Treadmills vs. Elliptical Machines: The Face Off

submitted: May 9th 2009 | by: JohnAndrews | Total views: 39 | Word Count: 548 | | |

Elliptical machines are slowly taking the place of the treadmill. These machines provide a person with a complete cardiovascular workout. They are sold in all different price ranges; some are as low as 400 dollars and some as high as 4 thousand.

Elliptical machines combine walking, skiing, and bicycling in one machine. They usually have devices attached to them that calculate a person's heart rate while exercising. Depending on the machine, it can also calculate the calories burned.

A great thing about elliptical machines is that it does not apply pressure on the joints of the feet while using it. This makes it different from the treadmill because walking on a treadmill puts constant pressure on a persons ankles and feet. There is very little impact on the ankles and feet when using an elliptical machine.

Another great aspect of the elliptical machine is that elderly people or people who have been injured can use them. People who have had ankle injuries may find it difficult to walk or run on a treadmill because of the pressure that is puts on their feet. They will not feel this pressure when using the elliptical machine, because it is not there.

Some seniors find it difficult to walk on the treadmill due to a fear of falling or rolling off of it. On an elliptical machine their feet are set in one place and rolling off or falling in unlikely. Most elliptical machines have different programs that a person can choose from.

Some ellipticals have up to 20 programs to choose from, these are usually the more expensive ones; the cheaper ones have fewer than 10 programs. Elliptical machines have resistance levels that can be changed; this way more than one person can use the same elliptical machine. Ellipticals provide a person a more better workout then a treadmill, because they workout more muscles.

The word elliptical means oval, this is due to the motion that the legs form when using the machine. The bigger the strides, the more room a person will have to move around when using the machine. Most elliptical machines normally are designed with 10 to 20 inch strides.

Elliptical machines come in many different shapes and sizes. Some can fold up but most have to put together in the spot, which they are meant to stay. When a person purchases an elliptical machine three questions should be asked, will it fit my budget, my house, and me?

Elliptical machines can be found in most gyms nowadays and are being used frequently by gym guest. They focus more on cardio and can help a person shed the pounds off by burning fat without building too much muscle. Ellipticals can be programmed to help build muscle if that is what the person wishes.

Another great factor about elliptical machines is that they can run without the use of electricity. A person will not be able to see their heart rate, but they could still use the machine and get a workout. A treadmill will only work off electricity.

Elliptical machines provide a better, overall workout than treadmills. They will run with out power, and they do not affect the joints of the feet and ankles like treadmills do. All in all they are a better source for exercise than the treadmill.

About the Author

John Andrews is known as an elliptical machines expert and publishes news, reviews and articles. He also shows cheap elliptical trainers on his website.

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