If you belong to a gym, you may notice that the two pieces of exercise equipment that seem to be used the most are the treadmills and elliptical trainers. They are also the most popular machines for an aerobic workout at home. But if you look closer, you will probably see that more people are using the ellipticals than before and more ellipticals are being sold for home use these days.
A comparison of their features, benefits, and negatives should explain why.
Comparing Elliptical Trainers and Treadmills
Elliptical trainers are newer to the fitness world than treadmills and as is often the case, newer technology is better than old technology. An elliptical trainer can provide the cardiovascular workout that a treadmill does, allowing you to burn as many calories as on a treadmill.
But the buzz on ellipticals is that the workout is virtually impact free. Years of jogging on the streets or on a treadmill can take a toll on the joints. Your feet never leave the surface of the elliptical pedals. It is like running on air. This type of workout is ideal for older people whose joints are suffering the test of time and for anyone recovering from a joint injury.
Treadmills, however, may provide a more authentic training experience if you are a life-long runner and like to participate in competitive races. Some people prefer a workout with more impact, believing that this type of workout is better for strengthening bones. However, a workout on an elliptical can also build bone density.
A workout on an elliptical trainer may provide higher quality cardiovascular benefits than with a treadmill. The elliptical can give you a full body workout. The way the foot pedals move copies the normal way you walk with a full leg extension and rotating hips. It forces you to use all of your leg muscles and gives your lower body a full workout.
Treadmills focus completely on the lower body. The elliptical can also provide an upper body workout. The handlebars on an elliptical trainer move as the feet perform the elliptical movement. Your arms on the handlebars go through a motion similar to cross-country skiing. This results in a cardiovascular workout that is 30% more efficient than on a treadmill. Both arms and legs working together allow your heart rate to elevate more quickly. This means you can limit your workout time to only 20 or 30 minutes.
On the elliptical, you can also move the foot pedals in reverse. This will target different muscles and breaks up the monotony.
Just like with treadmills, you can change the resistance of the elliptical to increase the amount of work your legs must do.
Elliptical over Treadmill
For an avid runner who spends a lot of time training, the treadmill is probably the way to go. But if you have to choose the best machine for the most complete workout without the jarring impact that can hurt your back and damage your joints, the elliptical trainer is the best choice.
Photo via Mimar Sinan
Elliptical machines are being praised by personal trainers and physical therapists alike for the safe and effective cardio exercise they provide. Elliptical machines are designed specifically to reduce impact on the joints, especially the ankle, knee and hip, during cardio exercise, while at the same time creating challenging and invigorating workouts.
Those who have decided to purchase an elliptical for their private homes may be surprised to find that there is a great variety of ellipticals for sale and that the prices can range from a little over $100 to well over $5000. Why such a price difference?
The truth is, as it is with many things, you get what you pay for.
Elliptical Prices – Cheaper Doesn’t Mean A Better Bargain
Where you are in your physical fitness is going to play a large part in what type of equipment will satisfy you. How much you have to spend is another large factor but in many cases it may serve you better to simply save a little longer in order to buy a model that is well-built and backed by a decent warranty.
One of the leading manufacturers of ultra-basic elliptical machines is Weslo. Their machines can be found in popular retailers such as Sears and K-Mart. They sell well, mostly because of their price, and are advertised as being a machine for the beginner. It is often noted that someone who purchases a Weslo elliptical typically buys a better model with a year or two.
These stripped down ellipticals are short on bells and whistles, but it’s more than that. The construction, while deemed safe, is generally not expected to hold up for longer than a few years at best and the warranties are virtually nonexistent. Trainers and health professionals have expressed concern that the limited leg movement hampers any true physical benefits. Consumers, who do like the price, don’t like the wobble and the squeaking when they begin their workouts.
Spend a Little More and Get a Great Product
Unfortunately for those of us without elastic bank accounts, it is essential to spend a bit extra if we want a truly great machine. Elliptical machines designed by manufacturers such as Precor, Smooth or Sole are constructed with great attention to the natural movements of the body, with large and smoothly running flywheels created to allow for wide strides as well as quiet movement. These machines come with competitive warranties, some as high a one year.
It’s worth your time and money to purchase an elliptical model that has had serious and professional attention spent upon it.
Beware of Spending Too Much Money
Companies such as Nautilus offer very expensive elliptical machines. But are they worth the extra money?
When comparing consumer reviews and professional comments it is clear that spending too much doesn’t necessarily get you a better product. Most elliptical machines top out in the mid-range. A few bell and whistles are added thereafter to boost the price but are rarely worth it.
Stick with a good, mid-priced machine and you’ll have exactly what you need.
Photo via Chris Denbow
