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: Which One Is Better For Your Health?
Story by Charushila Biswas • 1d
Elliptical Vs. Treadmill: Which One Is Better For Your Health?
To Burn Calories, which one would you choose – elliptical or treadmill? Both are cardio machines, but when it comes to elliptical vs. treadmill, which one wins and gives you quick and better results? A good understanding of which parts these two machines target can help you make a better decision. As a result, you will burn fat quickly from the areas you want to, lose weight, improve muscle and core strength, and reduce the risk of injuries. In this article, you have explained the pros and cons of treadmill and elliptical machines. By the end of it, you will know which machine is best for you to use. Scroll down!
Treadmill Pros
You can use the treadmill at the gym to walk (slow or brisk), run (at 6 mph), or for jogging. You can also use the incline option to add resistance to your workout. You may also combine all these options for high-intensity interval training. For instance, you may begin with a brisk walk for 5-10 minutes for warm-up. Then, alternate between a sprint and a walk. If you are a beginner, sprint for 20 seconds, followed by 1-2 minutes of walking. For advanced levels, you may sprint and walk for equal durations. Repeat for 15-20 minutes.
Running requires you to engage your core and activate your ab muscles. This helps your body to build endurance, be more balanced, and prevent you from falling. So, if you run for, say 20 minutes, your core is engaged the whole time. By practicing it regularly, you will build a strong core, which will improve your posture, tone, and exercise stamina (1).
Running at 8 mph for 20 minutes may help you burn about 200-300 calories. The number of calories burned also depends on your body weight and degree of incline used. It is best to keep your treadmill at an incline of at least 3 degrees and run intermittently (run at 6 or 7 mph for a minute and then at 13 or 14 mph for 10 seconds).
Walking and running are something that we are so used to doing every day. So, when you hop onto a treadmill, it will just take you a few seconds to get used to the moving platform. This comfort and ease of use will quickly make you like walking or running on the treadmill.
Walking or running on the treadmill targets your calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes, abs, and heart muscles.
Therefore, it’s a great workout for your lower body (2). If you have excess fat accumulation in your lower body, running intermittently on the treadmill can help you lose such excess fat effectively.
Running requires you to balance on alternate legs. This means that your legs bear the weight of your body alternately. Plus, the incline and speed of running exert double or sometimes triple the weight of your body. Running with correct posture on alternate days strengthens the bones (3), (4).
Running and walking briskly on the treadmill helps pump up your heart rate and activates the lungs, which can support the strengthening of your heart muscles and improve circulation
(5). Over a period, you will be able to run for a long duration without going out of breath and improve overall wellness. In fact, you will be able to do any other type of cardio (like playing an outdoor sport) without feeling out of breath too soon.
Yes, there are many benefits of running or walking on the treadmill, but there are also a few disadvantages that you should be aware of. Here are the cons of using a treadmill to burn calories.
Cardio on an elliptical machine puts less pressure on the bones, especially the knee joints
(6). This machine emulates the movement of climbing the stairs or cross-country skiing. Therefore, you do not have to stomp your feet on the belt or floor, and that will save you from injuring your knees in the long run (literally!).
The elliptical targets the leg muscles and the biceps, triceps, lats, and the core (7). So, basically, you will get a full-body workout that will help you tone up your body, strengthen your core, and improve balance.
You can pedal reverse on an elliptical. That way, you will target other muscles and engage in a mixed workout that will get you great results.
The elliptical helps burn about 200-300 calories in 30 minutes – which is the same as running on a treadmill. However, with the elliptical, you will get a full body workout.
Calorie Burn – Elliptical Vs. Treadmill For Weight Loss
Using a treadmill can help you burn almost the same number of calories as you would if you use an elliptical. But depending on your goal, you should decide if you need a full body workout or just a lower body workout. And that will determine if you should use the treadmill or the elliptical.
Yes, you can support weight loss efforts by using a treadmill or elliptical exercise machine regularly. But also make sure you do strength training each week to preserve your muscles and improve the tone of your body structure.
Zinnia Alexander, a blogger, discusses her experience of attempting a rigorous 2-hour daily workout routine to lose weight and get in shape. She writes, “I would take a 60 min strength training class in the morning, followed by another hour of cardio on the treadmill or the elliptical (i).”
However, she found herself exhausted, burned out, and not able to achieve the desired results. The turning point came when she discovered the concept of minimum effective dose, which is defined as “the smallest dose that will produce a desired outcome” in the book The 4-Hour Body by Timothy Ferris.
After applying the idea to her workouts, she observes, “My weight loss is progressing steadily in the right direction, and I have more energy throughout the day. I don’t have to work out for longer to meet this threshold. Instead, I simply increase the intensity, either by using heavier weights or sprinting faster on the treadmill.”
So, what’s best to buy for your home?
Let’s find out Summation:
What Kind of Exercise is Best for Your Heart?
How long you should be able to run without stopping at every age
American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults and Kids
Are you fitting in at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of heart-pumping physical activity per week? If not, you’re not alone. Only about one in five adults and teens get enough exercise to maintain good health. Being more active can help all people think, feel and sleep better and perform daily tasks more easily. And if you’re sedentary, sitting less is a great place to start.
These recommendations are based on the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. They recommend how much physical activity we need to be healthy. The guidelines are based on current scientific evidence supporting the connections between physical activity, overall health and well-being, disease prevention and quality of life.
Recommendations for Adults
- Get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week.
- Add moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity (such as resistance or weights) on at least 2 days per week.
- Spend less time sitting. Even light-intensity activity can offset some of the risks of being sedentary.
- Gain even more benefits by being active at least 300 minutes (5 hours) per week.
- Increase amount and intensity gradually over time.
The Arthritis Foundation’s program that is proven to reduce the pain of arthritis and improve your overall health
The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk With Ease Program is a community-based physical activity and self-management education program. While walking is the central activity, Walk With Ease is a multi-component program that also includes health education, stretching and strengthening exercises, and motivational strategies. The program includes a guidebook and a walking schedule to get you safely moving toward better health.
Studies by the Thurston Arthritis Research Center and the Institute on Aging of the University of North Carolina show that Walk With Ease is proven to:
- Reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis
- Increase balance, strength and walking pace
- Build confidence in your ability to be physically active
- Improve overall health
The Walk With Ease program is offered as a self-guided course or in a community setting. Choose the format that best suits you.
Experience Walk With Ease
Developed by the Thurston Arthritis Research Center and the Institute on Aging of the University of North Carolina, the Walk With Ease program can be experienced on your own or with a group. The online tools you’ll find here are resources that accompany the program and are not meant to be completed alone. To complete the program on your own, purchase the popular Walk With Ease guidebook or to participate in a group, locate a Walk With Ease program in your local community.
Improve Your Health
Comprehensive studies demonstrate that Walk With Ease reduces pain, increases balance and strength and improves your overall health. The program will help motivate you to get in great shape and allow you to walk safely and comfortably.
When it comes to choosing between an elliptical and a treadmill for weight loss and toning, it largely depends on your personal preferences, fitness goals, and any physical limitations you may have. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each:
Elliptical
Pros:
- Low Impact: Ellipticals provide a low-impact workout, which is easier on the joints and suitable for people with knee, hip, or back issues.
- Full-Body Workout: Many ellipticals have handles that allow you to engage both your upper and lower body, providing a comprehensive workout.
- Variety: Ellipticals often come with different settings and programs that can add variety to your workouts.
Cons:
- Less Intense: Some users might find the workout to be less intense compared to a treadmill, potentially burning fewer calories.
- Learning Curve: It might take some time to get used to the motion of the elliptical.
Treadmill
Pros:
- High Intensity: Treadmills can offer a high-intensity workout, helping you burn more calories in less time.
- Versatility: You can walk, jog, or run on a treadmill, and most come with various incline settings to increase the intensity of your workout.
- Natural Movement: Running or walking on a treadmill mimics natural movements, making it easier for some users to maintain proper form.
Cons:
- High Impact: Treadmill workouts can be harder on the joints, which might be problematic for people with joint issues.
- Risk of Injury: There’s a higher risk of injury, especially if you don’t maintain proper form or if the treadmill speed is too high.
Which is Better?
Ultimately, both machines can help you achieve weight loss and toning goals, but the best choice depends on your personal preferences and physical condition. If you prefer a low-impact workout that’s gentle on the joints, the elliptical might be the better option. If you’re looking for a high-intensity workout and enjoy running or walking, the treadmill could be the way to go.
How long you should be able to run without stopping at every age?
Jim Sovell
I’m 69 and can’t run a step after a life of running races from 5k to marathons. No cartilage left in either knee. Post knee replacement running is not allowed so I am done running. Make up for it other ways but from a heart and lung perspective I am sure I could run many miles knees willing..
Others might state they have one hip replaced, 2nd one due. Neuropathy in feet, 3 bad discs in lower back, knee rebuilt, asthma and a killer sciatica nerve. I’m 65 and can run the required distance but would have to stop in between. So I don’t think this guide is for everyone
There are many incorrect and misleading statements in this article, oversimplification of complex biologic and physiological processes only creates more reader confusion, Do not challenge the expertise and writing skills of John Ely Deputy Health Editor For Mailonline. He, in fact, is in the running for HHS Director.
Aaron Schwarz
People today are way less strong because they sit around way more than people ever did in history, Rest is important, but when you combine a western metabolic dysfunction diet of UPF garbage plus never working out, you end up weaker, and your health gets worse as you gain weight.
Joyce Dougherty
Running after the age of 50 is just plain stupid. It is so bad for your joints and many other parts of your body. A brisk walk, like you would walk if late for a meeting, is far more productive for good health while being less damaging to your body.
T*******
You can speak for yourself. Many very healthy people run after 50 and don’t develop joint problems. Also, the impact from running is good for bone strength and preventing osteoporosis.
Steven C
I suspect your statement is based on uninformed impressions. I’m 71 and I run around 20 miles per week and I’ve never had a joint problem. Visit a local 5k race and you’ll see lots of runners in their 50s and 60s (and older) thriving. Unless one has some structural problem, running won’t damage anything. Look into the facts a little more and you’ll come to different conclusions.
Jim Palmer
Two variables that are bound to make a big difference are the ambient temperature and the time of day. I go running every day I can, but it’s a lot harder in the afternoons than in the late morning, and also a lot harder when it’s 30 degrees C rather than 15 degrees C. Listening to good rock and roll while running can also have a speed-up effect….
J Ho
Can you use your arms to stabilize yourself on one foot. Makes a vast difference, yet none of the reports mentions this key parameter…
Tammie Page
Using your arms would not be a test of balance which the article clearly states it is. So, the answer is obviously no.
Kev J
I’m 68. In 12 minutes I can cover 1.5 miles. Then, again, I have been a competitive runner for over 55 years and it all depends if your body is conditioned for it.. I can also balance on either leg for 60 seconds. As my dear mom always said, “Health is everything.”
Robert Brown
Can we assume you mean moving your arms to adjust balance (like a tightrope walker), rather than grabbing something solid to support yourself?
Michael Mercier
I am 76 years old, and I do three sets of fifty pushups every day, I do 3 sets of 25 chin-ups. I do wind sprints uphill. I can stand on my legs for over two minutes. I never timed myself after two minutes only because I got bored.
I work out with weights at the gym 4 to 5 times a week, when I am there, I always go to a 30-minute sauna, I also do six minutes in an ice bath. I do breathe exercises, and I can hold my breath for up to 18 minutes. I hold my breath for six minutes every day. I do both the Wim Hof method and yoga breathing. I also do animal flow, and primal movement workout. It’s amazing for keeping you in shape.
The problem is we hear when you are this age or that age you should be able to do this or that. I also do Shotokan Karate, wrestle and box, just stay active. I lived in Japan and met a few older people who were pretty impressive. My business partner who I have produced films with is 102 years of age and still plays tennis.
But he doesn’t blow me away like Takishima Mika on YouTube. – Search She’s 92 years old and she will give you a little encouragement. Look her up, she’ll blow your mind.
Do you have any fitness goals or preferences that could help narrow down the best choice for you?
Ellipticals and treadmills both offer cardio benefits, but there are differences. Ellipticals provide a low-impact workout and target more muscles than treadmills. Treadmills offer high- and low-impact options and work lower-body muscles. The choice between the two depends on fitness goals and physical condition124.
Is Running on a Treadmill Easier, Harder, or Exactly the Same as Miles Outside?
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What muscles does the elliptical work? Learn the benefits of this cardio exercise
When is it best to avoid using the elliptical machine? Find out next. – Search