When hitting the gym during the rainy season, or simply getting a workout in the middle of the daily grind, you're likely looking to maximize your cardio workout. If you're tired of the stair climber and the stationary bikes don't appeal, you might be looking at the elliptical machine and then glancing at the treadmill. Which gives a better workout?
Treadmill
The treadmill is a tool that allows you to simulate most closely an outdoor experience. You can set it to run, walk or climb a hill. It gives you a good cardio workout as well as builds bone density and burns calories. If you're a runner and used to the steadiness of a run, a treadmill is a decent replacement.
Elliptical
An elliptical mimics the motion of running in place. You place your feet on the pedals, grasp the handles and beginning moving in place. Ellipticals give a good cardio workout and good control of the intensity of the workout. They also help build bone density and the workout is often perceived as easier than it actually is. You set the pace, length and can modify the difficulty level to your needs. Ellipticals work both forward and back, providing a variety of workouts for the leg muscles.
Treadmill Advantages
A treadmill is available rain or shine, night or day. Also, a treadmill can also be easier on the joints as the belt on which you run is often softer than a paved path or sidewalk. It also allows more manual control of your pace, elevation and time spent running or walking. Trail issues, such as excited dogs or the unseen pothole, are completely done away with. You have a nice, steady, forgiving surface to run, walk or jog.
Elliptical Advantages
Because you're running in midair, the impact to your joints is minimal; the elliptical is much easier on your back, shoulders, knees and ankles. Additionally, since you're using the handrails, you're using more of your upper body than when running on a treadmill. This makes your workout more efficient, so you'll see results in less time than with a treadmill workout routine. In addition, you can incorporate cross-training routines to tone your arms, back and chest while running on the elliptical, which makes it a more complete workout.
Treadmill Disadvantages
The sheer monotony of a treadmill is hard to overcome for non-runners. Many regular runners also find it hard to adjust to the artificial pace control of the treadmill. It can also be disconcerting to be on a constantly moving belt. While holding the handrails can minimize this discomfort, it can interfere with your workout.
Elliptical Disadvantages
The motion of the pedals can initially be quite awkward. Also, for taller people, the elliptical motion of the pedals can be limiting. Larger foot pedals can mitigate this issue, but cheaper models are sometimes uncomfortable for taller athletes.
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