Treadmills or Ellipticals - The Differences

Many exercise machines come and go. These are often based on gimmicks that promise to get people in shape with some miracle exercise that doesn't accomplish much in the end.

And yet, every so often an exercise machine comes along that works just like it should and remains popular with fitness gurus and novices alike.

Two exercise machines with this kind of staying power are the treadmill and the elliptical trainer.

Both appear to be similar in design and purpose, but there are differences between the two.

If you are planning on starting an exercise program using either treadmills or ellipticals it's best to know what these differences are and what machines are best for you.

Treadmills Or Ellipticals - Different Workouts

                Treadmills

Treadmills have been around for years as an alternative to outdoor distance running.

While they arguably don't offer the same experience or workout that comes with running a mile outside, runners can still work up a sweat and get a great cardiovascular workout by spending some time on a treadmill.

The basic treadmill design hasn't changed much over the years. A treadmill is simply a device that works by treading an endless belt.

The idea is that the belt keeps moving, which in turn forces you to keep moving.

They can be set to any speed to simulate anything from a slow walk to a grueling run.

Some of them can be placed at an incline to simulate an uphill climb, and many power treadmills come with pre-set exercise programs perfect for any kind of workout.

Some people have said that running on a treadmill is no substitute for running outdoors, but others have said that since treadmills tend to offer softer running surfaces there is less impact on the knees, shins, ankles, and back.

Runners will still feel an impact of up to 2 1/2 times their body weight as they run, but the chances of suffering an injury on a treadmill are significantly less than it is when running outdoors.

Treadmills can also be used anytime regardless of the weather, a benefit that running outdoors doesn't have.

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                                                             Ellipticals

Elliptical trainers are relatively new compared to treadmills, but they have grown in popularity in recent years.

They may even surpass treadmills in popularity in time.

An elliptical trainer works by mimicking the natural elliptical movement of the feet.

Your feet are placed on pedals that move in circles much like on a bicycle.

The feet never touch the ground, which makes for a very low-impact workout that provides fewer risks of injury.

Ellipticals also work the upper arms, thanks to handlebars that are moved back and forth in a motion that simulates cross-country skiing.

Treadmills, on the other, hand, only work the lower body.

It is possible to disable the handlebars and simply work the lower body, but few people use that option.

Ellipticals are also powered primarily by the user's motions, making them far more energy efficient than treadmills.

In the end, the choice between working out on treadmills or ellipticals is up to the individual.

You will burn roughly the same number of calories whether you are on a treadmill or an elliptical, and there are advantages to both machines.

Treadmills offer a wide variety of different exercises, but ellipticals are arguably easier and safer to use.

Nevertheless, both treadmills or ellipticals are very effective, and it looks like they won't be replaced anytime soon.