04 Dec Choosing Between an Elliptical and a Treadmill

Are you trying to decide between an elliptical trainer and a treadmill?  If so, there are many things you should take into consideration in order to select which piece of equipment is right for you.

Getting a Great Cardio Workout

Regardless of which piece of equipment you purchase, both an elliptical trainer and a treadmill will help you get a great cardio workout.  After all, both of these pieces of at home workout equipment will help you get your heart pumping and will help you burn off calories.  Therefore, when it comes to the cardio aspect, there really isn’t much of a difference between an elliptical trainer and a treadmill.  Either way, you will be a winner!

Perceived Level of Exertion

Your perceived level of exertion refers to how tired you feel after completing a workout.  Many people feel that elliptical trainers have a lower perceived level of exertion than a treadmill.  In other words, you can achieve the same quality of workout with an elliptical trainer as you do with a treadmill, but you won’t feel quite as tired and worn out afterward. Obviously, the lower your perceived level of exertion, the more likely you will be to push yourself harder and further.  Of course, whether or not an elliptical trainer has a lower perceived level of exertion for you is a matter of personal opinion.

Working Out Your Muscles

One benefit to using an elliptical trainer is the fact that it allows you to workout both your lower and upper body while also getting a great cardio workout.  With a treadmill, on the other hand, you workout only the lower body.  So, if you are looking for a piece of at home fitness equipment that will help you focus on your legs, abdomen and buttocks, a treadmill is the best choice.  If you want to workout your upper body at the same time, you should go for an elliptical trainer because it provides you with a more “full body” workout.  Of course, if you are addressing your upper body with other resistance training techniques, the full body workout provided by the elliptical trainer may be undesirable.  Or, you may want to purchase an elliptical trainer that gives you the option to not workout your upper body when using the machine.

When it comes down to it, but elliptical trainers and treadmills are excellent pieces of at home fitness equipment to add to your home gym.  Consider your personal preferences, your workout plans and your long-term goals in order to select the piece of equipment that is right for you.