Treadmill Vs. Elliptical Trainer: Which Is The Better Fitness Equipment?
In today’s world where more and more people are getting to be conscious about keeping themselves fit and healthy, two of the most popular exercise equipment to have emerged are the treadmills and elliptical trainers. The treadmill has of course, been around for a longer time and is undoubtedly the top cardiovascular fitness machines, but the elliptical trainer is fast gaining ground.
A lot of debate has been sparked as to which of these two pieces of equipment gives the better workout. Here’s how a fitness trainer quickly sums up some of the differences between these two.
This treadmill vs. elliptical trainer comparison aims to discover the advantages and disadvantages of one over the other so you can find the most ideal equipment for your exercise needs. Let’s find out how the two stack up against each other.
Impact
Although the treadmill mat is still better on the knees than plain cement, it remains that the treadmill is still a low-impact movement machine. What this means basically for the user is that whether you are running or walking on the treadmill, your knee joints and lower body will still suffer from some sort of trauma.
With an elliptical trainer however, there is practically no impact on the ground so your lower body parts are trauma-free. This is the reason why the elliptical trainer is more popular with the elderly, those with knee problems, and physical therapy patients undergoing rehabilitation.
Training Form/Cardio Workout
If you are a running or jogging enthusiast, a treadmill can give your running form a boost and in general, gives the better training experience. The treadmill is therefore most ideal when you are training for a marathon or any running event for that matter.
On the other hand, if keeping an excellent running form is not that high up on your list of priorities, then the elliptical trainer is also a great machine for your cardiovascular workout. The dual action handlebars of the elliptical help the user have a complete body workout more conveniently. With the treadmill, you can also have your upper body workout by using weights or swinging your arms while walking. So if you’re after the exercise that you can achieve from either machine, matching up the treadmill vs. the elliptical trainer doesn’t yield that much difference.
Variety in Workouts
For those who think that working out on a treadmill can get pretty boring, they obviously haven’t tried the different workouts that can be done using this machine. By changing the treadmill’s incline, slowing down or increasing the speed, or integrating other fitness routine into your treadmill workouts such as stretching, weights, or side steps, you will be able to go through a variety of different exercise programs.
The same goes true with the elliptical trainer. The equipment’s incline and intensity are also adjustable and the dual action handlebars provide the upper body workout. You can also opt to have the foot pedals of this machine go either in forward or reverse motion.
Price
In comparing the treadmill vs. elliptical trainer, the price is always a major factor. Quality treadmills can be had at a price range of $1,000 to $2,000, while a good elliptical trainer costs about $600 to $1,000.
Treadmill vs. Elliptical Trainer – Overall Impression
On the whole, I’d say both the treadmill and the elliptical trainer have their own merits. Price-wise, the elliptical trainer does come cheaper, while already giving the full body workout that most individuals are after. The treadmill on the other hand, provides a more realistic running experience and is the best training equipment for serious runners. The choice would now depend on your needs and workout preferences.
If you are more inclined to choosing the treadmill over the elliptical trainer, read up on the two most reliable treadmills today – the Smooth Treadmills and the Sole Treadmills, and see which one is just right for you.
