Which to prefer – a treadmill or an elliptical trainer?
There are situations where health conditions do not allow for a full-scale workout on a treadmill. Should you give up on training altogether in such a situation? Giving up will not improve your health; on the contrary, your energy levels will begin to decline rapidly.
Other types of equipment, such as an elliptical trainer or simply an elliptical, also handle the tasks of a primary home trainer excellently.
So, treadmills or ellipticals – which ensures the maximum result for exercising in home conditions?
An elliptical trainer has special platforms for the feet and levers for the arms. The feet move along an ellipse, hence the name of the device. The arms move back and forth just like in normal walking. Naturally, all movements are performed by applying corresponding resistance.
Who should choose an elliptical?
- Those who suffer from joint pain and for whom the unavoidable impact load of running is contraindicated. The platforms move smoothly, so no impact moments occur.
- An elliptical trainer is a fully mechanical device that requires minimal effort and poses no danger even to tiny, curious explorers. In a home with small children, an elliptical trainer should be preferred.
- You do not consume electricity when using the trainer.
- For overweight people, running is often contraindicated to avoid overloading the heart and joints. For those carrying extra weight, the elliptical is an ideal choice.
- You simply don’t like to run.
Advantages of an elliptical trainer
An elliptical is a hybrid of a stepper, an exercise bike, and a treadmill. The movements performed on an elliptical are similar to skiing. Leg muscles are loaded actively but smoothly, and the muscle groups of the arms, abdomen, chest, and shoulder girdle also work. More “productive” models of elliptical trainers also include a computer that monitors heart rate and calculates kilocalories burned during the workout. You can adjust the load to suit you perfectly.
Therapeutic exercise specialists are of the opinion that ellipticals are particularly suitable for independent home training. There are almost no contraindications for their use, yet they simultaneously offer the opportunity for physical strength application, cardio training, and effective fat burning.
Which home trainer you decide to choose depends entirely on you and your preferences. However, it should be remembered that training on both a treadmill and an elliptical should be a continuous process, as only regular physical activity ensures the desired and noticeable results.