Treadmill vs Elliptical: Choosing Between Elliptical Exercise Machine and Treadmill Exercise Machine

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Elliptical exercise machines are one of the two of the most popular choices of exercise equipment – with the first one being treadmills.

Both ellipticals and treadmills are great for getting some aerobic workout indoors – without the need to go out in the inclement weather conditions.

Generally, treadmills are much more popular because have been on the market much longer. However, elliptical trainers are quickly catching up, as they become the exercise equipment of choice of many fitness enthusiasts.

If you are planning to buy an elliptical machine or a treadmill then you may first want to take a look at this quick comparison of the two exercise machines mentioned above.

What is the difference between a treadmill and an elliptical machine? Generally speaking, a treadmill provides you the option to work or run during your workout, while an elliptical trainer machine gives a full body workout, providing better conditioning for your heart and lungs and helping you burn more calories in the process. Let’s look closer at some of the pros and cons of each exercise option.

Ellipticals Provide Low Impact Workout

Ellipticals Provide Low Impact Workout

When deciding which exercise machine to get, it’s important to think about what type of workout you have in mind.

If low impact, high intensity, full body aerobic workout is what you are looking for, then an elliptical trainer may just be a perfect choice for you.

Most people who have tried the elliptical can attest to the fact that it is mostly impact-free, when compared to running on the treadmill machine. This is great news for those who wish to protect their joints from exercise injuries. On the other hand, for serious runners who want to get a great running workout at home, the treadmill is probably a better option.

Ellipticals Provide Full Body Workout

People who wish to get quality cardiovascular workouts with maximum efficiency would do well to consider elliptical trainers, especially those that have dual-action handlebars and foot pedals.

This may be the best way to give yourself a total body workout; plus, the lack of impact on your joints allows you to burn the same amount of calories on the elliptical as you would on a treadmill, but with less effort.

Therefore, it’s no wonder that ellipticals are now the machine of choice of many individuals, especially the elder exercisers who need to take care of their sensitive joints and brittle bones.

Ellipticals Are More Compact Than Treadmills

Another factor to consider is the size and design of the equipment versus the space you have available for working out and storing the equipment.

Generally, ellipticals and treadmills both require about the same amount of space, but treadmills are often a little bit larger. Although some portable treadmills provide an option to fold them for storage, these models are usually not as sturdy and reliable as a larger models. Elliptical trainer machines tend to come in a more compact form that fit perfectly in a small nook or corner of a master bedroom or office.

Ellipticals Are Slightly Safer

Elliptical workout machines are also considered to be slightly safer. The design of the elliptical trainer requires your both feet to remain on the pedals throughout your entire workout, which results in fewer injuries while working out. Some injuries associated with treadmills are foot pain, shin splits and weakened knees.

Elliptical vs treadmill weight loss: Treadmill Has Better Contribution to Calorie Burning

Treadmills Cause More Impact On Our Body Than Elliptical Cross Trainer

When you compare treadmills to elliptical machines, you will notice that you are exercising above the ground on an elliptical. Since there is no impact from the ground, experts believe that this is suitable for your lower body and joints. This is what a treadmill can’t do. Although the padding on the treadmills belt does reduce some of its impact toward our body, but there is still a significant amount of impact on your joints compare to elliptical.

Treadmill is Bigger Than Elliptical

As you can see, treadmill is simply bigger and take up more space due to its long running belt. Anyway, you can choose a folding treadmill which allow you to fold up the treadmill for easy storage purpose. For elliptical trainer, it only needs a smaller space due to its design.

Elliptical vs Treadmill Weight Loss: Treadmill Has Better Contribution to Calorie Burning

When comparing elliptical vs treadmill weight loss, some say that treadmill will let you burn more calories compare to elliptical machine. This is because treadmill work out is considered more intensive than elliptical.

Experts say that we burn more calories if our heart rate is high. You can hit higher heart rate when exercise on a treadmill compare to elliptical. So, in the fat-burning, weight loss department, treadmill seems to have an edge over elliptical. You have to work out longer in order to burn the same amount of calories you burn in treadmill.

Now, if you really want to burn lots of calories, try sprinting. Now, you may be thinking “I’m just getting started with a routine, it’s not safe to sprint.” And that would be true. But when I say “sprint”, that means going as hard as YOU comfortably and safely can, for a short period of time. If you normally walk pretty slowly, pick up that pace so you’re challenging for YOUas much as possible, then recover by walking more slowly again, and repeat.

Here is a treadmill workout example:  After a warm up, go as fast as you can for 30 seconds. Recover with a walk or slow jog for 90 seconds, then do it again. Start with five and build up to 10 sprints, adding one sprint each week. Do this two to three times per week. It’s very efficient, effective and the quickest way to lose fat.

So, What’s Your Choice?

Of course, the choice is up to you. Both machines provide an excellent way to work out at home while watching TV and keeping an eye on your kids. They also allow you to get a good workout when weather is bad and you don’t feel like going out for a walk or run. Both machines can be adjusted to different intensity levels, thus allowing you to vary your routine from time to time.

While there are some advantages to purchasing a treadmill exercise machine, the elliptical exercise machine is a better choice for many people. The elliptical trainer provides an effective, safe workout in a minimal amount of time. The elliptical is also easier to store in your home.

Perhaps a treadmill can be used in conjunction with an elliptical trainer, but in the end, the elliptical trainer is the recommended option for people with injuries.

Ultimately, however, in the elliptical vs. treadmill debate, you should go with the with the workout equipment that will best motivate you and prompt you to work out more often. Choose the one that you like better, as you will likely use it more often, and the machine that you’ll use more should win.

There is no benefit of any great exercise machine if it’s collecting dust in the corner of your living room.

But if you do end up owning a treadmill or elliptical – and not using it as much as you would like, don’t despair. Just try this trick: Promise yourself you won’t turn the TV on unless you’re on your exercise equipment, then every time a commercial starts, go as hard as you possibly can, until the show comes back on.

If you are wondering which elliptical trainer to buy, read my other posts Buying Elliptical Exercise Equipment and Elliptical Trainers Benefits: Should You Be Buying an Elliptical Machine? If you have made up your mind, then you can Buy an elliptical machine here.

You may also be interested in some exercise bike reviews.

Questions? Comments? Exercise Tips?

Why not add to the conversation in the comment section below! Are you trying to lose weight? What type of diet are you following? What are you struggling with? Want to share some exercise tips with fellow readers?

I’m looking forward to hearing from you!