To burn calories, which one would you choose – elliptical or treadmill? Both are cardio machines, but when it comes to elliptical vs. treadmill, which one wins and gives you quick and better results?
A good understanding of which parts these two machines target can help you make a better decision. As a result, you will burn fat quickly from the areas you want to, lose weight, improve muscle and core strength, and reduce the risk of injuries.
In this article, you have explained the pros and cons of treadmill and elliptical machines. By the end of it, you will know which machine is best for you to use. Scroll down!
Treadmill Pros
You can use the treadmill at the gym to walk (slow or brisk), run (at 6 mph), or for jogging. You can also use the incline option to add resistance to your workout.
Running requires you to engage your core and activate your ab muscles. This helps your body to build endurance, be more balanced, and prevent you from falling. So, if you run for, say 20 minutes, your core is engaged the whole time. By practicing it regularly, you will build a strong core, which will improve your posture, tone, and exercise stamina (1).
Running at 8 mph for 20 minutes may help you burn about 200-300 calories. The number of calories burned also depends on your body weight and degree of incline used. It is best to keep your treadmill at an incline of at least 3 degrees and run intermittently (run at 6 or 7 mph for a minute and then at 13 or 14 mph for 10 seconds).
Walking and running are something that we are so used to doing every day. So, when you hop onto a treadmill, it will just take you a few seconds to get used to the moving platform. This comfort and ease of use will quickly make you like walking or running on the treadmill.
Walking or running on the treadmill targets your calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes, abs, and heart muscles. Therefore, it’s a great workout for your lower body (2). If you have excess fat accumulation in your lower body, running intermittently on the treadmill can help you lose such excess fat effectively.
Running requires you to balance on alternate legs. This means that your legs bear the weight of your body alternately. Plus, the incline and speed of running exert double or sometimes triple the weight of your body. Running with correct posture on alternate days strengthens the bones (3), (4).
Running and walking briskly on the treadmill helps pump up your heart rate and activates the lungs, which can support the strengthening of your heart muscles and improve circulation (5). Over a period, you will be able to run for a long duration without going out of breath and improve overall wellness. In fact, you will be able to do any other type of cardio (like playing an outdoor sport) without feeling out of breath too soon.
Yes, there are many benefits of running or walking on the treadmill, but there are also a few disadvantages that you should be aware of. Here are the cons of using a treadmill to burn calories.
Treadmill Cons
The size of the belt may cause you to change the way you walk or run. And over time, it can cause posture problems that may lead to lower back pain and joint pain.
Running fast on the treadmill or slowly for a long duration can be tough on your knees. That’s because your knees have to bear double or triple your body’s weight. They also absorb shock from the impact of your feet touching the platform.
Walking or running on the treadmill is a great lower body workout, but it neglects the upper body. It might feel like a whole-body workout, but if you think about it, running on the treadmill doesn’t target your upper body muscles to a great extent.
Not every exercise is meant for everyone. You might be great at running in the field, but you might feel dizzy when it comes to running on the treadmill. Running at high speed and the need to change the speed of the belt can also increase the chances of falling and hurting yourself.
So, does that mean you should steer clear of treadmills? No! Here’s when the treadmill might be useful.
Did You Know?
Treadmills were invented back in 1818 as a punishment machine. In 1952, cardiologist Dr.Robert A Bruce co-created the first motorized treadmill.
You may use the treadmill if:
Avoid running or walking rigorously on the treadmill if:
Tip: Always wear good running shoes while running on the treadmill or outside.
Now, let’s look at the pros and cons of the elliptical.
Elliptical Pros
Cardio on an elliptical machine puts less pressure on the bones, especially the knee joints (6). This machine emulates the movement of climbing the stairs or cross-country skiing. Therefore, you do not have to stomp your feet on the belt or floor, and that will save you from injuring your knees in the long run (literally!).
The elliptical targets the leg muscles and the biceps, triceps, lats, and the core (7). So, basically, you will get a full-body workout that will help you tone up your body, strengthen your core, and improve balance.
You can pedal reverse on an elliptical. That way, you will target other muscles and engage in a mixed workout that will get you great results.
The elliptical helps burn about 200-300 calories in 30 minutes – which is the same as running on a treadmill. However, with the elliptical, you will get a full body workout.
The elliptical does not impact your bones and joints. And that’s good news and bad news. Running on the treadmill will help you improve the strength of your bones. But working out on the elliptical has less impact and does not help in making your bones strong.
On a treadmill, there are options to increase the incline degree to add resistance to your workout. But, on the elliptical, because the pedals are high up, you do not even fully bear the weight of your body. In turn, there’s minimum resistance to your movement.
So, when is it best to use elliptical? Let’s find out in the next section.
Fun Fact
The “Elliptical Fitness Crosstrainer” was introduced in 1995 by Precor, a Fitness Equipment manufacturing company.
You may use the elliptical when:
When is it best to avoid using the elliptical machine? Find out next.
Avoid using the elliptical if your doctor says so.
Tip: Make sure you are standing upright and not bending forward while using the machine.
If you want to lose weight, you need to burn calories. And both the elliptical and the treadmill burn about the same number of calories. You can also include some high-intensity interval training in your routine. So, which one’s better for weight loss? Let me explain.
Calorie Burn – Elliptical Vs. Treadmill For Weight Loss
Using a treadmill can help you burn almost the same number of calories as you would if you use an elliptical. But depending on your goal, you should decide if you need a full body workout or just a lower body workout. And that will determine if you should use the treadmill or the elliptical.
Yes, you can support weight loss efforts by using a treadmill or elliptical exercise machine regularly. But also make sure you do strength training each week to preserve your muscles and improve the tone of your body structure.
So, what’s best to buy for your home? Let’s find out.
Treadmill Vs. Elliptical: Which Is Best To Buy For Your Home?
The best cardio machine to buy depends on your fitness goals. If you want to prepare for an upcoming marathon, it is best that you buy a treadmill and use it effectively. But if you are recovering from an injury or have a weak knee, it is best that you opt for an elliptical machine.
Infographic: Who Should Avoid Using Treadmill And Elliptical
Treadmills and ellipticals are widely used to perform cardio exercises. However, they are not recommended for everyone. People with certain health conditions should stay away from them. Check the infographic to learn more.
Save
Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.
Going through the above points, advantages, and disadvantages of elliptical vs treadmill, should help you decide upon the machine most suitable for your workout routine. Your fitness goals, your overall health, stamina, and the proper functioning of your knees and joints are important factors to keep in mind. You must invest in a good pair of shoes and maintain good posture while using any of these workout machines. Getting used to the way they work and gradually improving your space and duration would help you build strength and stamina over time. You should stop and take a break if you feel any sudden pain or discomfort at any point of time. Choosing to go with any of these machines would amp up your fitness regimen when done right. Make sure to monitor and track your progress to see what works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the elliptical get rid of love handles?
No, there is currently no evidence that indicates that elliptical can get rid of love handles. A combination of proper diet and exercise will help you lose weight and body fat. Consult your doctor for further information.
Do elliptical tone buttocks?
No, the elliptical does not tone the buttocks. It is an ideal workout for your glutes, chest, triceps biceps, and hamstrings
Is the elliptical good for weight loss?
The elliptical offers a low-impact cardio workout that simultaneously engages multiple muscle groups in the body. Hence, one can burn calories and improve overall fitness through it. It is best to combine regular elliptical workouts with a balanced diet and other forms of physical activity for optimal benefits and weight loss.
Is maintaining balance on an elliptical easier than on a treadmill?
Yes, maintaining balance is easier on an elliptical as the feet stay on the pedals while moving in a circulation motion. The movement is more stable compared to a treadmill.
Can an elliptical or a treadmill be used for interval training?
Yes, you can use either of these exercise equipment for interval training to alternate high-intensity and low-intensity workout sessions. You can adjust the speed, resistance, and incline to the required intensity of the workout.
Which machine is better for beginners – an elliptical or a treadmill?
Both treadmill and elliptical can be adjusted to low settings for beginners to get accustomed to the workout. Ellipticals are low impact as they put a reduced strain on the joints, thus making them a good choice for beginners who are overweight.
Can a treadmill or an elliptical be used for rehabilitation purposes?
With proper guidance, you can use these machines for rehabilitation after an injury or surgery. You can use them to improve mobility, increase muscle strength and range of motion in the lower body.
Which machine is more suitable for people with specific health conditions, such as arthritis or back pain?
The elliptical is proven to be effective for people with arthritis or back pain due to the reduced impact on the joints. The treadmill can have a strong impact on the joints and spine. Consult a healthcare professional before using either.
Key Takeaways
Cannot decide between the treadmill and the elliptical? Don’t worry! Watch this video to find out the pros and cons of each piece of equipment to help you make the right choice.
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
Was this article helpful?
The following two tabs change content below.
Staci Gulbin is a registered dietitian, freelance writer, health editor, and founder of LighttrackNutrition.com. She has been a registered dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration since 2010 and has over a decade of experience in the nutrition and dietetics industry. Staci has also been applying her health and wellness knowledge to writing and editing for websites, such as CDiabetes,... more
Charushila is an ISSA certified Fitness Nutritionist and a Physical Exercise Therapist. Over a span of 6 years, she has authored more than 400 articles on diet, lifestyle, exercises, healthy food, and fitness equipment. She strives to inform, educate, and motivate her readers via authentic, straightforward, and fact-checked information. After completing her master's in biotechnology from Vellore Institute of Technology,... more
Want more information on Cross trainer machine, commercial elliptical machines? Click the link below to contact us.