subject: Deciding Between An Elliptical Trainer Versus A Treadmill [print this page] Deciding between all of the different types of exercise equipment on the market takes a lot of consideration. Make sure you understand the differences between them before making your final choice.
Finding the right piece of exercise equipment can often be a trying task. There are so many different programs, controls, and machines that one can utilize in order to get a good workout.
When you visit the gym, probably the two most prevalent types of cardio machines are the elliptical and the treadmill. Both have benefits and drawbacks, but it is ultimately up to you to decide which may be the better choice for you.
Cardiovascular exercise is essential to any workout regime; it works the heart, gets blood pumping, reduces calories, and burns fat. Many people prefer to get their cardio outdoors, through running, biking, swimming, or hiking, but a lot of individuals simply do not have the time or the ability to do so.
It is often easier and safer to increase your heart rate in a gym environment, due to weather, the time of day that you prefer to exercise, or the business of your schedule. Both elliptical machines and treadmills offer benefits to the body.
Using an elliptical will give you a low impact workout that will also work your upper and lower body. Because your legs move in an elliptical motion and do not make contact with a flat surface, there is less strain that is placed on them, along with joints and knees.
The workout is basically like walking in midair, and follows the same motion of walking, jogging, or running. Some argue that treadmills offer a better workout, because they are able to break more of a sweat and run faster.
While this may be true for some, this type of machinery can be tough on the body. It is estimated that runners impact two and a half times their weight when exercising on a flat surface.
This can jar the body and cause damage to the knees, hips, and lower back over time. Both types of equipment are forms of weight-baring workouts; this means they allow your legs and muscles to provide resistance against your weight and mass.
Stationary bikes do not offer this benefit, because you propel yourself while sitting. Another benefit of the elliptical is that it works both arms and legs.
One must use their arms in cooperation with other limbs while they jog or walk, because they help to move its parts and propel the foot pedals. In a sense, it offers a whole body workout, because everything is coinciding to make the apparatus move.
The treadmill does not offer this option; an individual must swing their arms to propel themselves when jogging, but there is no strength or resistance that is required. Some may argue that this is better, and that individuals who utilize the previous form of equipment end up doing more work with their upper body than the lower.
Both apparatuses have installed programs that one can utilize to vary and change their workout. These offer different speeds, resistances, inclines, and so forth.
Either way, individuals are able to mimic the type of terrain and environment that they would experience if they were outdoors. This is a great way to challenge your muscles and cardiovascular system, no matter which type of equipment you choose to use.
On both types, the controls are usually found in the center console and are pretty self-explanatory. You can browse through the different settings and programs available to find the one that best suits you and what you would like to accomplish for that day.
The majority of these machines mimic climbing on hills or interval training through different speeds and resistances. It may be necessary for you to try a few different settings in order to find the one that works for you.
When it comes to how they operate, it is usually understood that the elliptical offers the benefits of less maintenance than a treadmill. The latter type is powered by a motor and belts and can often experience problems or difficulties as you use it more frequently.
However, warranties are set in place to protect them, usually at least for one to two years. The other machine experiences less issues, simply because it does not have as many technical and moving parts.
Therefore, it offers the owner a lesser chance of having to make frequent repairs. No matter which type you choose, both can offer you a great workout that will help you look and feel your best.
