Elliptical Machines and Treadmills: Which to Choose?
It is difficult to choose a piece of home exercise equipment when you have two options like elliptical machines or treadmills. Both offer great advantages which make it a personal preference more than anything.
First, let's cover the basics. Studies show that elliptical machines and treadmills offer similar cardiovascular benefits, and that both machines burn a comparable number of calories per workout. That's good news if burning calories is your only concern.
What's interesting, though, is that users of elliptical machines have consistently reported a sense of expending considerably less effort during their workout than treadmill users.
A big reason for this is the full body workout offered by elliptical machines. Elliptical machines extend the cardiovascular workout to the arms, back, chest, legs, and hips, without ever overtaxing a single muscle group. This is a fantastic opportunity for those who do not enjoy exercise, but are in need of a cardiovascular workout.
Another benefit of elliptical machines is the overall variety they offer over the variety offered by treadmills. With treadmills, the speed and incline changes offer some variety. Elliptical machines allow you to change settings of speed and incline as well, along with resistance settings, and forward or backward options for a wider workout variety.
This type of variety offered by elliptical machines gives the user a safer workout and could have a positive effect on your training in the long run because your body will get used to the variety as opposed to a regular routine.
Lastly, the joints and overall pressure may be a concern when exercising. Many runners experience joint problems later in their lives due to the pressure on the joints that is impacted with each step. The wide range of circular motion offered by elliptical machines relieve pressure on the joints that running cannot.
When all is said and done, elliptical machines and treadmills both allow the body to burn calories and have great indoor exercise. If you have other concerns such as overall workout, safety, or joint problems, then you should give some thought to the matter before deciding.
Trying to find the best elliptical machines? Check out Octane Fitness and take the tour!