So which exercise machine is better: the treadmill or the elliptical trainer?
While treadmills are still the #1 piece of home exercise equipment, elliptical trainers are quickly catching up. This leaves many people wondering 'Should I buy an elliptical trainer or a treadmill?'
While there are definite differences between the two, it really boils down to you - the buyer. This article will lay out the benefits of both the treadmill and the elliptical.
When you know the benefits each machine gives you, you'll know better which piece of exercise equipment is best for your needs.
Elliptical Trainer Vs. Treadmill
Advantages of Treadmills:
- Great for runners, walkers and joggers:
The treadmill is still the machine of choice for those who prefer running, jogging or even walking.
It's obviously a smarter choice for the dedicated runner/jogger than an elliptical trainer. Plus it can help you train even in the winter months when you don't want to run outside.
Walking is a simple form of exercise that anyone can do - from beginner to seasoned athlete. It doesn't take much coordination.
You don't have to be supercoordinated to figure out how to use a treadmill whereas ellipticals can sometimes be a little tricky to use at first.
- Provides workout variety:
A treadmill also provides workout variety of a different kind than the elliptical. A treadmill allows you to walk, run, jog, walk uphill, do intervals and programs. You can even build in upper body handweights if you want.
Advantages of Ellipticals:
- Less impact on your joints than a treadmill:
What is interesting is that this lack of impact on the joints allows the user to burn roughly the same amount of calories as treadmills with the impression of putting out considerably less effort.
So you burn the same amount of calories while feeling like you did less work. (This is called the 'Rate of Perceived Exertion')
This lower impact also makes the elliptical trainer an excellent choice for those with knee or hip problems, the elderly or even rehabilitation patients.
- Provides an overall body workout:
With the dual-action upper body arms as well as the foot pedals, you are getting an overall total body workout. Whereas the treadmill most focuses on the lower body, the elliptical works your entire system for an overall cardiovasculer workout.
- Provides workout variety:
One feature that is often overlooked on an elliptical is the opportunity to move in both a forward and backward direction.
When you go backward you are targeting a different set of muscles than when you go forward (hamstrings vs quadriceps). This helps add variety to your workout and keeps you motivated.
So those are some advantages of both elliptical trainers and treadmills. Is one machine better than the other? It really depends on who you are and what YOU enjoy doing.
Here's the bottom line:
If you enjoy using a specific exercise machine more than others, you will exercise more often - which means more calories burned, more weight lost and a better body achieved. That is the best exercise machine for you.
Keep in mind that whichever machine you choose - you usually get what you pay for. Don't skimp on your health to save a few bucks - you can still find great value for your money, especially online.
So look around and find a quality treadmill or elliptical from a name you trust. For a list of elliptical manufacturers that sell direct to the consumer, check out our 'Where To Buy' page. Good luck and have fun!
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