Running or Elliptical?

Running has always been a popular form of exercise due to its ease and accessibility. However, a newer mode of exercise, the elliptical trainer, is edging up in popularity. According to the professional publication "Club Industry," participation growth for the elliptical grew from 7.37 million participants in 2000 to 26.52 million in 2009. Determining which form of exercise is best for you depends on many factors, including your personal preferences, physical needs and long-term fitness goals.

Elliptical Trainers

Elliptical trainers became common in fitness centers during the 1990s. Multiple designs and models of ellipticals are available and, like anything, the quality depends on the price and design. The basic concept behind exercise on an elliptical comes from observing running mechanics. The elliptical activates many of the same muscles by having you pedal along gliding rails. The advantage to the elliptical is that your feet never leave the pedals and thus your body experiences no impact. Some elliptical trainers simulate cross country skiing by including arm poles as part of the design.

Running

Running is a form of exercise familiar to most people. Whether you are a casual jogger who prefers the neighborhood sidewalk or a competitive runner who trains on trails and tracks, running burns a lot of calories. It strengthens your core and legs because it takes a lot of effort to move your body quickly through space without assistance. Treadmills provide an indoor option for runners with a slightly cushier running surface. Regardless of the surface, running will make your joints and back suffer more impact than walking.

Calorie-Burning Potential

Running often attracts people who are trying to lose weight. Running burns more calories per minute than most other exercises, notes Lesley Mettler, a running coach in Seattle on the Woman's Health Magazine website. A 140-lb woman running at 6 mph burns between 500 and 600 calories in an hour. But, if you work out intensely on the elliptical trainer, you can burn up to 100 calories more in the same amount of time, reports the calorie counter at the website "Health Status." Because you stand while operating an elliptical machine, it is considered "weight bearing" and so it, like running, helps build bone density and offset risks of osteoporosis reports a 2004 article in "The Washington Post."

Considerations

If you have joint problems, an elliptical trainer is clearly a better exercise choice for you. People who are extremely overweight also benefit from the low-impact nature of the elliptical---at least until they lose enough weight to make running more comfortable. While you can burn significant calories on an elliptical, you have to work very hard to propel the machine. If you let up your intensity, your results will be less effective in terms of calories burned and cardiovascular conditioning. Beginners may have a slight challenge adapting to the movement of an elliptical, but may find they can work harder sooner without soreness versus running.

Approach

If you enjoy getting in touch with the outdoors, running is a better option. Goal-oriented exercisers will also be more satisfied by seeing improvements in their speed and endurance when running. Running also is a more communal activity, with running clubs and races offering social outlets. Although the elliptical trainer, in terms of workout effectiveness, offers similar benefits as running, using the elliptical machine exclusively may lead to boredom and decreased effectiveness of the exercise as your body becomes accustomed to the movement. If you are able to run, consider using the elliptical trainer as a cross training tool to build cardio endurance while reducing stress on your joints.