Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Treadmill vs Elliptical Trainers: Which One For The Best Workout?

By Torri Tompson

As I'm sure you have noticed, home gym equipment isn't cheap. When you are looking to invest in something to help you lose weight it is important to know which piece of equipment is most effective at burning off calories.

The two best selling pieces of exercise equipment are treadmills and elliptical trainers, but which one is actually best at burning the most calories? There is certainly a lot of argument with many people liking both pieces of equipment. However when it comes down to which is best for you to buy, there really is only one definitive answer.

The simple fact is that both machines can help burn the exact same number of calories, it just all depends on how you exercise with them, but working out on an elliptical can be just as effective as working out on a treadmill.

Some people may not be able to run on a treadmill. It has a greater impact on your body, including your joints. An elliptical gives you a lower impact workout, yet still allows you to burn the same amount of calories as a high impact workout on a treadmill.

It really does all boil down to how you use your exercise machine. For example, by running for an hour on a treadmill at about 7 mph your body would use up approximately 783 calories. Now if you were to use an elliptical trainer for about an hour, you should burn around 774 calories, so the figures are more or less the same. However, if you were to use the treadmill set at only 3 mph you would only burn 297 calories, which is a huge difference!

However, this isn't a cut and dry formula. The number of calories you burn on an elliptical trainer can vary. Some people adopt a moderate approach to their workout on the elliptical, while others go at it full force.

You really need to ask yourself which machine you would prefer. Remember, you will only do you exercise if you are motivated and excited, if you find it boring to use a treadmill, you are not likely to keep up to your workout regime. Equally, if an elliptical does not inspire you, then you are better off with a treadmill.

If you simply love walking, jogging, or running, then you want to invest in a treadmill. It's much better than walking on the surface of the street. But if burning calories is your main concern, you'll need to make sure that you increase the speed and up the incline.

If you are someone who has experienced problems with the knees or ankle joints, or perhaps you just want to enjoy an exercise routine with a lower impact on your body, then an elliptical trainer is the machine for you. Elliptical trainers are also an excellent choice for the older person, as they are much gentler to the body while still making sure you burn calories. Perhaps if you have the space and can afford, you could even invest in both machines, allowing you to add an element of variety to your workouts. - 15343

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