Both treadclimbers and elliptical machines are designed to offer aerobic training and build muscle in your lower body. However, many differences exist between the types of workouts each machine delivers, and choosing between them is a matter of ascertaining both your budget and fitness goals.
Types
Treadclimbers have not been on the fitness market as long as elliptical machines have and are largely only available through Nautilus or Bowflex, both of which are subsidiary companies of Direct Focus, Inc. Elliptical machines have more variety, with machines containing front, center and rear drive mechanisms. Ellipticals come in club-quality cross trainers such as those from Precor or in more budget-friendly versions such as those from Schwinn and Stamina.
Features
Treadclimber machines can be used similarly to a treadmill, stair-stepper or an elliptical machine, making them quite versatile. The hydraulic tension on the dual-treadle system of a treadclimber can be adjusted to increase the level of the workout. Most of the machines come with a high-quality digital controller that has programmed workouts and can monitor things like heart rate, speed, distance and calories burned.
The amount of features an elliptical trainer has varies depending on the model you purchase. Most ellipticals have moving hand grips that simulate the movement of cross-country skiing to deliver a light upper-body workout while you work out your legs. They also generally employ magnetic resistance on the foot pedals for a smooth and even stroke every time. The pedals move in either a forward or reverse direction to work different muscles in your legs.
Function
Elliptical machines are designed to simulate the motion of running or jogging without imparting any of the impact on your legs and joints. Treadclimbers also deliver a low-impact workout that simulates walking, but with a heavier focus placed on incline training due to the stepping motion. While they will not build large amounts of muscle, ellipticals with handlebars can help to tone your upper body.
Considerations
According to ExerciseEquipmentExpert.com, treadclimbers burn more calories than elliptical machines, but ellipticals do offer less impact on your joints. One of the main drawbacks of the treadclimber machines is that they can only be used at speeds of 4 mph or less, making running impossible. When choosing between these two machines, determine if you want a light-resistance, high-speed workout or a high-resistance, low-speed workout. On average, treadclimbers have a smaller workout footprint than ellipticals of equal quality, which may be a factor if you have a home gym without a lot of space.
Price
As of September 2010, treadclimber machines cost at least $1,000 new and some models cost up to $3,000. Ellipticals, meanwhile, range widely in price from around $100 to nearly $7,000 for club-quality equipment. When considering price, weigh the benefits of the treadclimber against an elliptical trainer and determine if the price you are paying for the machine is worth it to you.
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