Elliptical cross trainer or treadmill for weight loss
If you have decided that you want to do more indoor exercises in order to lose weight you may have asked yourself what type of equipment should you use? In order to answer this question you should know the difference between an elliptical vs treadmill.
An elliptical cross trainer is an exercise machine that helps you lose weight by walking or running. It is made of two handlebars and two pedals for the legs. A treadmill is also an exercise machine that uses walking or running to enable you to lose weight but it is made with a moving platform that rotates clockwise. Both machines can be used indoor and they are a good alternative for going to gym or running outside. The benefits are that you can exercise in the comfort of your own home and it doesn’t matter if it’s raining or snowing.
The treadmill is more popular because it has been invented long before the elliptical trainer and that may be why it is more popular. The treadmill helps straightening the bones because of the impact with the ground but an elliptical trainer it’s impact-free. It is better for people with bone and joints problems to use it. The treadmill can make a perfect replica of the traditional jogging and that is why is more preferred by typical runners. If you want to train for a marathon or a competition that involves running this is the best way to exercise even in the winter.
If you want to make quality cardiovascular exercises you must go for an elliptical trainer. You can choose the kind of workout form light to high intensity, depending on the resistance preferred. This focuses both on the legs and arms while a treadmill concentrates the exercises on the inferior part of the body. Some scientists say that the lack of impact on the joints helps the user lose as many calories as on a treadmill. But some say that using an treadmill will help you lose more calories and weight because the act of running without the help of the handles requires more mechanical work from your body, and thus, burn more fat. Having these said, it is no wonder the doctors recommend the elliptical trainer to people with knee problems, rather than the treadmill.
Both these machines stimulate the lymphatic system and its flow. The balance is also important for these equipments and it is obvious you have more balance on the treadmill because of the platform. The use of oxygen does not differ when using a treadmill or an elliptic trainer.
When buying one of these two you must consider three points: if you have enough space in your home, your weight and height. The prices for elliptical trainers widely vary: from 50$ (for used ones) up to 4000$. The treadmill prices go around 500$ but there are some that are more than 5000$.
In conclusion, you should take all these points in consideration before buying: whether you have joint and bone problems, or you are a jogging adept and what kind of exercises you want to make.