Elliptical Versus Treadmill - How Do I Decide?

In the fitness industry, the debate revolving around the treadmill vs elliptical continues and for good reasons, too

. On one hand, ellipticals and treadmills are essentially cardiovascular fitness equipment designed to promote exercise movements with the expected benefits being improved levels of endurance, increased metabolic rate and better overall health particularly where the heart and lungs are concerned. On the other hand, treadmills have definite advantages over elliptical trainers and vice versa. With this article, we shall endeavor to put in our two cents' worth of opinion.Both treadmills and elliptical trainers provide for low-impact exercises since the motions involved are similar to the natural movements while walking and running. However, the elliptical trainer is preferred by many fitness enthusiasts because it offers no impact upon contact with the foot pedals. You will observe that most people with joint problems in the lower back, knees and ankles go on to the elliptical trainer more than on the treadmill.This is possible because your feet do not leave the pedals during the entire workout session. Now, contrast that with walking or running on a treadmill when the foot impacts on the tread surface. So, in the debate of treadmill vs elliptical, the latter wins in the low to no impact category.Still, we must emphasize that the no-impact benefit of elliptical can also work against its favor. Keep in mind that the impact made by the foot on the tread surface significantly contributes to the formation of stronger bones. Thus, if you have no joint problems and you want stronger bones, then we suggest the treadmill as the better exercise equipment.Yet another advantage to treadmills is the better training opportunities for the fitness enthusiasts who prefer running as a form of exercise or who engage in running for competitive purposes. It definitely beats enduring the inclement weather when you have to train for a marathon.But therein also lies one of the main points in the treadmill vs elliptical comparisons. Because the treadmill can only provide for running exercises with a few degrees of incline and decline, there is little variety in the workouts. Take note that for average exercisers and fitness fanatics alike, the wide variety of possible workouts achieves two things. You will be able to ward off boredom from the repetitive movements and you can challenge your body in new ways. In this case, the elliptical trainers win the bout, so to speak.Also, treadmills can only provide for lower body workouts since the movements are concentrated on the hips down to the legs. In contrast, ellipticals provide for both upper and lower body workouts, thanks to the movements required of the feet on the pedals and the hands on the handlebars. Still, if it is only lower body workouts that you are after, then a treadmill should suffice.So, if you are to choose between the treadmill vs elliptical, it will boil down to your personal needs and preferences. Read the features and benefits of the fitness equipment before making your decision especially as money is involved.

Elliptical Versus Treadmill - How Do I Decide?

By: Mike Singh

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