Elliptical Vs Treadmill Weight Loss: Choosing The Right Workout And Equipment For Your Needs
August 30, 2011
Elliptical vs treadmill weight loss – Elliptical vs treadmill is a common topic of conversation among fitness enthusiasts. Both of these machines offer great workouts that promote cardiovascular health, fat loss, and muscle development. If you are looking into investing your time and money into one of these machines, the right one will greatly depend upon your own personal goals and intentions.
When it comes to workouts, these machines work the body in different ways. While an elliptical offers a decent cardio workout, a treadmill is far more challenging. Dedicated runners and joggers looking for a way to train indoors for marathons should invest in a treadmill. The newer models can simulate the undulating hills with programmable inclines.
For those who are interested in an efficient workout, an elliptical offers a far more dynamic exercise than a treadmill. Ellipticals have two handlebars that engage the arms, back, and chest. While it is possible to train on a treadmill using hand weights, the elliptical includes the upper body in the basic range of motion. Like the treadmill, the newer elliptical machines have a programmable resistance workout. The difficulty can be adjusted as your body becomes accustomed to the machine.
People who suffer from joint problems, and especially knee issues, need to select a low impact workout. These are exercises that place minimum pressure on the joints. The act of running or jogging is high impact, and can actually worsen certain injuries. An elliptical is considered low impact. The pedals and handlebars move in a smooth and gentle motion. This prevents the strain that occurs with a running stride. Instead of both feet smashing against a platform, they will glide on the pedals with minimum strain.
When it comes to fat loss, both machines can help you reach your goals as long as they are used properly. Working out for a longer period of time, but at a slower pace is better for fat loss. Conversely, working with short bursts of energy will improve your cardio. For example, going for a forty minute walk will do more for fat loss than sprinting for ten minutes. Both machines can be used in this way.
Some people are intimidated by the elliptical and prefer the simplicity associated with treadmills. Granted, people with balance issues may feel uncomfortable standing on the machine. Others like the idea of getting a near total body workout from one machine.
The act of jogging can become monotonous, while an elliptical offers a more interesting motion. These personal preferences are a large factor in the elliptical vs treadmill debate. If possible, try experimenting with both to see how each one feels. Sometimes this is the only way to truly discover what machine is right for you.
Elliptical vs treadmill is a tough topic, since both offer excellent workouts. Ellipticals are low impact, dynamic, and engage most of the body without any conscious effort. Treadmills are perfect for avid runners and joggers, work your cardiovascular fitness, and feel very stable. Both can be used for weight loss. Evaluate your fitness needs and personal preferences to accurately pick the right machine.
The treadmill vs elliptical weight loss debate will rage ever onwards, so long as there are interested parties representing both sides of the coin. Simply find the best solution for you and your particular living situation, and you’ll find your decision to be a comfortable one. Heck, perhaps you’d enjoy varying your workouts, and using both machines… For other great health and fitness ideas, be sure to visit our plastic martini glasses home page and see how others are learning to live the Mucho Martini lifestyle.
External reference literature:
Ellipticals Wiki
Treadmills Wiki
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Filed under: Sports and Fitness
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