Cardiovascular workouts are believed to benefit heart health and while that is true that isn't all the benefits of cardiovascular workouts. Cardiovascular workouts are also essential in improving sleep quality, improving endurance, aiding in weight loss, improving lung function, the list goes on. Among the myriad of options available for cardio machines are the Elliptical and the Treadmill. Both the treadmill and elliptical are good tools for a cardiovascular workout but the machine that’s best for your workout may depend on several factors. It is important to choose among the two the one that best fits your fitness goals, physical condition, and personal preferences.

There's really no answer to the question of which is better between both, your personal workout goals, physical health, and other reasons are factors in choosing which is best. What are the differences between the elliptical and the treadmill, the pros and cons of both, how they work, etc, we will explore in-depth and ensure you make informed decisions.

The Difference Between Elliptical and Treadmill

Treadmills and ellipticals are standard pieces of cardio equipment you’re likely to find in almost every health club and gym. They’re also some of the most popular workout machines to use. And why not? Even someone new to workouts could use any of the two and though easy to use, it's super effective in getting your blood pumping. They both simulate a running or working motion but their mode of operation differs. They operate in distinct ways and target different muscle groups.

How The Treadmill Works

Treadmill machines use a motor that controls a moving belt that you run, jog, or walk on. The angle of the treadmill can be adjusted to simulate different types of terrains and intensity levels. Treadmills are versatile and can accommodate a wide range of workout styles, from slow-paced walks to high-intensity sprints.

How The Elliptical Works

The elliptical on the other hand operates differently. It consists of foot pedals and handles that move in a coordinated circular motion. The elliptical combines the movements of a stair stepper, a bicycle, and a cross-country ski machine but without the impact on your joints. The elliptical allows for a customizable workout as it offers adjustable resistance levels and incline settings.

Elliptical Pros:

• Low-impact exercise Protects Joints:

While using the elliptical, your feet remain on the pedals without needing to be lifted,  thus ensuring a low-impact cardio workout. For individuals with arthritis, joint pain, or recovering from an injury who can't participate in regular physical activities, the elliptical smooth, gliding motion makes it an excellent choice as it reduces the stress on the joints. Since it is a low-impact workout the elliptical puts less stress on your joints compared to running, jogging, or jumping

• Can Build Up The Whole Body:

The elliptical often comes with handles that move in sync with the pedals so while working the leg muscles, the upper body is also engaged. This feature allows for a workout session that strengthens not only the lower body but also engages the muscles in the arms, shoulders, chest, and back. To maximize its upper body benefits, try distributing your weight and resistance evenly. In other words, pump your arms just as fast as you’re moving your legs. This helps build the upper body muscle while also building the lower body muscle.

• Ease of Use:

One advantage of an elliptical is the ease of use. It is pretty straightforward and doesn't take long to learn how to work it. Though easy as it may seem, you may want to ask a personal trainer for tips on how to maximize your workout and how to use it correctly.

Elliptical Cons:

• Less Muscle Strength:

The low-impact feature of the elliptical is an advantage, a big one, but in a sense, it is also a disadvantage. The lack of impact and resistance compared to running or weightlifting means that you might not develop muscles of the same definition or power level.

Treadmill Pros:

• Convenience:

Perhaps the biggest pro of the treadmill is the convenience. The ability to exercise indoors ensures your workout session isn't interrupted by rain, cars driving by, or roadside distractions. A treadmill enables you to keep up with your training when you otherwise might be forced to skip a workout.

• High-intensity Workout:

While a lot of people assume running on a treadmill is easy and less intense relative to running outdoors, however setting the treadmill to a 1% incline can create the same intensity as running outdoors. Running on the treadmill offers the ability to perform high-intensity workouts such as interval training and sprints. These forms of exercise help boost cardiovascular fitness, increase calorie burn, and improve overall athletic performance.

• Build Leg Strength:

The act of running on the treadmill helps build and tone the muscles in the leg, including the calves, hamstring, glutes, and quadriceps. The additional challenge of an incline can help further enhance muscle engagement and strength development.

Treadmill Cons:

• Less Muscle Group Workout

While treadmills are excellent for lower-body workouts, they do not provide the same level of engagement for the upper body. The mechanics of running on a treadmill are different from those when running outside due to the machine powering the belt rather than you having to propel yourself forward. This results in some muscles being less involved than when practicing outdoors. This means that, unlike the elliptical, you might need to incorporate additional exercises to work your arms, chest, and back effectively.

Treadmill vs. Elliptical: Which One is Better for You?

Choosing the proper workout tool between the treadmill and the elliptical depends on several factors including your fitness goals, joint health, budget, and available space. So let us take a look at the factors and see which one works best for you:

Fitness Goals

Both machines are effective If your fitness goal is to improve your cardiovascular function and burn calories. However, if you are looking to build muscle strength, particularly in the lower body such as the calves, the treadmill might be more effective. If your goal however is a full-body workout with less impact on your joints, the elliptical could be the better choice.

Joint Health

If you are nursing an injury or have joint issues, the elliptical is generally the safer option. Its low-impact nature reduces the risk of aggravating joint pain and allows for a safe and gentler workout. The treadmill on the other hand, while beneficial for a lot of people, places more stress on the joint, especially during running or high-impact activities.

Budget and Space

Ellipticals and treadmills come in varying sizes and price ranges. To choose between the two, consider the space available and your budget to narrow down your choices. The ellipticals are compact and are better suited for small spaces. The treadmill on the other hand can be larger and more expensive, especially those with advanced features.

Safety Considerations 

When used correctly, both machines are generally safe to use but it's important to follow proper usage guidelines to prevent injury and achieve fitness goals.

Operating The Treadmill Safely

• Start Slowly

Begin your workout at a slow pace. Your muscles and joints work best when they are warmed up for about 5 minutes. This avoids muscle strains or tears during the workout session.

• Use The Safety Key

Attach the safety key to your clothing. This will stop the machine if you stumble or fall during the session.

• Remember To Cool Down:

Just as it is important to warm up before you begin your workout, it is also important to cool down. Stopping suddenly can cause dizziness as your blood pressure is forced to drop off after being revived during the exercise. It's best to gradually reduce your speed so you end your workout feeling healthy, strong, and stable.

• Maintain Proper Form

It is important to keep your posture upright and avoid leaning to avoid neck and back pain and also avoid leaning on the handle excessively.

Operating The Elliptical Safely

• Check The Settings

Before getting on the elliptical, ensure the incline and resistance are set to levels that are appropriate for your fitness level.

• Focus on Balance

Grab the handlebar as you step on to maintain balance, ensure your weight is evenly distributed, and maintain a steady controlled motion.

• Utilize The Handles

For an additional upper body workout, utilize the handlebar to engage the upper body and also for additional support.

Treadmill vs Elliptical: Which One Is Better For Weight Loss?

Both the treadmill and the elliptical are great tools for weight loss but the best choice depends on your personal preference and fitness level. Each has its unique benefits that cater to different workout goals and needs. Here's how you can maximize weight loss on each machine:

Maximizing Weight Loss on a Treadmill

• Incorporate Intervals

An effective way to boost calorie burn is by incorporating interval training, which involves alternating between high-intensity sprints and recovery periods. This method increases your heart rate and metabolism, resulting in more calories burned during and after the workout session.

• Increase Incline

Running and walking on an incline increases the intensity of the workout session, engaging the muscles in the leg and core. This not only contributes to weight loss as you burn more calories, but it also strengthens and tones your muscles.

• Consistency

It is important to work out regularly and consistently to achieve weight loss goals. Establish a routine and gradually increase the intensity as your physical fitness increases, this improves your physical fitness and also helps achieve weight loss goals.

Maximizing Weight Loss on an Elliptical

• Adjust Resistance

Increasing the resistance on an elliptical machine can help you burn more calories and build muscles. The higher resistance levels require more effort which increases the heart rate and calorie expenditure. It is however important to increase the resistance in comparison to your fitness level to prevent injuries.

• Use Interval Training

Similar to the treadmill workouts, interval training is also effective with the elliptical. Alternating between high and low can enhance calorie burn and help keep your workout dynamic and challenging, thus preventing plateaus in your fitness progress.

• Engage The Upper Body

Using the handlebars engages the upper body, helping you burn more calories and also helping to tone your arms, shoulders, and chest. This full-body workout approach can be particularly effective for overall weight loss and muscle tone.

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Treadmill or Elliptical Machine

It takes a combination of proper techniques, varied workouts, and regular maintenance to get the most out of your treadmill or elliptical machine. Start with a warm-up to slowly increase your heart rate and gradually loosen your muscles. While on a treadmill, it is important to keep your shoulders, back, and head up and straight and engage your cores. For the elliptical, ensure your feet remain flat and use your arms and legs to distribute the effort evenly.

To maximize calorie burn during workouts and improve cardiovascular fitness, incorporate interval training. Alternate between high-intensity bursts like a 30-second sprint and low-intensity recovery periods like a one-minute walk on the treadmill and for the elliptical, increase resistance and speed for short bursts.

Also, there's no such thing as being too safe. Always ensure regular maintenance of your equipment. Keep the treadmills belt clean and lubricated and check for any loose belts or parts. Ensure all moving parts of the elliptical are well-oiled and functioning smoothly. Proper maintenance of equipment extends the life of the machines and ensures a safer workout.

Finally, listen to your body and stay hydrated at all times. Adjust your workouts in accordance with your fitness level and gradually increase the intensity to avoid injuries. With the tips listed, you should be able to make the most of your treadmill or elliptical and achieve your fitness effectively and efficiently.

What Do The Professionals Say?

Professional trainers and fitness masters often recommend using both the elliptical and the treadmill in your fitness routine for balanced fitness. The treadmill is lauded for its ability to build lower body strength and provide high-intensity cardio making it ideal for those seeking to improve their running endurance and leg strength.

The elliptical receives high praise for its low-impact, full-body workout capabilities, which are suitable for individuals seeking an option that is gentle on the joints while still achieving an effective cardiovascular workout.

Additional Tips for Weight Loss

Other helpful weight loss routines include:

• Strength Training

Combining a weight loss routine with strength training helps accelerate weight loss by building muscles, which in turn boosts your metabolism. Include exercises like weightlifting, squats, and lunges in your routine to help lose weight faster.

• Monitor Your Diet

A major reason why people gain weight is unhealthy eating. Exercise alone isn't enough to lose weight. It is important to maintain a balanced diet with a calorie deficit. Focus on eating lean proteins, whole foods, and plenty of vegetables and fruits.

• Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water is vital for optimal performance during a workout and overall health. Dehydration impairs your ability and hinders your weight loss efforts.

• Get Adequate Sleep

Lack of sleep can lead to increased hunger and decreased motivation to exercise, thus affecting your weight loss journey negatively. Sufficient rest is crucial for recovery and overall well-being.

Both the treadmill and the elliptical offer valuable benefits for your weight loss goals. By incorporating interval training, adjusting resistance and incline, and maintaining consistency, you can maximize the effectiveness of both machines. Balancing your weight loss routine with strength training, adequate sleep, a healthy diet, and proper hydration will further support and accelerate your weight loss goals.

WalkingPad Treadmill: A Convenient Alternative

For those with limited space or a tight budget, a great alternative would be the WalkingPad Treadmill. The WalkingPad Treadmill is a foldable, portable treadmill that provides the benefits of traditional treadmills without taking as much room. Walkingpad are usually more affordable than full-sized treadmills and they come in various models that cater to various needs and preferences.

In the debate about which is better between the elliptical and the treadmill, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. They both offer benefits that can contribute to a well-rounded fitness routine. It all comes down to what works best for you. Your fitness goals, joint health, budget, and available space should guide your choice in choosing a fitting machine. The treadmill is for intense, muscle-building workouts, and the elliptical is for low-impact, full-body engagement. No matter the choice you opt for, the final result helps you to a healthier and fitter lifestyle.