Treadmill vs Elliptical - Which is Better?

Treadmill vs elliptical . . . it's a common comparison these days when buying fitness equipment. Both machines have advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we'll cover some of the key points you should consider before you make a purchase.

Treadmills vs Elliptical Machines - Which is Best for You?

If you're deciding on which exercise equipment to buy for the first time, it can be a hard thing to do. There are so many types of fitness equipment out there that it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs.

Most people start off simple, buying some of the least complicated and most popular on the market. Two of the most popular types of exercise equipment available are treadmills and elliptical trainers.

When you are buying a treadmill or an elliptical trainer, you are possibly spending thousands of dollars. So, you don't want to waste money by making the wrong choice.

Let's take a closer look at the factors to consider . . .

Treadmill vs Elliptical - A Closer Look

Treadmills have been around much longer than elliptical trainers, which means that they are definitely more popular when it comes to exercise equipment. But, before you go with the most popular product, you should weigh the pros and cons of each.

The most basic difference between treadmills and elliptical trainers is that they can have different levels of physical impact on your body.

Elliptical trainers have little impact, as they provide a smooth stride motion when compared to treadmills. Elliptical machines appeal much more to people who have arthritis and other joint or body pains, or those who are recovering from injuries.

As for treadmills, they mimic the motion of running and walking. And when you are running or walking, your joints and bones withstand a lot of impact. This weight-bearing stress can help to strengthen your bones and joints.

If you are devoted to a running or jogging regimen, then a treadmill would be the better choice for you. A treadmill works well for people who like to jog or run, but cannot do so in the cold and snowy months of the year.

Also, if you like to participate in marathons, treadmills can provide a good alternative to training outdoors.

An advantage that elliptical trainers have over treadmills is that they provide the user with maximum efficiency for their cardiovascular workout. Most are equipped with handlebars, so you can get a great workout for your arms along with the lower body. Meanwhile, treadmills are really only for lower body exercise.

Because of this dual-action style of resistance, ellipticals are more efficient at calorie-burning than treadmills. So if you are looking to lose weight, this is a key factor to keep in mind.

Both machines usually feature a variety of workout programs. Depending on what type of treadmill or elliptical trainer you purchase, there are probably settings that will change the intensity, resistance, etc. that increase the amount of calories burned and can improve your cardio capacity.

Some treadmills feature a mechanism that changes the incline for each step that you take, simulating an uphill walk or run. This can enhance the calorie-burning effects.

With most elliptical trainers, however, you can also stride in reverse. With this, you can target different muscles for the workout and it adds another level of variety. Incorporating variety into your workout will help you burn more calories and get better results.

In any case, you'll want to make sure that you find an elliptical trainer or treadmill that offers a variety of settings.

Generally speaking, treadmills are bulkier and can take up a lot of space in your home. But many models have folding capabilities. This will allow you to store the machine in a corner of the room, for example.

Treadmill vs Elliptical - Cost

As with any quality exercise equipment, neither of these products come cheap.

For a treadmill, expect to pay at least $600 for a quality model. For an elliptical, the price point is similar for a decent product.

But $600 is considered mid-range. Prices for each can go all the way up to $3,000 -- or higher.

Many of the popular fitness equipment manufacturers provide both types of machines. Popular brands are Proform, Sole, and Smooth.

When you are thinking about a treadmill vs elliptical trainer, you should take all of the facts into consideration. The decision won't be easy, so a good tip is to head to a local sporting goods store and give various models a "test drive" to find out which type of machine is most comfortable for you.

Then, when you're ready to purchase, buy online to save money.

Have comments about this article? Share them with us.

Want to know what others have said about this article? Read Comments.