Elliptical Trainers Vs Treadmill ? Which One Is Best?
So which exercise machine is best: the treadmill or the elliptical trainer?
While treadmills are still the #1 piece of home exercise equipment, elliptical trainers are quickly catching up. This leaves many people wondering 'Should I buy an elliptical trainer or a treadmill?'
While there are definite differences between the two, it really boils down to you - the buyer. This article lays out the benefits of both the treadmill and the elliptical so you can make an informed decision and choose the best machine for you.
Treadmill Benefits:
· Great for runners, walkers and joggers:
The treadmill is still the machine of choice for those who prefer running, jogging or even walking.
It's obviously a smarter choice for the dedicated runner/jogger than an elliptical trainer. Plus it can help you train even in the winter months when you don't want to run outside.
· Suitable for any exerciser:
Walking is a simple form of exercise that anyone can do - from beginner to seasoned athlete. It doesn't take much coordination.
You don't have to be supercoordinated to figure out how to use a treadmill whereas elliptical trainers can sometimes be a little tricky to use - especially for beginners.
· Provides workout variety:
A treadmill also provides workout variety of a different kind than the elliptical trainer. A treadmill allows you to walk, run, jog, walk uphill, do intervals and programs. You can even build in upper body handweights to work your arms, back and shoulders.
Elliptical Trainer Benefits:
· Lower impact on your joints than a treadmill:
What is interesting is that this lack of impact on the joints allows the user to burn roughly the same amount of calories as treadmills with the impression of putting out considerably less effort.
So you burn the same amount of calories while feeling like you did less work. (This is called the 'Rate of Perceived Exertion')
This lower impact also makes the elliptical trainer a great choice for those with knee or hip problems, the elderly or even rehabilitation patients.
· Provides an overall body workout:
With the dual-action upper body arms as well as the foot pedals, you are getting an overall total body workout. Whereas the treadmill mostly focuses on the lower body, the elliptical works your entire system for an overall cardiovasculer workout.
· Excellent workout variety:
One feature that is often overlooked on an elliptical is the opportunity to move in both a forward and backward direction.
When you go backward you are targeting a different set of muscles than when you go forward (hamstrings vs. quadriceps). This helps add variety to your workout and keeps you motivated.
So those are some advantages of both elliptical trainers and treadmills. Is one machine better than the other? It really depends on who you are and what YOU enjoy doing.
Here's the bottom line:
If you enjoy using a specific exercise machine more than others, you will exercise more often - which means more calories burned, more weight lost and a better body achieved. That is the best exercise machine for you.
One final note: Remember that whichever machine you choose - with exercise equipment you basically get what you pay for. Many people buy cheap equipment and then pay for it later in the form of equipment repairs, joint problems and painful injuries. Make sure you buy a high quality brand name machine with a solid warranty that was built to last.
Kathryn O'Neill is the chief editor for Elliptical Trainer Review
For more elliptical buying tips, brand reviews, and best buys visit http://www.EllipticalTrainerReview.com
Reprint Rights: Feel free to reprint this article on your website or in your ezine as long as the 'About The Author' section is included and ALL LINKS ARE CLICKABLE
Latest News
NeuroActive Bike: America’s First and Only Mind-Body Fitness ... Business Wire (press release), CA - ... Dr. Bergeron recommends following a program of three to four 20-minute sessions per week on this unique neuroactive brain fitness equipment, ... |
Exercise equipment put to the test abc7.com, CA - Quite a few of them are for exercise equipment that promises to get you looking great in no time. But do they? Fitness machines in TV infomercials promise ... |
Want to Get Fit? Don't Buy Exercise Equipment... Male Pattern Fitness - So if you spring for a piece of home exercise equipment, you're actually less likely to stick with a new exercise program than if you joined a gym, say, ... |
If you could have just one piece of exercise equipment in your ... IdahoStatesman.com, ID - ... muscle can be overlooked in the emphasis on cardio workouts, says Lance Henning, manager of Gym Outfitters, a Boise-based fitness equipment dealership. ... |
Dr. Anthony Alessi: Tips on how to stick to resolutions Norwich Bulletin, CT - Equipment. Any investment in fitness equipment is a good investment if the equipment is used. Sturdy machines that can be used with minimal difficulty are ... |
January busy month for new gym memberships StarPhoenix, Canada - "You can sell a good piece of fitness equipment." Before investing in anything, consumers should take the extra time to consider what they're buying and how ... |
 Fresh News | How do I find the best gym for me? San Diego Union Tribune, CA - Do you have to stand in line to use your favorite exercise equipment? If it's too hectic or stressful, it may not be a good fit for you. ... Finding the right gym for you Sometimes the gym doesn't fix it Make the gym work for you |
Gym Power to Power the Gym FitSugar.com, CA - Most fitness equipment contains a spinning wheel which can be used just like a windmill for creating energy. At the Green Microgym, the treadmills and ... |
Simple ways to test your strength, fitness, balance Newsday, NY - Actual measurement requires access to the right equipment (see accompanying sidebar), but there are plenty of ways to get a rough idea of where things stand ... |
Women's Guild offers classes and ‘Biggest Loser' competition for ... Hancock County Journal Pilot, IL - Members have keyless entry access to the exercise equipment porch 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A monthly schedule of classes is sent to members. ... |