Treadmills and elliptical machines give you an aerobic workout -- and both allow you to adjust the intensity of your workout to your own comfort level. However, by virtue of its low-impact properties, an elliptical trainer offers specific benefits to exercisers who've experienced knee or leg injuries. It might also be the better piece of equipment if you're just starting your fitness plan.
A treadmill allows you to simulate walking, jogging or running. Although some treadmills use manual belts, the treadmills used in gyms use mechanized belts to make exercising more efficient, says the American College of Sports Medicine. An elliptical machine, on the other hand, has two pedals on which your feet remain stationary. As you exercise, your legs move in ellipses -- a cross between walking or running and cycling. Both pieces of gym equipment may be equipped with various settings and presets that allow you to plot the intensity and duration of your workout.
Treadmill Advantages
According to ACE treadmills are still the No. 1 choice of exercisers out to burn calories. Walking on a treadmill is a low-impact exercise that most can tolerate -- even beginners. Walking and running are also weight-bearing exercises, which you need to build strong bones. This reduces your risk of osteoporosis as you grow older.
ACE notes that treadmill quality can vary. Some are merely equipped with features that let you measure your speed, time and distance; more elaborate machines are equipped with presets that design your workout for you, allowing you to do interval training at various speeds and inclines.
Elliptical Advantages
An elliptical trainer may have a certain edge over the treadmill, says Edward R. Laskowski, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Mayo Clinic. Because your feet remain stationary during the course of your workout, exercise is far less stressful on your knees, hips and back. Additionally, some elliptical machines feature long handles that move back and forth while you move your feet, giving your upper body a thorough workout as well. Like treadmills, high-quality elliptical machines offer various presets that allow you to customize your workouts.
Other Tips
As to the choice between the treadmill or elliptical machine at the gym, both give you the aerobic exercise you need, Laskowski says. If you're considering a purchase for your home gym, ACE recommends not cutting too many corners; select the machine that gives you the most important health and fitness benefits. You should choose a piece of gym equipment that you can comfortably use for at least 20 minutes. Examine the construction, programming features and warranty that comes with the machine. Test it before you buy. And finally, ACE points out that buying a low-quality piece of gym equipment is worse than purchasing none at all. If the treadmill or elliptical machine of your dreams is cost-prohibitive, consider purchasing exercise DVDs rather than investing in a piece of equipment you won't use.
References
- American Council on Exercise; What You Need to Know to Purchase a Treadmill
- MayoClinic.com; Elliptical Machines: Better Than treadmills?; Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.; June 6, 2009
- American Council on Exercise; Are All Elliptical Trainers Created Equal?
- American Council on Exercise; How to Design Your Own Home Gym; 2001
- American College of Sports Medicine; Selecting and Effectively Using a Home Treadmill
- American Council on Exercise; What's the Best Piece of Cardio Equipment to Use?
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