You are in the gym, and can't decide between exercising on the treadmill or elliptical machine. The answer may lie in the type of workout you wish to achieve and your overall health condition. Both machines, however, can be an excellent source for cardiovascular conditioning.
Significance
A treadmill is an exercise machine that relies on a moving belt to simulate walking, yet you are staying in place. Treadmills can be adjusted in terms of speed and incline. An elliptical machine is designed to imitate the motion of running, yet uses pedals that can be adjusted in resistance and incline. Where a treadmill adjusts speed, the person using the elliptical machine must propel the motion forward.
Calories Burned
A 135-lb. woman going six miles per hour for 30 minutes will burn 248 calories on an elliptical machine or 320 calories on a treadmill, according to Fit Sugar. Running on a treadmill does burn slightly more calories than an elliptical machine, meaning that several treadmill sessions a week can add up to more calories burned.
Impact
Walking, jogging or running on a treadmill requires some impact because the foot is striking the ground with each step. The benefit of this is that the foot strikes help to build bone density, according to Elliptical Trainers. However, this also can place strain on your knees and other joints. Because you do not strike your feet on the ground, exercising on an elliptical is a low-impact exercise. This places less stress on the joints, yet does not help to build bone density.
Warning
Both the elliptical and treadmill machines pose an injury risk if you do not properly warm up and cool down prior to exercising, according to Shape Fit. Practicing proper form while on these exercise machines also helps to prevent injury---avoid arching your back and keep your head looking forward, but your eyes looking on the walkway or pedals.
Solution
An elliptical machine minimizes the stress to your joints, unlike a treadmill. If the elliptical machine also features movable handles, you can work an additional major muscle group, which can help you to burn extra calories, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, in terms of overall calorie burning, a treadmill burns slightly more. Therefore, if you have healthy joints or wish to build bone mass, running on a treadmill may be for you. If you are concerned about joint problems or want a more total-body workout, an elliptical machine may be better suited.
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