Comparing Treadmills, Ellipticals, and Other Running Machines

Getting fit has never been easier with the range of products and machines you can use to help, whether you’re looking to improve your cardio fitness, build strength, or lose weight – there is something for everyone, no matter your ability. With so many machines to choose from, how do you decide which is best? If you’re looking for the best elliptical machines, or you’re wondering whether a treadmill might suit you better, read on as we compare a few of the most popular to choose from.

What is an elliptical?

If you’ve been to the gym in the past, it’s likely you’ll have seen or used one of these exercise machines. An elliptical has two handles, and two pedal-like platforms you can stand on. When you use the machine, you place your feet on the flat platforms and your handles on the handlebars. You step forward with your feet and move your arms back forward in unison, in a running motion. An elliptical can be used for a full-body, cardio workout. This machine is popular because it gets the whole body moving, gets the heart pumping, and is gentler on the joints than running or jogging. If you attend a gym, you will have seen these machines in action, but you can also purchase a product to have in your home so you can work out whenever is best for you.

What are the benefits?

So, why should you use one of these machines to help you get fit? As we mentioned previously, ellipticals are great when it comes to boosting your stamina. Much like running, elliptical exercises can work your heart and lungs to increase your cardio capacity. If you’re hoping to lose weight, the full-body workout that an elliptical can provide means you will be able to burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time, perfect if you’re looking to drop a few pounds for the better. An elliptical machine can give your body a boost without putting strain on your joints. This helps to reduce the chance of you suffering from overuse injuries. As well as this, you can train both your upper and lower body at once.

Ellipticals Vs. Treadmills

So, what’s the difference between ellipticals and treadmills? Ellipticals give both your arms and legs a workout, whereas treadmills focus solely on the movement of running, so if you’re looking to build up a few muscle groups, an elliptical would be better for you. However, the treadmill allows you to replicate that running sensation indoors, so if you’re specifically focusing on building up your stamina to run further, using a treadmill is the best option. Treadmills will also help to build the muscles that you need to successfully run both inside and outside. Both ellipticals and treadmills are great for cardio workouts, but you should weigh up whether you’re looking for a full-body workout, or you’d prefer to focus on running.

Stair climbers

Another machine that you may have come across in the gym is the stair climber. As the name suggests, this machine is made to replicate climbing the stairs. You can change the resistance and hold onto the rails to help you balance to get a great lower body workout. Like treadmills, these machines focus solely on the lower body. They provide one of the best cardio workouts, whilst also building strength in the legs and bum. You can get your heart rate up, enhance your stamina, and improve your endurance. This machine allows you to tone your body, get your heart rate up, and strengthen your leg muscles.

Which is best?

So, if you’re looking to choose a machine for your home, or you simply want to know which is best to use in the gym, comparing all three of these machines is helpful. Whilst it’s difficult to say if one is better than the other, it all depends on the results you’re hoping to see. If you want a full-body, cardio workout, that is gentle on the joints whilst working both arms and legs, an elliptical would help you reach your goals. If you want to replicate running indoors and strengthen your lower body, a treadmill is your best bet. If you want to tone your lower body, build muscle, and burn calories, you could give a stair climber a go.