Introduction
When you walk into a gym, the cardio machines you are likely to find are exercise bikes, elliptical trainers or treadmills. Elliptical and treadmills are popular gym machines that come with a myriad of health benefits since they can stimulate walking or running motion, and based on your workout intensity, they can enhance your cardio fitness. So the question on everybody’s lips is what burns more calories treadmill or elliptical? With both elliptical and treadmills, you can get a good aerobic exercise, but elliptical trainers are more beneficial than treadmills. This is because elliptical trainers are less stressful on your hips, back and knees compared to running on a treadmill. In this article, we are going to look at what they are, the difference between them and which machine you should choose if you want to burn more calories.
What burns more calories treadmill or elliptical?
Factors to consider while choosing the two
Before you choose to invest in an elliptical and treadmill it is important you pay attention to these factors. First is the price of the treadmill and elliptical. You need to look at your budget and what you can afford. High end machines usually come with more features compared to their lower end counterparts but are more expensive. Second look at the space consideration i.e. how much room you have and where to store them. Third, is the stability of the treadmill and elliptical. If you want to know if your cardio machine is stable, you can stand on it and see for yourself.
Definition of the two terms
An elliptical machine refers to an exercise machine that is used to run or walk without causing too much pressure to the joints. This offers a low impact cardiovascular workout which varies from high to low intensity based on resistance and speed of exercise. While looking for the Best Elliptical you must pay attention to the elliptical weight, design and quality, maximum user weight, watt levels, magnetic or mechanical resistance, and flywheel weight. On the other hand, a treadmill is a cardio machine that is designed for running, walking or climbing. Factors to consider while buying the Best Treadmill include your budget, space available at home, number of people will use it and programs such as heart rate monitor.
Similarities and differences
Treadmills and elliptical share the same similarities as follows: First both these cardio machines depend on leg movement. Second, both involve walking/ running and even climbing. Third, treadmills and elliptical machines involve aerobic and cardio fitness. The first difference between a treadmill and an elliptical is the mechanism of operation. An elliptical emulates running motion thanks to the suspended peddles which move in an elliptical motion. On the other hand, a treadmill offers a moving platform which could be inclined at an angle or is flat for athletes to run on or walk. Another difference between an elliptical and treadmill is that the latter requires periodic maintenance compared to the former. Maintenance usually involves lubricating and ensuring the treadmill belt is properly centered. If you want to avoid maintenance then you are better off choosing an elliptical machine over a treadmill.
Advantages between the two machines
The benefits of using an elliptical and treadmill are well documented. So, the question that begs is what burns more calories treadmill or elliptical? Compared to other cardio activities like outdoor running, an elliptical machine offers a low impact cardiovascular exercise. If you exercise properly on an elliptical machine, it will have a low impact on your knee, ankle joints, and hip. On the other hand, a treadmill which targets your calves, hamstrings, hip muscles, glutes, and quads offers a consistent workout compared to running outdoors. Another benefit of an elliptical machine is that you can pedal backward which allows you to target different parts of your leg muscles. Unlike an elliptical machine, running on a treadmill allows users to lift their feet off the belt. This helps users to work out their ab muscles.
Which one should you choose
If you are looking to choose the best cardio machine, you need to ask yourself what burns more calories treadmill or elliptical. Both an elliptical and treadmill can be beneficial if you want to burn calories and get a good cardiovascular exercise. While choosing between a treadmill and an elliptical you need to first pay attention to your fitness goals and physical health. Some people may prefer an elliptical because it offers benefits that a treadmill does not. First, an elliptical allows you to have good cardiovascular exercise without putting too much stress on your joints and bones. Second, it may reduce injury risk while working out. Third, an elliptical machine works your lower and upper body in a short period. On the other hand, you may prefer a treadmill if you are prone to joint problems or injuries. Additionally, you may prefer a treadmill if you want to build strength on your leg muscles and glutes.
Conclusion
Both treadmills and elliptical machines are great for burning calories. If you are asking yourself what burns more calories treadmill or elliptical then you are not alone. The amount of calories you will burn depends on the amount of effort you want to put into it. Whether you use a treadmill or elliptical, the more you increase the incline, speed or resistance, the more calories you burn. You must choose the right cardio equipment that best suits your needs. In case you want to burn more calories, using a treadmill may be a good fit. However, if you are injury-prone or suffering from the musculoskeletal condition then you should choose an elliptical machine.
Related Article: