You might be wondering what is the ideal machine to use for cardio, and what the differences between the elliptical versus the treadmill are for fat-burning. The fact is, how much fat you burn in a workout, and the amount of weight you lose as a result, is the product of a number of related factors including the type of machine, the frequency and intensity of your exercise, your beginning weight and fitness level, and your overall health and diet. However, by comparing elliptical trainers and treadmills you can get an idea of which one is best suited to you.
Calorie Burning
To burn fat you have to burn calories so it is important to know whether the elliptical trainer or the treadmill burns more calories. According to "Deadline Fitness" the key to burning calories is intensity, rather than the type of machine. Doing an hour of hard training on either the elliptical or treadmill burns roughly the same number of calories, so you can choose which you prefer -- as long as you push yourself.
Programs
You will be more likely to achieve fat-burning if you have programs to motivate you and keep you focused. Both treadmills and elliptical trainers come with pre-set fat-burning programs, which can provide you with a good starting point. However, celebrity personal trainer Derek Noble, in his book "The Body Noble" recommends using the manual settings to create more variety and challenge. You can change incline and speed on the treadmill, and resistance and incline on the elliptical in order to have a more interesting, challenging workout.
Benefits
A major consideration in choosing a machine is whether or not you can use it injury-free for a long period of time. Elliptical trainers have the benefit, according to the "Runner's World Guide to Cross-Training" of being both non-impact and weight bearing, while treadmills are only weight-bearing. This means that both machines will build bone density because they force your body to carry its own weight. However, you don't have the impact of running on an elliptical trainer, so it is good for people who are overweight or have a history of injuries.
Cautions
The main thing to be wary of with treadmills is over-use or impact injuries, such as knee or ankle problems from excessive pounding. According to "Run Strong" elliptical trainers are less likely to cause these problems, meaning you can train hard, but safely. However, the book also notes that you may feel as if you're working harder on an elliptical trainer than you actually are -- the author recommends using the heart rate monitor to ensure you are getting a good workout.
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