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
