American Fitness Treadmills Vs. Elliptical Trainers

Running on an American Fitness Equipment treadmill and exercising on the company's elliptical machines are two effective aerobic workouts. Each machine works the body in different ways and has pros and cons regarding calories burned, size and skill level required. Many health and fitness facilities have both types of equipment available for use, or you can purchase them for working out at home. American Fitness sells a variety of brands and types of treadmills and ellipticals.

Treadmill Pros

The American Fitness treadmill is a basic exercise machine that is accessible for people of all types of fitness levels. One benefit of exercising on a treadmill is that it burns a high amount of calories when compared with other cardio equipment set at the same intensity level. A person who weighs 150 lbs. burns about 360 calories in a 30-minute run on the treadmill, while using an elliptical for 30 minutes burns 297. The average treadmill is 3 feet wide and 7 feet long, so it does take up quite a bit of space. Many treadmills, however, fold down for easy storage when not in use. Additionally, the motorized belt on a treadmill remains at the same pace when you walk or run, pushing you to maintain the speed unless you lower the speed manually. This function helps you to push yourself as you work out rather than slow down when you tire.

Elliptical Pros

Like most elliptical machines, the most advantageous aspect of using an American Fitness elliptical machine is the fact that it provides a no-impact workout, making it an effective exercise for people who are overweight or who have back, knee or leg problems. Using an elliptical significantly reduces the amount of impact you put on your joints and muscles when compared with running on a treadmill. An elliptical machine is one of the only pieces of cardio equipment that is weight-bearing without impact. While you may pump your arms as you run, an elliptical uses resistance to work your upper body as you train your lower body. This gives you more of a total body workout than you'd get using a treadmill. Most ellipticals are 5 to 7 feet long, which takes up a decent amount of space. While space-saving ellipticals fold down for storage, others must stay in their upright form when not in use.

Treadmill Cons

One of the main problems associated with using a treadmill involves the biomechanics, or how the impact affects the joints and muscles when using a treadmill. Since the tread is motorized, there is no forward-pushing force of the muscles. Most of the workout on a treadmill consists of overworking your hip flexors by bringing your hips forward and underworking your glutes. The impact on the joints also makes knee injuries and problems more common among treadmill users.

Elliptical Cons

While the elliptical is impact-free, it requires skill and coordination to use it. The first few times you use an elliptical can seem awkward and unnatural. Exercising on an elliptical quickly raises your blood pressure and heart rate, causing you to tire sooner. Additionally, the elliptical runs on your momentum, making it easier to slow down when you tire instead of pushing yourself. Although there is no impact when using the machine, changing direction can put unnecessary stress on your joints. Change directions slowly to avoid undue stress.