Treadmill VS Elliptical

Many people are using the treadmill for their jogging and running practice at home. It is probably the most popular machine in the gym. However, in recent years, elliptical trainers have been catching up in the popularity stakes because of their several features that a treadmill does not have.  Treadmill VS Elliptical, Which one you should Buy?

This is a choice that most people have to make when choosing gym equipment for their home. Both is perfect for weight lost and exercise. Sometime it is hard to make the decision and choose between these 2 exercise machines.

Do not you think that Treadmill VS Elliptical is a hard decision to make? To make things easy, let’s break down the features and compare each of them:

Treadmill Causes More Impact On Our Body Than Elliptical Trainer

In treadmill vs elliptical, you will notice that you are exercising above the ground on an elliptical. Since there is no impact from the ground, experts believe that this is suitable for your lower body and joints. This is what a treadmill can’t do. Although the padding on the treadmills belt does reduce some of its impact toward our body, but there is still a significant amount of impact on your joints compare to elliptical.

Treadmill is Bigger in Size Than Elliptical

As you can see, treadmill is simply bigger and take up more space due to its long running belt. Anyway, you can choose a folding treadmill which allow you to fold up the treadmill for easy storage purpose. For elliptical trainer, it only needs a smaller space due to its design.

Treadmill Has Better Contribution in Fat Burning.

There are many theories say that treadmill can let you burn more calories compare to elliptical trainer. This is because treadmill work out is considered more intensive than elliptical. Experts say that we can burn calorie if our heart rate is high. You can hit higher heart rate when exercise on a treadmill compare to elliptical. This makes treadmill has the advantage on fat burning. You have to work out longer in order to burn the same amount of calories you burn in treadmill. For more information, you may refer to my article, treadmill vs elliptical weight loss

Elliptical is  More Cost Effective

Both treadmills and elliptical trainers have a wide price range. They are not much different from each other. However, the nice thing about elliptical is you can get a decent machine around $1000 which can serve you for many years. However, you may have to spend more than $1000 in treadmill for any running or intense workout. In terms of cost, elliptical will be the winner for elliptical vs treadmill.

Treadmill is Suitable For:

Obviously, in treadmill vs elliptical, treadmill can provide a better training experience for a dedicated runner than an elliptical trainer. If you are training for a marathon and you don’t want to go out during cold weather, then you should get a quality treadmill. Most of the treadmill experts suggest that we should buy a quality treadmill for running purpose.

Elliptical is Suitable For

Elliptical trainer is suitable for people who look for a quality cardiovascular workout. This is because most elliptical trainer gives you a total-body workout. On an elliptical, you can train both your hands and legs. However, treadmill only focus on your lower body as they only simulate the jogging experience. Therefore, it is no wonder that elliptical is recommended for elder exerciser or people with knee problems.

So the Final Decision is…

Currently, treadmill is still the hottest exercise machine in homes and gyms. However, elliptical trainers are gaining popularity. So what is the winner for treadmill vs elliptical? The answer depends on your purpose.

If you are a runner and wish to participate in any marathon competition, then you should buy a treadmill. Treadmill can provide the best training and help you to prepare for the competition.

Other than that, I will recommend you to buy an elliptical. It has less impact on your body, and it provides overall exercise for both your hands and legs. Since it provides less intense workout, your body can catch up with it easily. Besides that, this elliptical is suitable for all people including those with knees or legs issue.

Suggested Reading:

• Treadmill Reviews
• Treadmill VS Elliptical Weight Loss
• Elliptical Trainer Reviews
• How You Buy a Treadmill
• How You Buy an Elliptical Trainer

Conclusion for Treadmill VS Elliptical

Which one you should go for? It is a very hard question to answer, let’s break down the features and compare each of them:

	Treadmill	Elliptical Trainer
Which is Most Likely Cause Injury?	Treadmill can cause some jarring and trauma to our lower body. The padding on the treadmill belt does reduce some of its impact toward our body.	Elliptical trainer provides a smoother movement which compliments with our body natural motion and has zero impact. This is appropriate for our joints and knees.
Which one is the best choice for the home?	Treadmill will take up more space.	Elliptical trainer only needs a smaller “footprint”.
Which can burn more fat?	Treadmill can let you burn calories fast.	You have to workout longer in order to burn the same amount of calories on the treadmill.
Pros	The treadmill gives you strong legs. When you train to run on a treadmill, you have an activity that can be taken with you anywhere. It can be done outdoors, on vacation and anytime you need to workout. Treadmill can train you on running and let you participate in any competition you like in future.	The elliptical trainer gets both your legs and arms to exercise. It’s easier to use than a treadmill and can be used for a longer period without tiring.

Ok, hopefully this has helped you evaluate the benefits of Treadmill vs Elliptical Trainers.