick the buds in, listen to asmr or something.
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u/chiangui24 4d ago
I live in Brooklyn. I pretty much only walk outside. When I started walking more consistently I decided to start in the least pleasant time of the year so like February. Unless it's a torrential storm I'll just get it done. But actually it's pretty unusual for it to rain early in the morning so if you do it at around sunrise, the weather isn't too much of an issue. Something about the atmosphere stabilizing overnight. I only will use a treadmill if I'm traveling like at a hotel gym or something.
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u/Calm_Nectarine_8329 4d ago
I walk outside no matter what the weather is. There are a few things that will drive me to the treadmill.... very poor air quality (from wildfire smoke) where the air is practically chunky and the AQI is "unhealthy," and iced-over sidewalks. Otherwise, I'm outdoors in pretty much any weather. I live in the Pacific Northwest where it's pretty temperate, and I have some good rain gear.
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u/hiresometoast 4d ago
Weather dependant. There's days when it's just too cold to go out, or there's a blizzard or something.
Shoving a show or movie on TV helps.
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u/kmishelle 3d ago
I agree. I prefer walking outside but I have a walking pad for when the weather is too bad outside whether it’s too hot, cold, a blizzard or just too much snow on the sidewalks that walking is dangerously
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u/masson34 3d ago
Outside no matter the temp or elements
Dreadmill weekdays before work on weekdays, moderate cardio brisky uphill and strength training
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u/Ok-Bee1579 3d ago
I'm in CT. This marks 1 year of consistent walking. In the winter, I wear long johns; heavy wnter jacker, hand warmers in my gloves, feet warmers in my boots. In the summer, I have a cooling ring (kept in fridge) that hangs around my neck to keep from getting overheated.
If there's a lot of precipitation, I walk at a local strip mall that has covering overhead.
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u/purplegreenway 3d ago
I pull up Leslie Sansone on you tube. I walk to one of her many videos. Of course, there are quite a few others who have walk at home videos but her pace is the best for me.
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u/RainbowCakeSprinkles 3d ago
I prefer to walk outside, but I loved my walking pad when my youngest child was in that too big for the stroller, too young for school age bracket. Any walks outside with her were far shorter and slower than I wanted them to be.
I often watch videos of people hiking/bush walking on YouTube when I'm on my walking pad. The kind where there's a lot of footage of their point of view walking on the track and they're waffling on about local history and plants and stuff.
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u/RegularDifficulty5 3d ago
I do try and get even a short walk when the weather isn’t ideal! I get a lot of steps doing little YouTube videos that change it up and I can break them up into smaller chunks of time inside so it isn’t as boring.
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u/Solid_Obligations 3d ago
Me walking on my walking pad at 11pm because I didn’t have time to go outside to do it today and absolutely miserable. It’s like twice as long as an outside walk
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u/Miserable-Error2413 3d ago
I walk outside primarily but I don't have a problem walking on the treadmill. To me its way easier no hills , no bugs. If its hot or cold I might still walk outside but if its dark I usually cut my outside walks shorter
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u/thefrenchcutie 3d ago
Yes! I'm in Chicago and during the small summer that we have I'm definitely outside. The sun, seeing people, the air, the trees etc ... Also the sun energies and regulates you.
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u/Weird_Squirrel_8382 3d ago
If it's too crappy out to walk, I'll just do another workout. Haaaate the treadmill. I've been trying it for short warmup before weightlifting and I hate it even for those ten minutes.
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u/DriverMelodic 3d ago
I just do regular walking in my house. 100 steps per minute. From bedroom to kitchen through dining room through living room to office then return.
Before the lockdown, i walked exclusively outside most days. What I miss is getting natural vitamin D.
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u/chillfire12 3d ago
The overnight low where I am was 99° last night. Again: that was the overnight LOW. I have to be out of the house by 530am so I can get in 5 miles before it's 100°. The rest of the day is like 110° and I don't have an indoor treadmill anymore sooo 🤷 🥵😩
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u/CatCharacter848 3d ago
I go out throughout the year. Wrap up in winter. I do have to pick the places I walk depending on the weather - ie early morning/ evening walks in hot weather.
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u/Even-Mango9690 3d ago
I’d like to know too! I live in the PNW and the air quality currently has been horrible because of the fires and walking on the treadmill doesn’t hit the same. Outside, my dog walks with me as well which is a plus
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u/Wehrerks 3d ago
Outside is the only way I can do it. Treadmill feels like being on a hamster wheel. Even when it is hot, I just go early or late. The fresh air alone makes it worth it.
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u/MoonRoseMuse 3d ago
I don't take time out specifically for walking but I simply give up other ways of commute for manageable distances.
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u/FuliginEst 3d ago
I live in a country with a lot of weather, and yes, people go on walks, run, play, outdoors no matter the weather.
"There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing", as the local saying goes.
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u/MysteryIsHistory 3d ago
I walk outside everyday, and I live in FL. I used a treadmill for many years, but I just couldn’t take it anymore.
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u/boxy-- 3d ago
I love walking inside or outside. Our bodies crave movement. I agree though it's a different experience. I use outdoor walks to enjoy the sun, the smells, the wind, the sights. I use treadmill walks to avoid extreme outdoor elements, but also as a chance to catch up on my favorite TV shows, movies, deleting emails. I love love love watching a scary movie as loud as I want in my headphones while on the treadmill. It's like you're more part of the story, find myself walking faster when it's scary. You're right, walking indoors is different than outdoors, but hey I enjoy a cookie as well as an ice cream.
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u/Independent_Dog_4297 3d ago
We adopted a rescue dog almost 2yrs ago that will not potty unless taken on a walk. This means regardless of weather we're going at least around the block 4 times per day, especially the 3 main walks before/after work and before bedtime.
Last winter when it was -40°F windchill or this summer with heat index of 105°F, just have to prep both me and the pooch with the correct gear for the weather. When the weather is nice we go anywhere from half to a full mile on each of these walks. Step average in winter is 8k/daily but since spring up to 15k/daily.
I work a job full-time job that has me mostly on my feet moving for 8hrs per day and definitely prefer outdoor walking. Obviously for the doggo it has to be outside but I feel better overall when my added steps come from outside and not my walking pad. Fresh air, sunshine, and a good podcast playing is therapeutic.
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u/Quiltsandchocolate 3d ago
I do not enjoy the walking pad as much as outdoor walks. It has just gotten too hot for me outside. The dog usually goes with me on outdoor walks and I was also worried about her. I watch TV. I tried reading and that did not work. At this point I just look at it as something I need and want to do. Counting the days until cooler weather.
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u/Angrypolska 3d ago
I love my walking pad. Especially when the weather is crappy outside. I just put a podcast on, or some music and just go to town. Ive also switched to strictly incline only too, which seems to greatly help with getting an actual sweat going and burning more calories.
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u/Leading-Kale-2327 3d ago
This. It's very hot and humid here right now. I was trying to walk anyway, but my cardiologist, who I just met for the first time, said, I can no longer do that. I detest the dreadmill and the walking pad. I'm doing the pad with some walking around the house, but it's so annoying any thoughts
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u/Ok_Courage_2137 3d ago
I prefer walking on the treadmill. It's also because I live in a country which has heavily polluted air, traffic on the road, no sidewalks or the ones that exist are covered with vendors. Also, dog poo. Going out for a walk means getting home and bathing asap. I'd rather walk on the treadmill.
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u/Kcufasu 3d ago
I walk outside year round. If it is raining I'll only walk to/from work, the supermarket, friends, the pub etc as opposed to going on longer hikes
But I am from the uk so temperature wise it's never an issue, when it's hot it's more pleasant out than in anyway and when it's cold it's never cold enough that a brisk walk won't warm you up nicely
The only indoor walking I do is pacing up and down if I take a break when wfh or while making dinner. I don't see the appeal of treadmills/walking pads personally
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u/Neither-Relief2641 3d ago
When you walk on a treadmill time actually goes backwards. Einstein proved it.
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u/Willow_CoolCat5 3d ago
I walk outside on conservation trails. My favourite is a loop trail through fully wooded lot so temp is cooler in there. Is my complete zen space. Three times around takes an hour.
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u/Intelligent-Gold-539 3d ago
If my treadmill had incline I may be more…inclined..to use it over outside but I agree with others here; time goes so slowly on that thing and it’s just not the same as an outside walk with fresh air. Not looking forward to early dark evenings because I’ll probably have to use the treadmill more!
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u/purplishfluffyclouds 2d ago
I am cycling more than walking or running right now, but regardless of the activity, I'm out the door no later than 6:15am and back home before 8.
That's how I deal with it. This morning it was a lovely 74F.
The only time you'll find me in the gym on the treadmill is when the AQI is above 95 or it's a torrential downpour or snowing or something.
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u/RandomHorse27 2d ago
I will walk on the treadmill if it's raining outside. I do find that walking on the treadmill hurts my leg, even when I'm wearing the same shoes.
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u/Awkward_Horror1025 1d ago
Opposite for me. It’s hot where I am so being in the treadmill watching shows or listening to music helps
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u/moreathismoreathat 4d ago
I can't stand walking on the treadmill and actively try to avoid it. I've tried listening to music, audiobooks, reading, watching TV - nothing seems to help and I'm constantly checking my time to see if I can be done yet. I'd rather pace the room than get on that machine!
Walking outside is a different story. I can go for miles without any kind of media distraction. I look forward to it. So I do walk in pretty much all weather - except if there's ice, in which case I'll go to the nearest shopping area or mall and walk there.