Training Equipments; Elliptical vs Treadmill Machine

The elliptical machine is one of the most popular training equipment's for those who are fond of doing cardio exercises. While running on a treadmill still remains as the preferred cardiovascular workout for gym goers, most of them still cannot differentiate the benefits of the two training equipment's  The common misconception is, the elliptical machine and the treadmill works almost the same and offers identical benefits.

Both equipments are standard features we can find in Best Fitness Gyms and even in personal training gyms at home. What most people do not know is that there is a vast difference between how the equipment's work.

  

The treadmill is a pure cardio equipment. When running on a treadmill, you are using mainly your legs or your lower body. There is no doubt that the treadmill is an effective cardio exercise which imitates an aerobic routine. Using the treadmill will require around more than half of your body’s blood supply to flow to your legs. However, in an elliptical machine, an additional twenty percent of the blood supply goes to the upper body. This is because unlike on a treadmill, both the upper and lower body is used when exercising on an elliptical machine, making it a more effective aerobic exercise.

Working out on a treadmill causes high impact to the lower body especially to the legs. This makes it hard for people who are suffering from different ailments to use the treadmill. That is why people who are suffering from bone or joint conditions like arthritis or rheumatism are discouraged to use the treadmill in most Sports Fitness Gyms. On the other hand, the elliptical does not impact the lower body as much as the treadmill does. Since striding movements are required on the lower body instead of running, people who suffer from bone and joint diseases can still use the said equipment.

In fact, recent studies have proven that using the elliptical machine especially on reverse direction can help strengthen the ligaments on the knee. Though the same effects can still be achieved using the treadmill or by merely walking backwards, the steady and swift movements required on an elliptical machine makes it all more beneficial especially for people who have less coordinated movement.

Another benefit that people can get from an elliptical machine aside from being an effective cardio and aerobic exercise is that the machine itself rarely breaks down. Treadmills, even the most expensive ones which can be seen on the best fitness gyms can easily break down. The elliptical machine on the other hand is sturdy enough even when regularly used. This makes it as ideal equipment at home. The key to making an elliptical machine last is to use it both in forward and in reverse direction. This will actually make your exercise more balanced and aside from that, it will make your machine last longer.