Treadmill Vs. Elliptical
Which is a better workout, elliptical machines or treadmills? According to Alex Hutchinson at the Globe and Mail, there’s not a whole lot of difference.
In terms of burning calories, the two are approximately equal so long as you exert yourself equally.
An elliptical machine suffers in that it is impossible to precisely judge how many calories you are burning during a particular routine. For goal oriented number crunchers, that might be a deal breaker.
On the flip side, the elliptical machine produces less stress on the feet and joints, and results in fewer injuries. That said, there are some common-sense steps to reduce pain and injury associated with treadmill use. Here are some as reported by TreadmillTips.com:
Warm up and Cool Down – We know your time is valuable, but that is not excuse for failing to prepare your body for the task of exercise.
Ease Into a Routine – Sure, you’re excited to get your fitness regimen started with a bang, but overexerting yourself will only lead to frustration or worse, injury.
Get good Running Shoes – If you’re going to run, you need the right pair of running shoes. Find a store that has running experts available to consult with you regarding your workout regimen and needs.
Listen to Your Body – Its exercise, not seppuku. You should feel invigorated, not dead. If you are experiencing dizziness or major pains, stop what you are doing, and scale back your routine.
Whichever route you choose, there are numerous benefits to having a workout machine in home. You can workout at your leisure, don’t have to worry about impressing anyone at the gym, and you don’t have to pay a membership fee.
