Why Choose An Elliptical Exercise Machine Over An Exercise Treadmill
Wikipedia defines an elliptical trainer (also cross trainer or simply elliptical) as a stationary exercise machine used to simulate walking or running without causing excessive pressure to the joints, hence decreasing the risk of impact injuries.
Elliptical exercise equipment can be found in a wide variety of sizes, styles and prices. Elliptical exercise is quickly catching up as the preferred cardiovascular exercise equipment of choice right behind the exercise treadmill.
Elliptical exercise equipment -vs- the exercise treadmill
Elliptical exercise equipment has some benefits that appeal to many people over the exercise treadmill. While both provide a quality cardiovascular workout, an elliptical trainer is a low-impact cardio workout. A treadmill can be hard on the knees, ankles and other joints.
Elliptical exercise equipment such a cross trainer work both the upper and lower body with it’s dual action workout. The exercise treadmill is geared mainly for lower body. Both exercise machines give a great cardio workout.
Another point to consider when looking at elliptical exercise equipment compared to an exercise machine like the treadmill is variety. Your aerobic workout can get pretty boring with a treadmill yet most people find it easy to use. The dual action of an elliptical trainer allows for a variety of workout functions so it’s less boring to most. On the other hand many find the dual action movements of elliptical exercise equipment unnatural and troublesome.
How to decide
Both exercise machines are great cardio machines and both can be a significant investment. Most older people, over forty, will benefit greatly from the impact free workout that the elliptical trainer offers. If you are a runner then the treadmill will provide a better training experience.
Avoiding a costly mistake
Once you decide on your exercise equipment of choice, it’s time to go shopping. If you are like the vast majority of people you will spend a lot of money and stop using the machine way before it’s paid off. A solid workout regiment takes ambition and dedication. You can avoid a costly mistake by either trying out your exercise routine in a gym first or buying a used exercise machine. Craigslist or a local eBay search can sometimes produce amazing deals.
Don’t kill yourself
The most important thing is your health. Over doing it can have the reverse effect then was intended. A weak heart or breathing disorder can have dire consequences when combined with too much exercise. You should always be checked by a doctor before tackling any new workout program. Once you have the ok, all bets are off. Hit it, stay on it and don’t look back because you are on the path to looking and feeling great.
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Another great post. Personally I like the eliptical machine because you can go both forwards and backwards with it. But then again I’m young and do love the treadmill too even though it’s harder on your knees. Anyway great post!
Hey Todd, Thanks much! Yeah, the elliptical is cool! That’s awesome that you love the treadmill. I used to :0
Hi Todd, Thanks for the comment. I went to your site and I’m getting a “Reported Attack Site!” warning. You might want to see if there is a trojan or something there.
Brian D. Hawkins@Healthy Spices´s last blog ..Spice Garden – Healthy Spices Right At Home
I personally think that nothing beats a run or walk in the park on a beautiful day, but for working out at home I would go with an elliptical, unless you are a serious runner training for a marathon.
Joanna@ Elliptical Exercise Machine´s last blog ..Elliptical Exercise: How Many Calories Can Be Burned on an Elliptical Trainer
Hi Joanna, Those nice days are at a premium right now here in Michigan but we’ve been very lucky so far, it’s been above average temps. I was in Walmart yesterday and jumped on the Gold’s Gym Crosstrainer Elliptical Trainer they had on display and it’s a great machine. You can feel the quality as soon as you step onto it.
Brian D. Hawkins@Nasolabial Folds´s last blog ..Looking Older Because of Nasolabial Folds?
I would have to agree with Joanna that a run in the park is much more fun. However, i prefer a treadmill at home. I guess it’s because I do interval training and I don’t think I could get the same quality workout from an elliptical. I could be wrong, but I guess it’s all a mind game and my mind says treadmill over elliptical.
Luis@Treadmills on Sale´s last blog ..Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill (Sports) tagged "treadmill" 54 times
I also doing jogging in Park every day but I love treadmill, Really I feel that I am addict of treadmill.
Great article,I personally think that nothing beats a run or walk in the park on a beautiful day, we can view while doing run and walk and all body parts will moving. You can’t lose just stomach fat alone…you can’t target a specific area for fat.
Thanks Jose!
Most of the exercise mats I came across were not wide enough to fit this machine.
I prefer my treadmill over an elliptical machine, however, it is a personal choice. As you stated, I should test each machine out before purchasing. These machines can be pricey if you are not commited to using them regularly.
James@Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill´s last blog ..Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill – $700 Off updated Wed Apr 28 2010 11:18 am CDT