Elliptical trainer gives treadmill a run of its money
Should I buy an elliptical trainer or treadmill? Before you make any purchasing decision on which exercise equipment is best for you. Read this comparative guide on elliptical trainer versus treadmill.
Two of the most popular exercise equipments today are treadmills and elliptical trainers. These are excellent tools for indoor aerobic work out. Treadmills have been around much longer than elliptical trainers. Yet, elliptical trainers are quickly catching up and wind their way into modern gyms.
Elliptical trainer versus treadmill
Advantages of treadmill
Indoor use
Walking is the way to go for those who desire to be physically fit without much need for coordination. It is a simple form of exercise that anybody can do from beginner to seasoned athlete. The only disadvantage is to check the weather before going out for a walk or jog. Treadmill remains to be a choice for those who prefer jogging, running, or walking. It is a perfect equipment for dedicated runner and jogger even during the winter season. It does not time to be figured out whereas elliptical trainers can be tricky for beginners to use.
Work out variety
A treadmill provides work out variety of a different intensity than elliptical trainers. A treadmill lets you walk, run, jog, walk uphill, and do intervals and programs.
Advantages of elliptical trainer
Less impact on joint than a treadmill
The most hyped advantage of elliptical trainer is its lack of impact on the joints that allows users to burn roughly the same number of calories compared to treadmill users. What is even great is the impression of exertion of movement with considerably less effort. Users of elliptical trainer burn the same amount of calories while feeling like doing less work. The feature of lower impact makes it an excellent choice for those with joint problems such as knee or hip problems as well as elderly or rehabilitation patients.
Overall body work out
Maximize work out when you invest time working out on elliptical trainers. Its dual action upper body arms as well as foot pedals make an overall total body work out possible. The treadmill most focuses on the lower body that limits the movement of certain muscle groups. The elliptical works your entire body for an overall cardiovascular work out.
More variety in work out
An often overlooked feature of elliptical trainers is the ability to move in both forward and backward or reversible direction. The feature of backward movement targets different set of muscles than when you go forward. It basically is a difference of hamstrings versus quadriceps. The pedal motion in reverse targets the lower body in a completely opposite way. It targets quadriceps and will soon feel them burn after a few minutes. When you are going forward, you feel like a cross country skier hitting the long slopes. It helps add variety to your work out and keeps you focused and motivated.
Which exercise equipment is better than the other?
Treadmill versus elliptical trainer is clearly a battle where you get to be the judge. Find out which equipment fits your budget, space at home and health condition. Always buy a specific exercise machine that you will enjoy using. When you find work out enjoyable then the more calories you will burn, more weight lost, and a better body achieved.