It is difficult to choose a piece of home exercise equipment when you have two options like elliptical machines or treadmills. Both offer great advantages which make it a personal preference more than anything.

First, let’s cover the basics. Studies show that elliptical machines and treadmills offer similar cardiovascular benefits, and that both machines burn a comparable number of calories per workout. That’s good news if burning calories is your only concern.

The overall effort between the two forms of exercise may be of some concern as well. Elliptical machine users have consistently stated that working out on an elliptical machine feels much more effortless and complete.

A big reason for this is the full body workout offered by elliptical machines. Elliptical machines extend the cardiovascular workout to the arms, back, chest, legs, and hips, without ever overtaxing a single muscle group. This is a fantastic opportunity for those who do not enjoy exercise, but are in need of a cardiovascular workout.

Elliptical machines also provide more varied workout options than treadmills. In treadmills, incline and speed changes do provide some variety. Elliptical machines offer similar incline and speed adjustments, but with the added advantage of varying resistance settings for the legs and arms, plus forward and backward motion.

Safety may also be a concern for exercise machine users. Injuries have been known as far more common on non-secure exercise equipment such as treadmills. Elliptical machines on the other hand offer safety and security through the wide range motion without any movement where the body separates from the machine.

Finally, consider the difference in the type of workout treadmills and elliptical machines provide. Although weight-bearing exercise is healthy for your bones, too much impact can be hard on your joints over time. Elliptical machines provide weight-bearing exercise, but without the potentially harmful impact.

So, what’s the bottom line? Treadmills and elliptical machines can both provide excellent workouts, but elliptical machines offer some important advantages that are worth considering.

Trying to find a great elliptical machines? Stop in at Octane Fitness and take the tour!


  • Discovery Elliptical Trainer is Affordable - Elliptical Machine - Using an elliptical trainer is a great way to get into shape with a limited amount of time in your day. A Discovery elliptical trainer will allow you to have a great workout without spending hours in the gym. The best part is that you never have to leave the house. This is ...
     
  • How to Use an Elliptical Trainer and Maximize its Benefits - Elliptical Machines - Using an elliptical trainer is a great way to exercise if you have a knee, back or hip injury. Such injuries limit the type of exercises that you can perform and rule out most high impact exercises such as jogging or running. This can be frustrating if you like the feeling of running ...
     
  • Finding a Smooth Elliptical Trainer - Elliptical Trainers - There are a few different pieces of exercise equipment that are considered as being basic staples to any home or professional gym, and the smooth elliptical trainer is right at the top of this list. A smooth elliptical trainer, also known as a cross trainer or an elliptical, is one of the most ...