While treadmills provide steady, flat surfaces, it’s a good idea to change it up with trail running, which offers elevation changes that constantly activate your core and ankle muscles. According to Altra Running, runners who opt for off-road training tend to report better balance and neuromuscular control, as well as stronger legs, compared to indoor running. The natural, softer terrain provides a ‘stretch-resistant’ surface that minimizes the impact on your joints.
According to data from the Sport and Fitness Industry Association, this is a fast-growing outdoor sport that has continued a decade-long growth trend in the U.S. It outlasts many of the traditional outdoor activities trending today, and it's the type of sport that is accessible to runners of all skill levels.
You do not need to wait to join a running squad or a mountain range. You simply need to go outdoors and run on your nearest community public trail.
Changing from your usual gym practice to outdoor sports adds physical variety to your routine that your body benefits from. This includes engaging your core muscles beyond workout machines, and it gives you a reason to check the weather each morning and engage with nature.
