Elliptical machines and treadmills are stationary exercise machines that both offer effective indoor aerobic workouts. Elliptical trainers have only made their breakthrough in the market since the 1990s, but are slowly gaining ground. They are becoming increasingly popular among physical therapists and people with sports-related injuries. A brief consideration of treadmills and ellipticals will establish which machine is better suited to your needs.
Injuries
The most common joint problems arise from normal day wear and tear. The pain you experience happens when bones rub against bones, resulting in even further degeneration. Underlying medical conditions and other degenerative diseases, like arthritis, can also be a main contributing factor. Injuries of the knees and joint are especially common in runners. Nerve endings can stretch over loose bone chips, which can be excruciating. Exercises involving constant impact will negatively affect already injured joints. Symptoms can include pain in the joints, swelling, inflammation and stiffness. You might also have trouble moving the joint.
Treadmill
A treadmill has a moveable platform, allowing the user to walk or run in place, simulating the effect of jogging. It is a rather high-impact form of exercise. The workout places a considerable amount of force and stress on the bones, which in turn helps to promote the increase of calcium supply delivered. However, because of the strain, it can be hard on your joints, especially among people suffering from a degenerative disease or other joint disorders and injuries. The biggest drawback of a treadmill is the pressure it puts on your joints and ligaments when running.
Elliptical
An elliptical trainer simulates walking, with absolutely no ground impact. What sets it aside from other machines is the rounded path that your legs and feet follow while you are exercising. Some machines, called cross trainers, also offer moving handlebars, incorporating an upper body workout as well. This gentler workout will appeal to people experiencing joint problems or pain. The natural movement produced by this workout ensures that your knees, hips and ankles stay properly aligned, thus avoiding further wear and tear.
Comparison
While a treadmill offers a great cardio workout and is an excellent tool in keeping professional runners in shape, the elliptical trainer comes out on top in this scenario. Between the two machines, if offers the most gentle low-impact workout. A treadmill applies much more strain, not only on the joints of the knees, ankles and hips, but on the feet as well. Because of the smooth flowing workout of the elliptical, it is much easier on your joints than the jarring effect of running or jogging.
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