Ellipticals and treadmills are popular exercise machines that provide a cardiovascular workout to users. The latest National Sporting Goods Association report showed treadmills are more popular, accounting for 56 percent of home fitness sales in 2009. However, ellipticals are quickly catching up in popularity. Several variables determine which machine a person will stick with.
Treadmill Advantage
A runner will most likely stick with a treadmill because treadmills stimulate running. The moving belt allows runners to increase or decrease their speed the same way they would outdoors. If you prefer to get on a machine and just take a walk, the belt also stimulates walking. In addition, the incline option mimics hills and provides an opportunity to burn additional calories during your workout. Unlike running or walking outdoors, a treadmill decreases injuries caused by road hazards, such as rocks, cracks in the sidewalk or potholes. Treadmills tend to make you work harder to keep up with the speed of the belt.
Elliptical Advantage
A person with arthritis, osteoporosis or limited athletic abilities may be more likely to stick with an elliptical because it's less stressful on your knees, hips and back because you glide with no impact to your joints, according to MayoClinic.com. The low impact benefit of the elliptical makes it a favorite among the elderly. You may also stick with an elliptical if you want a full-body workout while performing cardio since some ellipticals allow you to work your upper and lower body simultaneously. The elliptical can also be pedaled in reverse allowing you to work different muscle groups in your legs.
Disadvantages
If you have knee or joint problems, you are unlikely to stick with a treadmill because the weight-bearing impact may be painful. The elliptical requires using your own manpower, so it's easier to slow down and not work as hard as you would with the moving treadmill belt. In some cases, you may not stick with either machine since both lack the fresh air and wind resistance that you find doing cardio outdoors. Cost can be a deciding factor on which machine you stick with. You can find affordable treadmills and ellipticals; however, a gym-quality machine can easily cost more than $1,000.
Considerations
Always talk to your doctor to determine which machine is best for your fitness level or medical condition. If you have no medical restrictions, have a personal trainer or a member of your gym's staff show you how to use the setting for the treadmill and elliptical. If you only know how to use the treadmill so that's why you stick with it, you may be missing out on the elliptical or vice versa.
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