Treadmills and elliptical machines are pieces of stationary cardiovascular exercise equipment that allow you to work out regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. The two units share similarities but function completely differently. Each offers benefits, but if you have a special condition, one may be more beneficial and comfortable for you than the other.
Function
A treadmill allows you to walk or run inside and while remaining in one location. A belt moves underneath your feet at the speed at which you set the machine. The elliptical machine features pedals that move in an elliptical shape. You remain standing and your feet maintain contact with the pedals.
Benefits
Consistently participating in workouts on a treadmill or elliptical machine provides numerous health benefits, including an increase in cardiorespiratory health, a decrease in serious health risks like heart disease and hypertension and the promotion of reaching and maintaining a healthy body composition.
Importance of Intensity
To maximize your workouts and make them beneficial, you need to exercise at the appropriate intensity. Both treadmills and elliptical machines will adequately develop your cardiovascular system if you increase the speed, incline or resistance necessary to get your heart rate up to 70 percent of your maximum heart rate.
Calories
The number of calories you burn during your workouts on a treadmill or an elliptical machine will depend on a few factors, including your own body weight and the intensity of your workout. According to Health Status, a 150-lb. person will burn about 774 calories riding an elliptical for 60 minutes. On a treadmill, that same size person will burn about 351 calories walking at four miles per hour and 783 calories running at 7 miles per hour for 60 minutes.
Special Circumstances
Walking or running on a treadmill is a higher impact activity than the no-impact riding of an elliptical machine. Those with ankle, knee or hip joint issues may prefer to ride the elliptical machine to avoid discomfort. If your joints are healthy, the impact provided by walking and running can help develop bone density. If you have balance issues, you may prefer to use an elliptical machine where you can easily hold on and don't have the risk of accidentally stepping off the belt of a treadmill.
Training Specificity
If you're considering using a treadmill or elliptical to help train for physical activities outside, such as running a race, the development that you receive from working out on a treadmill will be more beneficial as the movements mimic those of your outside activity.
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