Is An Eliptical Machine Better Than A Treadmill?

Elliptical machines and treadmills are common in commercial gyms and private homes. Both machines offer you the opportunity to tone your heart muscle through cardiovascular exercise. Regular cardiovascular exercise can help you maintain your weight, avoid developing high blood pressure and improve bone density. The elliptical machine and treadmill each have specific benefits.

Benefits

Using either the elliptical machine or the treadmill will burn calories. If you weigh 175 pounds, you can burn about 450 calories in 30 minutes on the elliptical machine and about 200 calories walking at 4 mph on a treadmill, according to Health Status. Additionally, both machines allow you to exercise indoors without worrying about weather or traffic. The elliptical takes up less space than the treadmill, which must be extended when used.

Elliptical Features

To use an elliptical, you place each foot in its own foot pad and begin a forward-walking motion.The elliptical effectively tones both your front and rear leg muscles as well as your buttocks. Hold onto the arm handles for balance and move them back and forth as you exercise for an added calorie burn. A nonimpact exercise, the elliptical machine may be a better choice if you have suffered from a knee or leg injury. You can move your legs in a backward motion on the elliptical, which works different muscles than pedaling in a forward motion.

Treadmill Features

There is a minimal learning curve when using a treadmill, as it simply involves walking or running. Like the elliptical, your lower body receives the most toning benefits. Some treadmills have movable arm handles that allow you to slightly work your arm muscles as you walk. Because walking or running on the treadmill is a weight-bearing exercise, you will experience stress on your joints as you exercise. Adding small wrist or hand weights to your treadmill workout is another way to build muscle.

Variations

Take advantage of the preprogrammed workouts on the elliptical or treadmill console to vary your workout routine. The programmed workouts allow you to simulate the exertion required to walk up inclines by increasing the resistance on the elliptical, or raising the incline percentage on the treadmill. Design your own interval training session by keeping the settings stable for three to five minutes, then increasing the resistance or speed for one minute, and repeating the sequence five times. Intervals of high exertion while exercising burn more calories, whether you are on a treadmill or elliptical, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Considerations

Either machine can be used to create an effective exercise plan. The more effort you put into your workout on either machine, the more calories you can burn and the easier it may be to maintain your weight. Incorporate regular upper- and lower-body strength-training exercises with your cardiovascular workout.