One question that is often asked among gym rats and fitness experts is whether the treadmill or the elliptical is the best workout machine. We believe that there are pros and cons to both, but there probably isn’t a right or wrong answer. It most likely boils down to personal preference.

Here is another video from Aaron Hale explaining what he believes to be the differences in treadmill and elliptical workouts. He didn’t do a great job of explaining the benefits of a treadmill, but he did a good job of explaining the benefits of an elliptical.

Elliptical versus Treadmill…Which One is Better?

Treadmills and elliptical machines are two of the most popular pieces of indoor aerobic exercise equipment. These machines allow you to burn calories and be physically active in the comfort and privacy of your own home. There are pros and cons to using either type of fitness machine, and one may be the best one for you over the other. Stated below is a comparison between elliptical versus treadmill.

Even though most treadmills are equipped with deck cushioning systems, running on a treadmill may cause significant impact on your ankles, knees, hips, and spine. Elliptical machines, on the other hand, are non-impact, cardiovascular workout machines. Thus, ellipticals are recommended for older and individuals and for people with back, knee, hips and joint problems. The fluid elliptical motion of the machine mimics the natural path of ankles, knees, hips, and joints as we walk, run or jog. If you are more into rigorous workouts and trainings, such as for marathons, races, or ironman competitions, a treadmill would be more suitable for you. These machines help you to strengthen your bones and can simulate hill or mountain climbing.

An elliptical machine would also give you an advantage when it comes to power consumption. Since most treadmills today are electric, they consume more energy. Basically, the bigger the horsepower rating of the treadmill motor and the more electronic features your treadmill has, the more power it consumes. An elliptical machine is not driven by a motor, so it runs even without power. Although it may have some electronic features and functions, it still will consume less energy compared to a treadmill.

With the modern technology that brings innovation and sophistication to engineering and designs of both types of fitness equipment, treadmills and ellipticals are similar in many ways. Either of these machines can be loaded with the latest features to give you very effective, yet enjoyable, workouts. Either machine may also come with a space saver design for easy storage after each use.

Elliptical versus treadmill, which one is better? It would actually depend on your condition and training preferences. It is solely up to you which machine you are comfortable with and what your workout goals are.

As ellipticals grow in popularity, the debate between ellipticals and treadmills grows stronger and stronger. So which one really is the best piece of exercise equipment? In this article, I will, in a concise manner, put an end to the debate by laying out the pros of each.

First, let’s begin with the treadmill. For decades, treadmills have been a mainstay in gyms and homes alike. They have had a broad appeal because of the cardio work out people could achieve without having to brave the elements of the outdoors. Although there are many health benefits that are similar when doing workouts on a treadmill or an elliptical, such as burning calories, building bone density, maintaining good cardiovascular health, and increasing energy levels, there are some benefits that are particular to treadmills. These include:

Training for marathons/races/ironman competitions
Strengthens bones
Can simulate hill/mountain climbing

Ellipticals on the other hand, are the new wave of indoor cardio exercising. They have quickly become the equipment of choice for people looking for an alternative to the treadmill. While they still haven’t made into as many homes as treadmills, some believe it’s only a matter of time before their popularity exceeds that of the treadmill. Part of the reason is the unique benefits it offers vs. the treadmill. They include:

Easier on joints
Less risk of injury
Larger variation of exercises
Quieter

So which one is better? The answer to that question really boils down to exercise goals and preferences. You must first lay out your overall goals and what you would like to achieve from your workouts. Once all of that is decided, you can look at the pros (and possibly cons) of each piece of equipment and make an educated decision.