A treadmill is an exercise machine that simulates running, walking and jogging. An elliptical trainer simulates running, stair climbing and cross country skiing. Both machines provide a comprehensive cardiovascular workout and can lead to burning a significant number of calories and fat. While a treadmill mostly provides a lower body workout and an elliptical provides an upper and lower body workout, both machines perform very well at improving endurance, strengthening the heart and reducing fat.
Calories
The number of calories burned is way to compare the effectiveness of two cardio fitness machines. Exercising on a treadmill for 30 minutes, a 150 lb. person burns about 176 calories walking 4 mph; 238 calories jogging and 391 calories running 7 mph. Exercising on an elliptical trainer for 30 minutes, a 150 lb. person burns 387 calories. If your primary goal is to burn calories and reduce fat, you have a significantly better chance of doing so using an elliptical trainer.
Features
An elliptical trainer has some advantages over a treadmill when it comes to features and design. An elliptical machine is less stressful on leg joints, including knees, hips and ankles. It also puts less force and pressure on the back. Elliptical machines with upper body handles give you an opportunity to exercises your arms, neck and shoulders. Some ellipticals can run in reverse, which works out different muscles. These features make an elliptical trainer more beneficial to some people, especially those with painful joints and balance problems.
Studies
Studies show that the physiological effects of using a treadmill and elliptical machine are similar. In a 2004 study published in the "Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness," 22 moderately active females were assigned to exercise on an elliptical trainer, stair climber or treadmill three times a week at 70 to 90 percent of their maximum heart rate for 30 to 40 minutes. After 12 weeks, the researchers found no significant physiological differences between study participants.
Saftey
The elliptical has proved to be a safer machine. Each year, about 25,000 children go to the emergency room as a result of an injury from home exercise equipment. Treadmills caused about 5,500 injuries in children under the age of 5 in 2006 and 2007, according to an article by "The Baltimore Sun." Serious treadmill-related injuries to adults are also common, especially when users are watching television, wearing headphones and reading while working out. Injuries to treadmill users include friction burns on the moving belt and trip-and-fall accidents.
References
- Health Status: The Most Accurate Calories Burned Calculator
- MayoClinic.com: Elliptical Machines: Better than treadmills?; Edward R. Laskowski, MD; June 6, 2009
- PubMed.gov: Physiological changes following a 12 week gym based stair-climbing, elliptical trainer and treadmill running program in females; M. Egana; June 2004
- West Bend: Treadmill Safety
- The Baltimore Sun: Tips to Keep Kids Safe from Exercise Equipment and Cords; Diane C. Lade; July 22, 2009
- ConsumerReports.org: Treadmills can Pose Serious Risks for Toddlers; Jan. 8, 2009
Member Comments