Elliptical Trainers and Treadmills – A Comparison
Treadmills and elliptical trainers are among the most popular exercise equipments in the gym. While the treadmill is an old favourite, the elliptical equipment is fairly new on the exercise scene. If you are planning to buy your own exercise equipment then you may first want to take a look at this quick comparison of the two pieces of equipment mentioned above.
A majority of those who have tried the elliptical can attest to the fact that it is significantly impact-free, as compared to treadmill equipment. This is good news for those who want to protect their joints from exercise abuse. If, however, you are a serious runner who wants to get a good training experience then the treadmill is still your best option.
Beginners who want quality cardiovascular workouts with maximum efficiency would do well to consider elliptical trainers, especially those that have dual-action handlebars and foot pedals. This may be the best way to give yourself a total body workout; plus, the lack of impact on your joints allows you to burn the same amount of calories on the elliptical as you would on a treadmill, but with considerably less effort.
Manual treadmills really pale in comparison when you consider the fact that it only focuses your workout on your lower body. It is no surprise then that elliptical machines are now the machine of choice of many individuals, especially the elder exercisers who need to take care of their sensitive joints and brittle bones.
Finally, the one feature of elliptical trainers that may be the primary cause of its ever-growing popularity is its versatility. It can be adjusted to different intensity levels, thus allowing you to vary your routine from time to time. The treadmill became popular because of the ability to change the incline and intensity. The elliptical has this features, too, plus a few more features of its own.