All you have to do is walk into the cardio room of a busy fitness facility during prime hours to witness a stiff competition for time on the treadmill or elliptical machines, while other cardio machines sit idle. Treadmills and elliptical trainers share a number of common features, but each provides a distinct workout. Personal preference, overall fitness goals, individual training session objectives and physical limitations are some of the factors that can help you decide which machine to use most often.
Treadmills
Treadmills have belts that cover the length and width of their platforms that run against the direction of your travel, propelling you forward as you walk, jog or run. A majority of models have computers in their consoles that give you readouts on the length, distance and incline of your workout. Certain models have hand sensors built into a bar below the console that you can grasp for several seconds to get a heart rate readout. Lightweight or folding treadmills designed for home use are less sturdy than most commercial models. Treadmills with extra-long platforms are geared toward tall runners, or runners with an especially long stride. Exercisers weighing more than 250 lbs. should use models built to support their weight.
Treadmill Workouts
You can control the speed and incline of your treadmill, increasing or decreasing your effort as desired. Most models have a quick-start button to push when you step onto the platform that gets the belt going until you're ready to increase your pace. Many treadmills have a number of preset programs including “fat burn,” “hill workout,” and “interval training.” These models usually allow you to create and save your own programs, which can be especially helpful for interval training. To maximize your treadmill workouts, keep your hands off the console and handrails. If you need to hold on while working on steeper inclines, reduce your incline until you’re able to let go.
Elliptical Trainers
Elliptical trainers have individual suspended foot pedals that trace the shape of an ellipse, or elongated oval, when you make strides. Since your feet never leave the pedals, walking or running on an elliptical produces almost no impact on your joints. The workout is somewhat like a cross between running on the treadmill and riding a stationary bike, and has been described as walking or running on air. Some machines have fixed handles for upper body stability, while others have pumping handles that provide a simultaneous upper body workout for an increased calorie burn. You can power the pedals forward or backward on an elliptical.
Elliptical Workouts
Like treadmills, elliptical machines allow you to control your pace and resistance settings at will. Most also have a number of preset workouts to choose from. Although elliptical trainers provide a gentler workout for exercisers with joint conditions than treadmills do, they can still provide intense cardiovascular training. Whether you lock the handles in place for support or pump them to tone your arms and burn more calories, keep your grip light. Keep your feet fully connected to the pedals. If you bend your feet and lift your heels while striding, you might experience sore or numb feet during your workout.
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