“Comparing the Elliptical Machine with the Treadmill”
If you are looking for an intense strength building machine which also gives you a cardio workout, chances are you have made your way around the treadmill, elliptical, bike, stair-stepper, and more, in search of that illusive perfect workout. The two that have been proven to give the most benefits tend to rival each other-the treadmill and the elliptical.
Everyone has their own personal opinion about which is better for exercising, and that’s not to say that each individual body will indeed respond differently to different machines. However, we will explore an objective critique of both, in comparison with one another.
A treadmill allows the basic functions of walking, jogging, running, and hill climbing to be performed on an exercise level. While some less expensive home units do have a weight limit which does not really allow running, most gym models can withhold an intense running workout.
Using a treadmill is a great way to burn calories, maintain the health of your heart, build up healthy bone density, increase your energy levels, and promote peaceful sleep. You have the power to make your workout a nice low-key walk, or a pumped up, energetic run!
Along with your machine comes great pre-set programs that vary in both intensity, and elevation of ramp. These can be used to have an interval workout, a strength builder, a hill master, or just a great fat burn.
For this reason, treadmills are great for varying your workout each day, according to your needs. If you want to manually control your levels, you can do this as well.
If you are a runner, using a treadmill instead of running outside can save your knees from damage caused by shock, impact, and joint damage. These machines come equipped with a good amount of cushion for your feet and joints.
It is also easier to Levitra maintain a steady pace and rhythm when using an indoor machine vs. outdoor running. This will help you to maintain and improve balance.
One downside is that some people do feel uncomfortable running on a constantly moving belt. If you do have balance problems, this might not be the best thing for you.
There are handrails which you can hold on to, but this does somewhat impede the effectiveness of your workout. Try starting very slow, and increasing your pace as you become more comfortable with the way it works.
One great benefit is being able to get it your favorite workout no matter what the weather is! This is great for people who live in cold and snowy climates half of the year.
As you can see treadmills have great benefits and can be exactly the workout you are looking for. However, you should not make up your mind until you hear about the benefits of the elliptical machine.
Ellipticals came on the workout scene much later in the game. This can be seen as a great benefit, because they were the result of direct advancement in fitness knowledge.
A similar number of calories are burned with this machine, as are burned with jogging. However, because it is a low-impact machine in nature, the knees, back, and joints are protected from wear and tear that comes with jogging on concrete.
For this reason, it is the best kind of cardio exercise for those recovering from injuries, the elderly, and anyone with joint or muscle sensitivity.
One benefit that the elliptical holds over the treadmill, is that it works the lower and upper body simultaneously. While your lower body is getting a workout, your arms grip the pumping hand rails, which move your arms and contract their muscles.
There are not many machines that will work the whole body in this way! While this will not build muscle mass, it will give you a longer, leaner look that is desirable, especially among women.
If you don’t want to work your arms, you do have the option of buying one that does not have the pumping handles. If you have neck or back problems, you might want to choose this option.
One last great benefit is that you can go in either a forward or a backward motion. In this way, you are working a different set of muscles groups each way!
No matter which kind of workout applies best to you, both are great options. Weigh the benefits, and decide which is best for you!
Author Bio: Ignacio Lopez is a personal trainer and author of numerous articles relating to physical training and elliptical trainer. He has been helping others find a greater fitness level since the 80’s.
Contact Info:
Ignacio Lopez
IgnacioLopez09@gmail.com
http://www.freemotionfitness.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category_-1_10001_10002_10502_Y
Category: Fitness/Equipment
Tadacip />Keywords: elliptical trainer