Elliptical vs Treadmill: Which Is Better for Your Fitness Goals?

It can seem like there are endless options for cardio equipment these days. You might find yourself standing in the gym looking at all the machines and feel a bit overwhelmed by the choices available. But one key decision that will help you get on with your workout is deciding between ellipticals and treadmills. 

These two machines are incredibly popular for users of all abilities and levels. Both machines offer excellent benefits for cardiovascular fitness, weight loss, mobility and heart health, but each has its unique features and advantages. In this article, we’ll help you compare the elliptical vs treadmill for various fitness goals, from weight loss to joint health, to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Differences Between an Elliptical and a Treadmill

Before diving into the specifics of which machine is better for your goals, let’s take a look at the basic differences between ellipticals and treadmills.

How Does an Elliptical Work?

An elliptical machine provides a low-impact, full-body workout by mimicking the motion of walking, running and climbing stairs. It uses handlebars that engage your upper body while your legs pedal, creating a fluid, elliptical motion. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a full-body workout that’s easy on the joints. Ellipticals are also designed to provide a smooth, controlled motion that allows for longer, sustained workouts without causing strain on your knees, hips or back.

How Does a Treadmill Work?

A treadmill is a machine designed for walking, jogging or running indoors. It simulates real-world movement, providing an effective cardio workout. The treadmill's belt moves as you walk or run, providing you with a continuous surface to train on. Many treadmills come with the ability to adjust incline for an extra burn and realistic track simulations. Treadmills focus primarily on lower body engagement.

Which Is Better for Weight Loss: Elliptical or Treadmill?

Both ellipticals and treadmills can help you burn calories and shed kilos, but their effectiveness depends on factors such as workout duration, intensity and the user’s weight.

Calories Burned on an Elliptical vs Treadmill

The calories burned on an elliptical vs treadmill can differ based on how hard you work out and your body weight. Generally, both machines provide a good cardio workout, but studies show that running on a treadmill typically burns more calories per minute than using an elliptical at the same intensity. However, because ellipticals provide a full-body workout with both upper and lower body engagement, they can help you burn calories more efficiently over a longer period.

For example, 30 minutes on the elliptical vs treadmill may result in similar calorie expenditure, but the elliptical may feel less strenuous without the impact, allowing for longer sessions and greater overall calorie burn.

Which Machine Is Better for Joint Health: Elliptical or Treadmill?

Treadmills and Joint Health: The Benefits of Cushioning

Running on hard surfaces outdoors can take a toll on your joints. However, many modern treadmills, especially those from LSG Fitness, come with shock absorption and cushioning systems that reduce the impact on your knees, hips and lower back. This makes them a good choice for people who want to replicate outdoor running but without the added strain on their joints.

Ellipticals and Low-Impact Workouts

In comparison, ellipticals are inherently low impact, making them a great choice for anyone with joint issues or that are recovering from injury. The continuous elliptical motion allows the user to get a full-body workout without putting inordinate stress on the knees, hips or ankles. If joint protection is a priority for you, an elliptical might be the better option.

Which Is Better for Cardiovascular Fitness: Elliptical or Treadmill?

Treadmills for HIIT and Intense Cardio Workouts

If you’re looking for high-intensity workouts, such as sprints or HIIT (high-intensity interval training), the treadmill is an excellent choice. The treadmill's speed and incline settings allow you to push yourself during intense workouts. High-intensity training on a treadmill can significantly improve your stamina and endurance.

Ellipticals for Steady-State Cardio

Ellipticals, on the other hand, are much better suited to steady-state cardio. With their smooth motion and adjustable resistance, ellipticals allow you to maintain a consistent pace, ideal for moderate-intensity workouts. The elliptical’s ability to provide an effective and comfortable workout over extended periods is a significant advantage.

Which Is Better for Full-Body Workouts?

If you're looking for a machine that engages both your upper and lower body, the elliptical is the clear winner. The handlebars allow you to work your arms, shoulders and core while your legs perform the pedalling motion. This makes the elliptical a great full-body workout machine, helping you tone and strengthen more muscle groups simultaneously.

In contrast, while treadmills primarily focus on lower-body engagement, you can still target the upper body with added arm movements or by utilising free weights. However, the emphasis is still on the legs, making it less effective for full-body toning compared to ellipticals.

Treadmill vs Elliptical: Which Is Right for You?

The choice between treadmill vs elliptical comes down to your fitness goals and preferences. Here’s a quick summary:

• Treadmills are better if you prefer:

• High-intensity workouts like running or sprints.

• A focus on lower-body strength and endurance.

• Realistic running or walking experiences.

• Ellipticals are better if you:

• Want a low-impact, full-body workout.

• Prefer steady-state cardio and longer sessions.

• Need to protect your joints while still getting an effective cardio workout.

Choose the Best Fitness Machine for Your Home Gym

Your decision should depend on what you aim to achieve, as well your joint health and workout preferences. Both machines have unique advantages, including the full-body, low-impact workout of an elliptical or the high-intensity training and versatility of a treadmill.

Visit LSG Fitness to explore our wide range of treadmills and cross-trainers to find the perfect machine for your fitness journey. No matter your fitness goals, we have the right equipment for you.