Why Buying An Elliptical Is Better Than Buying A Treadmill

Why Buying An Elliptical Is Better Than Buying A Treadmill
Treadmills have been around for decades whereas the elliptical trainer is a relatively new piece of equipment. Is newer better? Well that depends on what you're looking for in a piece of cardio machine. Let's take a look at where ellipticals hold an advantage over the treadmill.

1. Impact on joints - This is perhaps the biggest one. No matter how well cushioned a treadmill is, there is still degree of damage that is done on the joints in the long run. This is one of the main reasons people switch over to the elliptical. For those that already feel a certain degree of pain in their joints even if they don't run, an elliptical is an obvious alternative.

2. Full body workout - With a treadmill, you only work the lower body - your legs. With an elliptical, you also work your upper body as well depending on whether your elliptical has poles for you to grab onto. (If you really want to toughen up your workout, you can attach leg weights when you're on the treadmill and hand weights when you're using the elliptical. Be EXTRA CAREFUL! You'd be surprised how a few extra pounds can affect your stamina not to mention your balance.)

3. Easier - For many, running is not only boring but hard work! That's probably why some people have given up running on their treadmill altogether because it's too tiring. Is an elliptical any different? Some people say you actually feel less tired exercising on an elliptical than running on a treadmill despite burning the same number of calories. How could this be? Do this test the next time you're on a treadmill.

Set the treadmill's speed to the maximum you can maintain for one minute. Make a note of how many calories you've burned. The next day, set the treadmill at a comfortable walking speed. Walk until you burn the same number of calories as your one minute sprint. I'll bet that you feel less tired after the walk than after the sprint despite burning the same number of calories. The elliptical being "easier" works under this principle. You perceive your workout as easier so you workout longer. By working out longer, you end up burning more calories.

4. Safety – Are you worried that you might lose control and slam into the wall when you’re using a treadmill? You won't experience dangers like these when you're on an elliptical because it stops the moment you stop.

5. Bang for the buck - While you might have to shell out over $1500 for a decent high quality treadmill, you might be able to do this for under $1000 or less. Treadmills despite having such a long history are still quite costly to make. A higher quality elliptical has lower manufacturing costs and thus more affordable to the customer. In fact, if you're in search for a cardio machine but don't quite want to shell out what it costs to buy a quality treadmill, an elliptical trainer might just be the answer you're looking for.

By itself, this article may seem a one sided. You should read “Why Treadmills are better than ellipticals” for a fuller perspective on the issue.