Both the treadmill and elliptical trainer are cardio fan favourites. They are great machines for burning calories and shedding pounds, but is one better than the other?
Being a cardio fiend myself, I regularly use both of these machines to keep my workouts interesting and to change my routine. There are definitely pros and cons to both pieces of equipment.
The Treadmill
Pros
-The treadmill gives you strong toned legs. Running daily is a guaranteed way to slim down and get killer quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes and calves.
-Conditions your heart and lungs better than most machines
-It Is incredibly functional. Running is something we as humans, are naturally designed to do. Knowing how to run is useful in everyday situations such as keeping up with your kids or catching a bus.
-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.
-If you are good at it, you can take your runs to the races whether it be professionally or for some weekend fun runs for charity.
Cons
-Running is hard on the joints, tendons and ligaments. Running requires you to take days off, to allow recovery.
-Running is not for everybody. The heavier you are, the more likely it is you will be injured. People that are overweight or inexperienced should not start their fitness journey with runs. However, walking on the treadmill is absolutely wonderful for any weight or skill level.
-Many people are uncomfortable running in the gym with all the bouncing around and bright red faces.
Elliptical Trainer
Pros
-The elliptical trainer gets your whole body involved. You use both your legs and arms.
-It is very easy on the lower body joints. There is no impact as your feet stay on the pedals the entire time.
-There are many options to keep you interested. Intensity adjustments as well as just using your legs, or arms and going forward and backwards.
-Ultimately it's easier to use than a treadmill and can be used for a longer period of time without tiring. It's also a great starter machine for beginners.
Cons
-The elliptical is popular and hard to get on to in a gym. It's also an activity you cannot do outside of the gym or home, if you have one in your home gym.
-It is a myth that the elliptical burns more calories than the treadmill. Using your arms helps to burn but the lack of using your body to propel yourself forward, actually evens out the calorie count in the end. They both burn about the same amount.
-When the intensity is not high enough the elliptical is practically useless. On a low setting you can be on for an hour and not break a sweat. It's crucial to up the intensity to at least 10/20.
-Using an elliptical machine for an extended period of time can eventually give you a repetitive strain injury in your shoulder. The constant push and pull motion everyday is not ideal for long term use.
Bottom Line
Ultimately both of these machines are fantastic and it comes down to individual preferences and abilities. If you believe running on a treadmill is torture than by all means, use the elliptical and vice-versa.
Both machines have their advantages and disadvantages so try them both out and make your decision. If you are like me, you will end up loving and using them both.
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