My city has an absolutely fantastic park, and there’s a long track that extends from it along the edge of the town. It’s a gorgeous, tree-lined path perfect for everything from walking your dog to riding a bike to running.

Now that the temperatures are calming down a little here on the east coast (I’ve been waking up to 70-degree temperatures instead of 90), I’m moving some of my workouts outside again and, if you haven’t already guessed, that means hitting this track every morning.

Don’t get me wrong: I’m no stranger to treadmill walking and I know there are lots of great treadmill workouts out there. I also know that for some, treadmills are the only option for walking, jogging, or running.

However, for me, when it comes to walking on a treadmill vs. outside walking (or running!), I’m going to choose outside workouts every time.

Here’s why.

I spent the majority of this past weekend on a boat, and let me tell you, after spending weeks focusing mostly on work (read: sitting in front of a computer), both my body and mind welcomed the bright sun, warm temperatures and refreshing water.

On the way home last night, my friends and I faced the harsh reality that we probably have only a few weeks of comfortable outdoor weather left.

One friend was especially sad about it (he thrives during the warm, sunny months, spending every free moment he can boating, swimming, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities that are more enjoyable in the spring and summer months) and started making a list of all the things he wants to do before we start waking up to frost.