Should You Get An Elliptical Or Treadmill?

Cardiovascular exercises, also known as aerobic exercises, are important for overall health because they help to improve a variety of body functions. Regular cardiovascular exercise improves heart health, lowers blood pressure, maintains blood sugar levels, reduces chronic pain, strengthens the immune system, and has many other benefits.

Going for brisk walks or jogging around your neighbourhood is one way to get plenty of cardiovascular exercise. Others also engage in High-Intensity Interval Training at home or head to the gym to use cardio exercise equipment.

For convenience, you may wish to buy your own exercise equipment and work out from the comfort of your own home. In today's article, we'll go over the benefits and drawbacks of elliptical machines and treadmills to help you find the best fitness equipment for your home.

Pros & Cons of the Elliptical Machine

The elliptical machine, also known as a cross trainer, is a type of exercise equipment designed to simulate a variety of aerobic exercises such as walking or running. It has pedals suspended above the ground that can be moved forward and backwards, as well as up and down, on a track.

Advantage 1: Low Impact

The elliptical machine is ideal for people who have joint problems or injuries that prevent them from participating in aerobic exercises like running and jogging. Your foot will be supported on the pedals and will never touch the ground, resulting in no impact on your joints. With less stress on your joints, you are less likely to injure your ankles, knees, or hips.

Advantage 2: Variety of Exercises

With the elliptical machine, you can reverse the pedals or increase the resistance on the elliptical machine to vary your workouts. Instead of just doing aerobic exercises, it can help you train and tone your lower body muscles, as well as work your upper body.

Advantage 3: Maintain Fitness After Injury

Due to its low impact,  the elliptical allows many people to continue working out and staying fit even after suffering an injury.

Disadvantage 1: Takes Time to Get Used to

The way the elliptical machine moves can be difficult to adjust to at first because it is not a natural movement our bodies make. Some people may sustain hip or lower back injuries as a result of incorrect use and form.

Disadvantage 2: Fewer Muscles Development

Despite the low impact being an advantage to some, the support from pedals and handlebars may result in you burning fewer calories and working fewer muscles. Because pedals and handlebars can move as a result of momentum, you may end up burning less than expected.

Pros & Cons of the Treadmill

Treadmills are pieces of stationary exercise equipment that allow you to walk, jog, or run indoors, making them a convenient, simple, and efficient way to work out.

Advantage 1: Lots of Control

Treadmills allow you to adjust the incline and speed to create a sprint workout or to stimulate your muscles by making you run, jog, or walk on an incline.

Advantage 2: Build Leg Strength

With every stride you take, the treadmill helps you to train and build your leg strength while you exercise. 

Disadvantage 1: May Lead to Injuries

Even with a cushioned surface, the treadmill may cause a jarring impact on the back or stress the hip, knee, and ankle joints.

Disadvantage 2: Works Fewer Muscle Groups

Other fitness equipment, such as the elliptical machine, allows you to work your arms as well, whereas the treadmill only allows you to train your lower body muscles.

Choosing the right exercise equipment depends on your personal preferences and fitness goals. If you’re unsure about which equipment to get, let your needs and goals guide you to your decision. 

HF Lifestyle is one of Singapore’s largest and fastest-growing fitness equipment companies. Contact us today to make your purchase.