Are you thinking about investing in a piece of home exercise equipment and are wondering what the differences are between a treadmill and elliptical? Are you wondering if you should get the one that is the better value or cheaper? Or are you wondering if there are any health differences based on your lifestyle?
The biggest difference between an elliptical and a treadmill it that an elliptical is a "no impact" machine which is important for some people and it works your upper body too. And a treadmill allows a more truly realistic running movement, which may be important if you're working on being a better runner.
But a major advantage to a treadmill versus an elliptical is that the elliptical only allows you to have a stride length that is fixed along with a forward and backward motion. The elliptical trainer is thought by many heart conscious people to be a good machine for cardio fitness. However, it really doesn't address biomechanics and the proper timing of the ankles, knees and hips. When using this machine the function of the foot muscles is limited. Treadmills allow you to control the overlap of your feet, whereas the elliptical trainer keeps the feet a set width apart.
A treadmill is the natural way physiologically of walking or running. To live a longer and healthier life you want to make sure you have what is called "specific activity." It can give you specific and usually necessary feedback about your proper foot placement and technique, for example - the sound of each footfall should be very quiet, an elliptical cannot do this. If you'd like to get some instant feedback with a treadmill, place a mirror in front and to the side of the unit and work on the increase in your stride. This will help reduce any harmful stress while still maximizing the lymphatic flow and drainage in the body.
An elliptical and the treadmill both stimulate the lymphatic system and its flow which is a good thing, of course, but opinions differ due to the natural function of the foot on the treadmill, where it may be deemed better. It also allows more variety, intensity and depth to workouts, for example, working both the adductors and abductors of the hips as in side-stepping. Side-stepping helps to develop both the total inner and outer functions of both legs. It also reduces any possibility for overuse issues.
Muscles of the buttocks, thighs, legs and feet are used. You can also walk backwards which is good for people who have a history of shin splints and stress fractures-- this will enhance the muscular timing and biomechanics of your legs. For people who want more intensity and a challenge, try leaping high.
One very significant difference between the machines is the issue of balance. A person's balance is not a factor on an elliptical machine as it is on a treadmill and it's even possible that balance will improve over time. Professionals have recommended using tubing on a treadmill, attaching it behind or in front for more arm strength and upper body fitness. If you're familiar with cross-crawl patterning, it can help with it too.
If cost is a factor, of course there are many ways to save money on these machines. From discounts to wholesale prices, low cost or cheaper equipment can easily be found online.
In the end it all depends on which machine you like and more importantly which machine you will use more. Both the elliptical and treadmill are excellent pieces of exercise equipment and only good if you use them consistently and don't let them gather dust. In any event no matter which you choose you're sure to benefit making them an important part of your personal health plan.
How do you find the treadmill that offers you the best value? By knowing what to look for.
This article will give you 4 key attributes of high value treadmills so you can make an informed decision and find the best treadmill value for you.
#1 High Powered Well Built Motor - The motor is the heart of your treadmill. You need to have a treadmill with sufficient motor power or else you'll quickly burn the motor out (and start paying through the nose to fix it).
Motor power is measured by Horsepower (or HP for short). Most treadmills range from 1.5 HP to 3.0 HP. You want at least a 2.0 HP Continuous duty motor - preferably higher. Remember that the more strenuously you plan to use the treadmill, the more power you're going to need.
#2 Excellent Cushioning - Cushioning is the ability of the treadmill to absorb the force of your step. Cushioning is extremely important because it protects your knees, hips, ankles and back.
Cheap cushioning means possible injury or muscle strains - especially if you're a runner. Look for a good cushioning system built into your treadmill. It's also important to make sure you wear proper, high quality running shoes for even more protection.
#3 Lengthy Warranty - An excellent warranty is a great indicator of the best treadmill values. It gives you an indication of the quality of parts used in construction.
So for example the 90 day warranty that covers your cheap department store treadmill does not indicate high value. A treadmill that comes with a lifetime frame, 10+ years on the motor, 2+ years on parts and 1 year on labor does indicate a higher value machine.
#4 High Stability - According to Runner's World, stability is the most important factor when choosing a treadmill. You don't want a treadmill that shakes or wobbles when you pick up your pace.
What factors make up a highly stable treadmill? Unit Weight - the higher weight the machine, the more anchoring you've got and in general, the more stable a treadmill.
Construction also contributes to stability. A highly regarded treadmill brand will often make more stable treadmills than a brand known for making cheaper units.
User weight capacity is another indicator of stability. For example a treadmill with a 300 lb user weight capacity is usually more stable than a treadmill with a 250 lb user weight capacity.
So those are 4 key factors that make up high value treadmills. Other factors you might want to look at are:
Belt size - make sure it's long enough to accommodate your stride. Average height users will be fine with a regular size belt (up to 52" long). However runners or taller users may want to get a longer belt (55-60").
Workout programs and other extras - if you get bored easily you might want a treadmill with lots of workout programs. Some treadmills even offer built in TV's, iPod stations and built-in speakers. It really depends on what you want.
And while you generally get what you pay for with treadmills - higher end machines are usually built much better than economy models - you can still get a great deal on a high value treadmill. With more competition and experience, many treadmill manufacturers are building more value into their treadmills. By knowing what to look for - and what you personally need - you're assured of getting the best treadmill value for you.
Both Twinpeak & Vienna Miller are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Twinpeak has sinced written about articles on various topics from Treadmill Exercises, Fitness and Lap Band Surgery. For information on and best buy shopping for elliptical trainers online and offline go to http://www.Best-Treadmill-Tips.com. Twinpeak's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.
Vienna Miller has sinced written about articles on various topics from Lose Weight, Credit Loans and Hair Transplant. is a consumer oriented website focusing on the home treadmill market. We offer treadmill brand reviews, treadmill product reviews and the latest trea. Vienna Miller's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.