Sunday, January 25, 2009

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

By Torri Tompson

Unfortunately home exercise equipment is never cheap, which means it is really important to invest in the right machine. For effective weight loss, you need to find out which piece of equipment is best at helping to burn up those excess 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.

It is true that running on a treadmill can be more intensive, and can have a greater impact on your body's muscles and joints. For this reason some people may find it very hard to run on a treadmill. By using an elliptical, you are still able to exercise and burn off the same number of calories, it's just the exercise has a gentler impact on your body.

Running on a treadmill, at approximately 7 mph, would burn 783 calories if you were 150 pounds, and you ran for an hour. Using an elliptical trainer, you would burn 774 calories. But if you only walk on a treadmill at 3 mph, you would only burned 297 calories. That's a big 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.

To consider which exercise machine will give you the better workout and help you burn more calories, think about which one you will enjoy most. Which machine will motivate you to get up and move?

If for example you love to walk, jog or run, then a treadmill would be an obvious choice for you. Treadmills let you get all the benefits of walking, without having to leave your home, which means you can get your exercise even if the weather is bad outside. However, if you really want to lose weight and burn those calories then you will have to be sure to use your treadmill at a suitable speed and set the incline to give yourself a more intense workout.

For those that have problems with the knees and ankles, or have experienced joint pain then an elliptical would be perfect for you. Not only does it allow you to burn calories, but ellipticals also have a less harsh impact on your body. They are also ideal for older people because they are much more forgiving to the joints and muscles. Some people even invest in an elliptical and a treadmill so that they can mix up their workout routine ensuring that they get the benefits of both types of machine.

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