Cardio is one really important fact when it comes to working out and weight loss.
After strength training, it is the biggest fat burner exercise!
We have to do it, otherwise we’ll only slow down the weight loss process.
It always comes right after our strength training, and it should last at least 20-30 minutes.
But when I am in the gym, I often wonder what cardio machine to choose.
And not that there are tons of them!
Actually I got thinking that every time I think about cardio, the first two things that cross my mind are treadmill or elliptical trainer!
I bet you’ve all had that thought at some point:
- What’s better cardio workout?
- What gives better results?
- If I had to choose one what will I choose?
- What burns fat the most?
Well if one of these questions ever popped on the top of your head, you’re in the right place!
I’m gonna give you some experts opinion about how to choose the best cardio workout between the two of these – Treadmill Vs Elliptical Trainer.
Many people that want to invest in some home gym equipment are stuck with this question too:
What’s the best investment?!
Well I’ll try my best to give you every little detail about how to choose the best cardio workout machine for you.
Let’s get started!
Treadmill
First I like to talk about the treadmill.
When we see this machine, we have to admit that it’s a multi exercise pack.
You can walk, jog, run or sprint indoors.
Let’s see the benefits of this amazing cardio machine!
Pros:
- You can preform multiple movements
You can run, jog, sprint, or walk on this one machine.
That means that you actually can perform several different workouts.
Also you can adjust the ramp up to 15 percent incline for a more challenging workout.
- It’s a great way to burn fat while promoting good cardiovascular health
Walking and running is good for your health, fitness condition and your heart.
Treadmill promote a movement that’s actually better for your cardiovascular health.
- It requires more energy
Yes, this is 100% true.
Since your feet don’t stay planted the entire time, you lose more calories when running on the treadmill compared to the elliptical trainer.
There are many other factors too, but if we imagine that it’s the same intensity workout, with the same heart rate, again you lift your feet off the ground and that’s a big plus to the cardio!
- You’ll improve your running skills
Even if you are not an active runner, you can improve your running skills with this machine.
There are many people that actually train for marathons on the treadmill.
You can use it to run up to 10 miles, when the weather doesn’t leave you other choice than to stay indoor.
Cons:
- Stressful for your knees
When running on the treadmill we actually put a big stress on our knees.
And not only our knees, but hips and back too.
People with joint, knee, lower back or hip problems can find this machine harmful for their health.
- You don’t use the upper body
When working out on the treadmill the only upper body movement is swinging your hands.
Treadmills doesn’t include the upper body that much, so you just get lower body involvement.
- Treadmills take quite a pounding
When it comes to home gym equipment, treadmills are more pounded.
They are more massive and they cannot be stuck in the corner.
- They have a motor
Many people list this up too, as a disadvantage if you want to buy treadmill.
Treadmills are made with a motor inside them.
This can be a little tricky, because the motor is a complication for ongoing maintenance.
Elliptical Trainer
After we’ve seen the pros and cons of the treadmill, now it’s time for the elliptical.
Well, there are also many benefits about it, but again there’re some disadvantages too.
Let’s get started.
Pros:
- Keeps your joints healthy
If your knees, joints or hips hearts, the elliptical trainer will definitely keep them healthy.
It has much less impact than treadmill.
- Includes the upper body
The elliptical workout works the upper body too.
Unlike the treadmill, the arm movements on the elliptical are more of a upper body workout, rather than swings.
You actually work your arms, shoulders and back, as you swing your whole upper body into the movement.
- Better choice for home gym
They are lighter in pounds, and they are smaller.
You can find different kinds of elliptical that actually take less space than the treadmill.
They also last longer than the treadmills.
This is because unlike treadmills, they are made out of magnets, not motor.
- Multiple movements
Most elliptical machines can be pedaled in reverse too.
This means that you get multiple movements with this cardio machine too.
This means they allows you to work your calf and hamstring muscles a bit more than does forward motion.
- No chance of injuring yourself
It’s a safe machine, where you get fixed motions, where you cannot injure yourself in any way.
Cons:
- Your feet are planted
You don’t lift your feet off the ground.
That’s why many people claim that when working on the elliptical you burn less fat compared to the treadmill.
- You have a fixed movement
The movement on this machine is fixed.
You can increase the intensity, but the movement stays the same way.
That’s why it’s easier to elevate your heart rate on the treadmill.
- Less calories burned
Because of these reasons many people claim that this cardio machine is a little bit less effective.
You burn just a little bit more calories when you hit the treadmill running.
Treadmill Vs Elliptical – CONCLUSI
ON
Here’s my few steps to get the right answer for you if you’re still doubting what to choose – the treadmill or elliptical trainer:
- Choose treadmill on cardio days
If you’re going regularly to the gym, you know that cardio comes right after the strength training workout.
I’d suggest to choose the elliptical trainer after strength training, and leave the treadmill for cardio only days.
- Pick the machine you enjoy using more
That’s really important!
It has to be enjoyable in order for you to keep using it.
- Changes are crucial
You shouldn’t stick with one cardio machine!
Changes are crucial for fitness and weight loss, so make sure you switch it up now and then.
- The best cardiovascular workout is the one preformed outdoor
Walking or running outdoors is the best choice that you can make.
Outdoor cardio is more effective too.
I prefer the ARC trainer in the gym, but will settle for an elliptical. Those of us with bad bad knees (and backs) will attest the treadmill is off-limits.