Elliptical Versus Treadmill – Who Wins?
Posted: under General Interest.
In the fitness industry, the debate revolving around the treadmill vs elliptical continues and for good reasons, too. On one hand, ellipticals and treadmills are essentially cardiovascular fitness equipment designed to promote exercise movements with the expected benefits being improved levels of endurance, increased metabolic rate and better overall health particularly where the heart and lungs are concerned. From the other side of things, there are some distinct benefits of using a treadmill versus and elliptical. We will offer you our viewpoint in this debate.
Tip: The most common treadmills are still the used treadmills
Both treadmills and elliptical trainers provide for low-impact exercises since the motions involved are similar to the natural movements while walking and running. A lot of people prefer the elliptical machines because there is very little to no impact with the foot pedal. You will observe that most people with joint problems in the lower back, knees and ankles go on to the elliptical trainer more than on the treadmill.
This is possible because your feet do not leave the pedals during the entire workout session. Now, contrast that with walking or running on a treadmill when the foot impacts on the tread surface. Depending on the category you consider, one of the elliptical or the treadmill will have an advantage or a disadvantage.
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Those people who prefer running as a form of training for events such as 5K, 10K or longer runs definitely will need to train more on a treadmill. This is definitely better if the weather outside is bad and you are training for a competitive event like a triathlon or marathon.
Since the treadmill can only provide for running exercises with a few degrees of incline and decline, there is little variety in the workouts. Take note that for average exercisers and fitness fanatics alike, the wide variety of possible workouts achieves two things. You will be able to ward off boredom from the repetitive movements and you can challenge your body in new ways. In this case, the elliptical trainers win the bout, so to speak.
Tip: If we were looking for just the best, we would look at an elliptical exercise machine.
Also, treadmills can only provide for lower body workouts since the movements are concentrated on the hips down to the legs. In contrast, ellipticals provide for both upper and lower body workouts, thanks to the movements required of the feet on the pedals and the hands on the handlebars. Still, if it is only lower body workouts that you are after, then a treadmill will work best for you.
The final decision would depend on what YOU want from your workouts and your overall health/fitness goals. Read the features and benefits of the fitness equipment before making your final decision.
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Aug 31 2010