There is a healthy debate among fitness enthusiasts regarding the pros and cons of treadmill versus the elliptical. Both treadmills and ellipticals are great cardio equipment that help increase indurance, increase metabolic rate and improve overall health. From the other side of things, there are some distinct benefits of using a treadmill versus and elliptical. With this article, we shall endeavor to put in our two cents’ worth of opinion.

Tip: The most common treadmills are still the nordic track treadmill

Both treadmills and elliptical trainers provide for low-impact exercises since the motions involved are similar to the natural movements while walking and running. A lot of people prefer the elliptical machines because there is very little to no impact with the foot pedal. People who have back trouble or joint pains usually consider the elliptical to the treadmill.

This is because your feet are in close contact with the pedals during yoru workouts. Compare that with running or walking on a treadmill when the feet are constantly hitting the tough surface. So, in the debate of treadmill vs elliptical, the latter wins in the low to no impact category.

Tip: Looking for good exercise equipment? We recommend schwinn exercise equipment.

One advantage to treadmills is the better training opportunities for the fitness enthusiasts who prefer running as a form of exercise or who engage in running for competitive purposes. It definitely beats enduring the inclement weather when you have to train for a marathon.

Since the treadmill can only provide for running exercises with a few degrees of incline and decline, there is little variety in the workouts. Take note that for average exercisers and fitness fanatics alike, the wide variety of possible workouts achieves two things. You will be able to ward off boredom from the repetitive movements and you can challenge your body in new ways. In this case, the elliptical trainers win the bout, so to speak.

Tip: If we were looking for just the best, we would look at an elliptical exercise machine.

Also, treadmills can only provide for lower body workouts since the movements are concentrated on the hips down to the legs. In contrast, ellipticals provide for both upper and lower body workouts, thanks to the movements required of the feet on the pedals and the hands on the handlebars. Still, if it is only lower body workouts that you are after, then a treadmill will work best for you.

So, if you are to choose between the treadmill vs elliptical, it will boil down to your personal needs and preferences. Read the features and benefits of the fitness equipment before making your final decision.

Technorati Tags: elliptical versus treadmill