Treadmill vs. Elliptical: Which Is Better?
Now that the temperature is steadily dropping, many will choose to take their cardio indoors, and when it comes to indoor workouts, the treadmill and elliptical are two of the most popular aerobic exercise machines. Because they are two of the most popular cardio machines, everyone has an opinion about which one is more effective.
While both simulate a natural running or walking motion, there are key differences. As to which one is better, a simple answer does not exactly exist. Depending on your workout goals, physical health, and other factors, one may be better for you than the other.
There are pros and cons to each machine, take a look below to decide which is right for you.
Treadmill pros
You have more control
A major benefit of exercising on a treadmill is the versatility you have. If you choose, you can do a brisk walk or mimic a hilly run by dialing in the exact speed and incline of your workout.
If you do not have a set idea about what you want to do on the treadmill, most have training programs and different “trails” you can run or walk.
Plus, because you have the ability to control everything about your treadmill workout, they are perfectly made for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions, which have been proven to be effective for reducing body fat and burning calories.
Builds leg strength
Using the treadmill can strengthen your leg muscles, hip flexors, and glutes, especially when you take advantage of the incline range.
Walking or running on a variety of inclines forces you to engage all of your leg, butt, and core muscles to a greater degree because you have to work against gravity.
Burn more calories
While both cardio machines are better than the alternative of no cardio, treadmills will help you burn more calories. Any time you have to pick your foot up off the ground, your body has to use more energy. However, this is only the case when the intensity would be similar on both machines.
Treadmill cons
Possible injuries
Jogging and running can put additional stress on your bones and joints compared to an elliptical, but not as much as running on pavement. This additional stress can lead to injuries, such as stress fractures, knee injuries, and shin splints.
You can reduce potential injuries by starting your workout with a warm-up and ending with a cool down. Remember to stretch after, as well.
Works fewer muscle groups
While the treadmill does a great job at targeting your legs, hips, and butt, it does not target as many muscles as an elliptical.
An elliptical will not only work your legs, but your arms, shoulders, back, and chest. You can also reverse the direction to isolate specific muscles.
Elliptical pros
Easier on the joints
The elliptical is a low impact machine because your feet stay planted on the platforms.
Low-impact workouts generally put less stress on your joints than high-impact exercises. If you have knee or hip pain, low-back pain, or health conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis, the elliptical may be the safer option.
Additionally, low-impact does not mean it is not a strenuous workout, so still expect to break a sweat.
Keep up with fitness after injury
An elliptical will still provide you with a difficult workout while protecting your joints. This is especially beneficial when recovering from an injury.
Work your whole body
If the elliptical has arm handles, you can get in a little bit of an arm workout while your legs are pumping away. The resistance of the handles helps not only your back, but your shoulders and chest, as well.
Option to work a variety of muscles
The ability to change direction allows you to change up the muscles you work. If you choose to go backward instead of forward, you will work your calves and hamstrings.
Elliptical cons
There may be a learning curve
Working out on an elliptical may take some time to get used to. At first, the movement may feel a bit awkward and unnatural. If you are not sure if you are using the machine correctly, ask a certified personal trainer.
Less muscle development
While you may be working more muscles on an elliptical, you may not notice the same amount of muscle definition as you would have from working out on a treadmill.
In short, whether a treadmill or elliptical is better is dependent on your goals and physical abilities. If you want to see more muscle development and burn more calories, choose a treadmill. If you are injured or want to work your upper body at the same time, choose an elliptical. If you are looking to lose weight, choose a workout you actually want to do. Nothing helps losing weight more than coming back to the gym each day because you enjoy the workouts you are doing.