Elliptical Trainers Vs Treadmill ? Which One Is Best?

So which exercise machine is best: the treadmill or the elliptical trainer?

While treadmills are still the #1 piece of home exercise equipment, elliptical trainers are quickly catching up. This leaves many people wondering 'Should I buy an elliptical trainer or a treadmill?'

While there are definite differences between the two, it really boils down to you - the buyer. This article lays out the benefits of both the treadmill and the elliptical so you can make an informed decision and choose the best machine for you.

Treadmill Benefits:

· Great for runners, walkers and joggers:

The treadmill is still the machine of choice for those who prefer running, jogging or even walking.

It's obviously a smarter choice for the dedicated runner/jogger than an elliptical trainer. Plus it can help you train even in the winter months when you don't want to run outside.

· Suitable for any exerciser:

Walking is a simple form of exercise that anyone can do - from beginner to seasoned athlete. It doesn't take much coordination.

You don't have to be supercoordinated to figure out how to use a treadmill whereas elliptical trainers can sometimes be a little tricky to use ? especially for beginners.

· Provides workout variety:

A treadmill also provides workout variety of a different kind than the elliptical trainer. A treadmill allows you to walk, run, jog, walk uphill, do intervals and programs. You can even build in upper body handweights to work your arms, back and shoulders.

Elliptical Trainer Benefits:

· Lower impact on your joints than a treadmill:

What is interesting is that this lack of impact on the joints allows the user to burn roughly the same amount of calories as treadmills with the impression of putting out considerably less effort.

So you burn the same amount of calories while feeling like you did less work. (This is called the 'Rate of Perceived Exertion')

This lower impact also makes the elliptical trainer a great choice for those with knee or hip problems, the elderly or even rehabilitation patients.

· Provides an overall body workout:

With the dual-action upper body arms as well as the foot pedals, you are getting an overall total body workout. Whereas the treadmill mostly focuses on the lower body, the elliptical works your entire system for an overall cardiovasculer workout.

· Excellent workout variety:

One feature that is often overlooked on an elliptical is the opportunity to move in both a forward and backward direction.

When you go backward you are targeting a different set of muscles than when you go forward (hamstrings vs. quadriceps). This helps add variety to your workout and keeps you motivated.

So those are some advantages of both elliptical trainers and treadmills. Is one machine better than the other? It really depends on who you are and what YOU enjoy doing.

Here's the bottom line:

If you enjoy using a specific exercise machine more than others, you will exercise more often - which means more calories burned, more weight lost and a better body achieved. That is the best exercise machine for you.

One final note: Remember that whichever machine you choose ? with exercise equipment you basically get what you pay for. Many people buy cheap equipment and then pay for it later in the form of equipment repairs, joint problems and painful injuries. Make sure you buy a high quality brand name machine with a solid warranty that was built to last.

Kathryn O'Neill is the chief editor for Elliptical Trainer Review

For more elliptical buying tips, brand reviews, and best buys visit http://www.EllipticalTrainerReview.com

Repri nt Rights: Feel free to reprint this article on your website or in your ezine as long as the 'About The Author' section is included and ALL LINKS ARE CLICKABLE

---

Choosing Fitness Equipment

Finding the perfect piece of fitness equipment can be a... Read More

Vertical Platform Lifts

I wish I would've looked into vertical platform lifts a... Read More

The Horizon Elliptical Trainer

The Horizon Elliptical is an affordably priced elliptical that comes... Read More

Elliptical Trainer Benefits

Considering an elliptical trainer? Wondering how an elliptical trainer can... Read More

Folding Vs. Non-Folding Treadmills - Whats the Real Difference?

Most people buying a treadmill will be probably be faced... Read More

Commercial Elliptical Machines

With the fitness craze that is going on in the... Read More

Choosing an Elliptical Cross Trainer

Elliptical cross trainers have been around for several years and... Read More

My Golden Gym

"Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you... Read More

Picking Your Home Gym Equipment

When you are picking out the equipment that you are... Read More

Tenderizing Meat and Other Uses For Home Exercise Equipment

Almost everyone has bought home exercise equipment at some point... Read More

Why Exercise Balls Are The Wonder Exercise Equipment

Exercise balls are the latest invention in exercise equipments. These... Read More

A Natural History Of Trampolines

Walrus skins - It has been said that the first... Read More

Benefits of A Compact Elliptical Machine

With the fitness craze that is going on across the... Read More

Weight Loss by Treadmill

Weight loss using a good Treadmill workout program has worked... Read More

Life Fitness Treadmills Reign Supreme in the Ratings

One of the most superior brands of treadmills available, Life... Read More

Developing a Fitness Attitude - A Healthy Weight Loss Program Approach

Exercise is Not a Four Letter WordIt's obvious that the... Read More

Tanita Body Fat Monitors

An ordinary scale can tell you your weight, but what... Read More

Cheap Clearance Elliptical Trainers

Purchasing a cheap clearance elliptical trainer can prove to be... Read More

What to Look for When Shopping for an Elliptical Trainer

When shopping for an elliptical trainer, it can be confusing... Read More

Types of Exercise Equipment

Depending on the kind of exercise you want to do,... Read More

Treadmills ? Keep On Running

There are benefits to the use of treadmills as part... Read More

How Do I Find The Best Treadmill For Me?

Treadmills are possibly the most popular type of fitness equipment... Read More

Home Treadmills ? No More Excuses!

No more excuses! Treadmills can be used in the comfort... Read More

Treadmill Lubrication

Treadmill Lubrication - Ya Gotta Grease The SkidsTreadmill lubrication on... Read More

The Importance of Treadmill Mats?

One important accessory that you will want to get with... Read More

The Tunturi Elliptical Trainer

The Tunturi Elliptical is one of the lower end priced... Read More

Proform Elliptical Trainers Are Not For The Serious

Though many people seem to like their Proform ellipticals, these... Read More

Home Treadmill Review: Things To Watch Out Before Buying A Treadmill

Treadmills are known to be the most popular and most... Read More

What?s The Big Deal About Treadmill Ratings?

If you're contemplating buying a treadmill and you don't know... Read More

Blood Pressure Monitor - Is Youre Blood Pressure OK?

The focus on reducing high blood pressure in today's society... Read More

Riding The Vision Fitness Elliptical Trainer

The Vision Fitness elliptical trainer comes in five models. Ranging... Read More

Magazine Ratings of Treadmills ? Compare Expert Opinions to Get the Best Deal!

Reading magazine ratings of treadmills is a great way to... Read More

Create Your Own Fitness Center with Home Exercise Equipment!

If joining a fitness center is not for you, and... Read More