Treadmill vs. Elliptical Trainer: Which is Better?

The two most popular exercise machines are treadmills and elliptical trainers. Although treadmills still outsell ellipticals, crosstrainer sales are growing at a faster pace. So if you are looking to get into shape and loose a few pounds, which machine is best for you?

The Advantages of a ...The two most popular exercise machines are treadmills and elliptical trainers. Although treadmills still outsell ellipticals, crosstrainer sales are growing at a faster pace. So if you are looking to get into shape and loose a few pounds, which machine is best for you?

The Advantages of a Treadmill

The major appeal of treadmills is the fact they accommodate two of the most popular forms of exercising – walking and running. Neither takes any special skills or coordination.

A treadmill lets you adjust your level of exercise with the speed and incline control. You can simulate any type of terrain, and can achieve any level of exertion. Combined with heart rate control, a treadmill can optimize your exercise by adjusting the intensity of your workout through your heart rate.

Treadmills are equipped with a variety of challenging programs to help motivate your exercising. By adjusting the incline and speed, they can simulate running on hills. Many are also equipped with interval training exercise programs.

Many treadmill models allow you to fold them, thereby minimizing their floor space.

Treadmills are designed to absorbed impact, and reduce the stress to you ankles, knees and lower back. The reduced impact is significantly less than on asphalt or concrete.

The Advantages of an Elliptical Trainer

Elliptical trainers exercise both your upper and lower body. It works out your legs, back, shoulders, chest, biceps, and triceps. In fact, it exercises more of your leg muscles than a treadmill. In addition, most elliptical trainers allow you to reverse the motion, thereby exercising even more muscles.

Because you exercise more muscle groups and build more muscle mass, you are able to burn more calories in less time. Several experts have suggested that because of the efficiency of the dual action workout, there is a lower perceived level of exertion. In other words, you are working harder and burning more calories at a lower perceived level of intensity.

Elliptical trainers offer a low-impact workout. Because your legs follow an elliptical motion, and there is never any reverse action, the impact to your lower body is reduced significantly. In comparison, running on a treadmill can impact as much as 2.5 times your body weight when you strike the deck. Elliptical trainers are particularly attractive to aging baby-boomer and individuals suffering from strains and injuries.

Due to the fact there is no impact and less moving parts, elliptical trainers are less likely to have mechanical problems in comparison to a treadmill.

So which is better in achieving your fitness goals - a treadmill or elliptical trainer? It depends on which machine is most likely going to motivate you to use it. For people who thrive on walking and running, the treadmill is an ideal choice. In fact, some people find the dual action workout on an elliptical to be awkward.

For those looking for a more total body workout, with less impact, then an elliptical trainer is perfect. My recommendation is to spend some time on both machines in your local health club or “Y”. Find the equipment that best satisfies your comfort level. Regardless, both treadmills and ellipticals offer an excellent and challenging form of exercise.