With Which Machine Do You See Better Results: A Treadmill Or An Elliptical?

Treadmills and ellipticals have their similarities and differences. From a functional standpoint, the treadmill has a revolving belt with a handrail around the top edge. Working out on this machine simulates the motion of walking or running. An elliptical has revolving pedals with upright poles that move back and forth in a motion similar to cross-country skiing. The results you obtain from either machine are dependent on certain factors.

Benefits of Both

Any time you do repetitive movement with the large muscles of your body, you are performing cardiovascular exercise. A treadmill and elliptical both offer this type of training so they can both offer you results. The main thing to consider is your duration and adherence. If you work out once a week for 20 minutes on the elliptical or treadmill, you will not get satisfactory results. Simply put, both machines are effective as long as you are disciplined enough to use them on a regular basis. As a guideline, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity performed five days a week to lose weight. You can reach this in one long session, or in multiple sessions throughout the day.

Caloric Expenditure

The caloric expenditure on an elliptical and treadmill is about equal. A 200-lb. person for example, burns over 1,030 calories doing elliptical training for 60 minutes. This same person burns just over 1,040 calories running at 7 mph for 60 minutes.

Muscle Gain

Although the treadmill and elliptical are known as cardio machines, you also have to activate multiple muscles when you use them. The elliptical has an advantage in this department because it works the upper and lower body simultaneously. By increasing your muscle mass, you will in turn boost your resting metabolic rate. For every pound of muscle you gain, you can conceivably burn an additional 30 to 50 calories a day, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Ellipticals come equipped with a resistance adjustment, and some have an incline feature. Utilize these tools to boost the workload on your muscles.

Difference in Impact

Impact is an important factor to take into consideration when you are choosing between the treadmill and elliptical. If you have lower back pain or joint problems, your best bet is the elliptical. Unlike the treadmill, the elliptical does not cause as much stress to your knees, back and hips, notes the Mayo Clinic.

Eating Habits

Your eating habits have a lot of impact on the results you get from the elliptical and treadmill. Being that both machines are calorie burners, you will not make any progress if you continually put back the calories you burned. Follow a diet that is low in fat and high in nutrient-dense foods. If you are trying to lose weight quickly, cut back on your daily intake. A reduction of 500 calories a day will promote about 1 lb. of weight loss a week, according to the Centers for Disease Control. This is not counting the calories you burn with the treadmill and elliptical.