Treadmills Vs. Ellipticals
Treadmills and elliptical trainers are two of the most popular pieces of exercise equipment. They are excellent tools for getting an aerobic workout indoors. A treadmill is an exercise device consisting of a continuous moving belt on which a person can walk or jog while remaining in one place. On the other hand, an elliptical trainer (or cross-trainer) is a stationary exercise machine used to simulate walking or running.
When you compare treadmills versus elliptical trainers, you will quickly realize that ellipticals have only been marketed recently, but treadmills have been around much longer, and are more well-known. However, before you go and buy that treadmill, you may want to give elliptical trainers a second glance.
When you compare treadmills to elliptical trainers, you will know that the elliptical trainer offers an impact-free workout. It may appeal to people who need a gentler workout because of joint problems or pain. After all, it has been the machine of choice for senior exercisers with knee problems, as well as physical trainers who are involved in rehabilitating their clients.
Meanwhile, the treadmill offers more impact, which helps strengthen the bones. It provides a better training experience for a dedicated runner/jogger than an elliptical trainer. If you are training for a marathon, and you don’t want to go outdoors too often during the colder months, you are certainly better off with a quality treadmill.
If you are looking to purchase a machine for home gym use, cost is a large consideration. Nowadays, prices of both vary depending on the different features. Very high-end treadmills could be purchased at approximately $2,000. Consumer reports suggest that durable models of elliptical trainers begin at $2,500.
Both the treadmill and the elliptical machine have been hyped to burn a lot of calories. However, which burns more? As with any exercise program, the calories burned depend on your weight and the level of exertion you put into a workout. A 20-minute workout on a treadmill at a 5 percent incline, with a pace of 30 minutes per mile burns 122 calories for a 180-pound person. The same person exercising for the same duration on an elliptical trainer will burn 252 calories. From this, we can say that the elliptical machine is a more efficient workout with less damaging impact on your body.
So what’s your choice? Only you will have the final say for yourself. Get down to your local gym, register as a guest and spend a considerable time trying out treadmills and elliptical trainers. Also, consult your doctor about any physical and medical conditions that may affect your ability to start a new exercise program.
