The Ultimate Showdown: Elliptical vs. Treadmill

I can’t decide whether I should be using a treadmill or elliptical at the gym? What are the benefits of each? 

With so many cardio machines to choose from at the gym, it’s important to know which one is going to give you the maximum results in your workout. The treadmill has been around for ages and is the closest resemblance to running outside. Most runners or workout novices tend to lean more towards the treadmill at the gym since it’s easy to use and no skills or coordination is required. The elliptical on the other hand is the treadmills most competitive cardio machine. With similar workout styles, the elliptical can deliver the same workout benefits, if not more. So, what are the benefits of using the treadmill verses the elliptical?  

Treadmill

• From walking, to jogging, to running, the treadmill can be used in so many different ways. Not to mention one can change the intensity by mixing up the incline or speed to challenge the body and produce the desired effects.  
• The treadmill provides a low impact, high intensity workout. Running outside can put one at risk for knee and joint injuries from the impact of running on hard surfaces. The treadmill on the other hand absorbs the hard impact on joints. Although there is still a slight impact on the body, it’s significantly lower in comparison to running on the asphalt.  
• As a runner, the treadmill is a perfect way to beat the heat running those hot summer days and cold winters. One can also use a heart rate monitor as well as adjust the speed to run a certain amount of miles in a certain amount of time.  
• The treadmill gives so many health benefits including building cardiovascular endurance, burning calories, increasing bone density, and boosting one’s mood while trimming the waist line. Walking to running, the treadmill works the lower body and core. The leg muscles get a great workout to build those sexy calf muscles that are perfect for that black dress.

Elliptical

• The elliptical has little to no impact on the body when it comes to joint stress. With the steady stride of the feet gliders, the ankles, knees, and hips don’t have to face the hard impact one gets while running on asphalt or treadmills. Therefore, the elliptical is perfect in prevention of joint injury or for those who have joint problems to begin with.  
• Unlike the treadmill, the elliptical not only works the lower body, but the upper body as well through the use of gliding handrails. Your legs, core, back, shoulders, and arms are all working hard to not only burn calories but also tone the body and build muscle. Reversing the glide of the machine by going backwards will work even more muscles such as the hamstrings and triceps where as going forward works the quadriceps and biceps.  
• The resistance that works against both the upper body and lower body increases the heart rate at a fast pace, ultimately burning more calories than other cardio machines. While the elliptical gives maximum benefits of working the whole body, research has shown that the elliptical’s “rate of perceived exertion” is much lower than the treadmill. This means that while the body is exerting tons of energy, it doesn’t feel like it. Therefore one can go longer on the elliptical without getting worn out.  
• The only downfall of the elliptical is the coordination one needs in moving both the upper and lower body in synchronization. Many people have a problem with this, which is why the treadmill might be more favorable.

Conclusion  

The elliptical obviously gives the maximum exercise benefits over the treadmill. However, like any exercise, enjoyment is key in finding a cardio machine that fits you best. You are more likely to stick to your workouts when you enjoy what you are doing which will in the long run give you the maximum benefits.