Elliptical Or Treadmill - Which Should You Buy?

Are you thinking about investing in a piece of home exercise equipment and are wondering what the differences are between a treadmill and elliptical? Are you wondering if you should get the one that is the better value or cheaper? Or are you wondering if there are any health differences based on your lifestyle?

The biggest difference between an elliptical and a treadmill it that an elliptical is a "no impact" machine which is important for some people and it works your upper body too. And a treadmill allows a more truly realistic running movement, which may be important if you're working on being a better runner.

But a major advantage to a treadmill versus an elliptical is that the elliptical only allows you to have a stride length that is fixed along with a forward and backward motion. The elliptical trainer is thought by many heart conscious people to be a good machine for cardio fitness. However, it really doesn't address biomechanics and the proper timing of the ankles, knees and hips. When using this machine the function of the foot muscles is limited. Treadmills allow you to control the overlap of your feet, whereas the elliptical trainer keeps the feet a set width apart.

A treadmill is the natural way physiologically of walking or running. To live a longer and healthier life you want to make sure you have what is called "specific activity." It can give you specific and usually necessary feedback about your proper foot placement and technique, for example - the sound of each footfall should be very quiet, an elliptical cannot do this. If you'd like to get some instant feedback with a treadmill, place a mirror in front and to the side of the unit and work on the increase in your stride. This will help reduce any harmful stress while still maximizing the lymphatic flow and drainage in the body.

An elliptical and the treadmill both stimulate the lymphatic system and its flow which is a good thing, of course, but opinions differ due to the natural function of the foot on the treadmill, where it may be deemed better. It also allows more variety, intensity and depth to workouts, for example, working both the adductors and abductors of the hips as in side-stepping. Side-stepping helps to develop both the total inner and outer functions of both legs. It also reduces any possibility for overuse issues.

Muscles of the buttocks, thighs, legs and feet are used. You can also walk backwards which is good for people who have a history of shin splints and stress fractures-- this will enhance the muscular timing and biomechanics of your legs. For people who want more intensity and a challenge, try leaping high.

One very significant difference between the machines is the issue of balance. A person's balance is not a factor on an elliptical machine as it is on a treadmill and it's even possible that balance will improve over time. Professionals have recommended using tubing on a treadmill, attaching it behind or in front for more arm strength and upper body fitness. If you're familiar with cross-crawl patterning, it can help with it too.

If cost is a factor, of course there are many ways to save money on these machines. From discounts to wholesale prices, low cost or cheaper equipment can easily be found online.

In the end it all depends on which machine you like and more importantly which machine you will use more. Both the elliptical and treadmill are excellent pieces of exercise equipment and only good if you use them consistently and don't let them gather dust. In any event no matter which you choose you're sure to benefit making them an important part of your personal health plan.

Elliptical Machine Tips - Save Money On Elliptical Trainers

If you're in the market to buy an elliptical machine or elliptical trainer, you want to get the very best deal you can find. One of the first things to do is check out the reviews and Consumer Reports magazine is a good place to check to see if they have a recent review. You'll want to compare features and costs. You can find many reviews, ratings and rankings online too.

Many of the consumer models found in sporting good and big-box type of retail stores can only handle users weighing no more than 115 kg (250 lbs), and cost about $1000 (US) or less. You may have to go online to buy if you need one that will hold more weight.

The elliptical machine is quickly gaining popularity both in and out of the gym. Almost all gyms, fitness clubs and many homes already have their own elliptical machines. Check with your work associates, neighbors and friends to see if they can recommend an elliptical to you.

The elliptical machine is preferred by many because it's a low or no impact machine making it a perfect choice for people who are suffering from or are recovering from joint problems such as the knees, ankle, hip or back. It provides an excellent aerobic workout with minimal stress on the joints.

If you've decided to buy an elliptical machine for your home or home gym you'll find many different machines and brands. It can be very overwhelming when you're trying to choose the best machine for you.

The elliptical machine is an excellent choice for home equipment, especially if you do not want the traditional treadmill or exercise bike. You can find plenty of low cost or cheap elliptical machines with a little bit of research online.

Today most of the elliptical machines will come standard with an on-board computer. Many people look into elliptical machines that store well. They want to use them when they need them and be able to put them away in a closet when they're not in use. If you're cramped for space or have a small home gym, a spacesaver elliptical trainer can be a great way to save space while getting a good overall body workout. Most elliptical trainers are smaller than a treadmill and can be more easily moved to clean or to store away when company is coming.

The general estimate of calories burned using an Elliptical Trainer are approximately 387 calories for a 150 pound woman who has done 30 minutes of elliptical exercise. According to the machine manufacturers, a general estimate of calories burned by an elliptical trainer can go up to 720 calories an hour. There are a lot of very good brands of elliptical cross trainers on the market today; some of the most popular brands are: Precor, Life Fitness, Quantum Fitness, Horizon, Nordic Track, Smooth and SportsArt Fitness. Elliptical workout machines came onto the scene only just a few years ago and they've been gaining in popularity ever since.

While using an elliptical machine gives you a no-impact workout, the resistance exercise helps to build bone density and therefore fight osteoporosis. Because elliptical machines are a mix between the treadmill and a stair climber, it gives you a great opportunity to cross-train.

With quality elliptical exercise equipment, you feel the movement as fluid and your legs travel in an elongated circular motion. Elliptical trainers use the arms and the legs making it a cross trainer, in a smooth and natural motion.

To get the lowest price on ellipticals, check online first. Then check your local sporting goods stores and ask for a discount. Sometimes this works. Ask for a business discount if appropriate. Check the local used sporting goods or consignment stores if you'd like a used elliptical machine.

If you have any 'pull' with the local health clubs see if you can arrange to get an elliptical trainer through them at their wholesale cost. Check out Costco or Sam's Club to see if they have any ellipticals in stock. Often they have the mid to upper range in quality with a good discount. Watch for sales of course. If you buy online, many of the manufacturers offer free shipping.

Many people with joint problems used to feel they had to give up on exercise, but that's not the case any more with an elliptical machine. Many manufacturers have developed elliptical machines today using high technology. Buying an inexpensive or low cost elliptical machine is easy to do today with so much information being available online.