Everyone who works out in a gym knows about elliptical trainers and treadmills. While treadmills have been a staple in gyms and homes as well, the elliptical trainer is a relatively new entry and has grown in popularity in just a few years. However, the fact is that even though elliptical trainers are being used extensively, many people are not aware of what it can be used for. Before exercise, it is very important to have the right knowledge about the advantages and limitations of both these crucial machines. So without any further delay, let’s look at the differences in a little more detail:
The elliptical trainer:
This young machine is a revolution among exercise machines. It gives you a complete body workout when you place your feet on the holders and keep your hands on the handle bars. Your body’s center of gravity doesn’t move anywhere with this particular stance- you remain stable throughout the duration of the workout, which is usually for 30 minutes at a stretch. The machine is built in such a way that you don’t need to actually lift your legs while exercising, which is great for people who have knee or leg problems like arthritis.
However, the machine fails to actually push the boundaries, which doesn’t make it a very good ‘workout’ machine. While it does give a full body workout, the level of the workout is quite mild. In addition, your feet can also get numb since it keeps moving at the same pace. Also, the body workout is pretty uneven- it affects one body part more than the other because you just cannot move your arms at the same pace of your legs.
The treadmill:
The treadmill also gives you full body workout, especially if you are running on the incline. In fact, it gives you all the benefits of running on any track or pavement. The treadmill can seriously push you to faster speeds or longer times, making it a great workout machine. However, a treadmill can take a toll on your knees and your legs, because it is, in reality, a hardcore workout machine. So, if you have weak legs or knees, a treadmill would not be the best option for you in the long run.
When you look at both these machines, you would realize that although they are put under the same category and deliver the same type of exercise, they are suitable for completely different kinds of people. In the end, it depends on your physical condition and preferences when you want to go for an elliptical trainer or a treadmill.
Photo via Jonathan D. Blundell
