Ellipticals vs. Treadmills: What Is the Best Workout Machine for You?

More and more of us are on an ongoing quest for a healthier and more active lifestyle. Ellipticals and treadmills are both great options to stay moving and burn calories, but determining which one is right for you can be a challenging decision. Both machines offer unique advantages and benefits that align with personal fitness aspirations, so our comparison will help you choose the best exercise equipment for your fitness goals.

Whether you aim to shed some pounds, boost cardiovascular endurance or are embarking on a transformative fitness journey, we will help you choose between an elliptical and a treadmill.

Ellipticals offer a low-impact, full-body workout that combines elements of walking, running and cycling. For some, the elliptical is better than treadmill workouts because it is so effective for both cardiovascular fitness and strength training. Benefits of using an elliptical include:

• Low-impact exercise. Ellipticals provide a low-impact workout, which is gentle on your joints. Unlike running, elliptical movements do not subject your knees, hips and ankles to the same level of stress.
• Full-body workout. Engaging both the upper and lower body, elliptical machines help tone and strengthen multiple muscle groups. The handlebars work the chest, shoulders and arms while the foot pedals target the legs and glutes.
• Balance and coordination. Using an elliptical can help improve your balance and coordination over time. The elliptical motion requires coordinated movements from both the upper and lower body, which promotes better overall body control.
• Calorie burning. The combination of upper and lower body movement engages more muscles, resulting in a higher calorie burn rate than most other cardio equipment. Burning calories more efficiently, ellipticals are a valuable tool for weight management.

Elliptical machines are also an accessible fitness tool suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. The best elliptical for you will contribute to a well-rounded fitness routine while helping you achieve your fitness goals.

A treadmill is designed to mimic outdoor running in an indoor space. It consists of a moving conveyor belt or a running deck on which a person can walk, jog or run in place. Using a treadmill offers numerous benefits for individuals looking to improve their fitness and health. Here are some key advantages of using a treadmill:

• Cardiovascular fitness. Regular use of a treadmill can help increase your heart rate, strengthen your heart and improve your overall cardiovascular health.See Disclosure ¹
• Weight management. Similar to the elliptical, treadmill workouts can help with weight management by burning calories. You can control the intensity of your workout by adjusting the speed and incline to meet your weight loss or maintenance goals.
• Joint-friendly. The best treadmills have cushioned running surfaces that reduce the impact on joints compared to running or walking on hard outdoor surfaces. This makes it an excellent choice for people with joint issues or those recovering from injuries.
• Controlled environment. Treadmills offer a controlled environment where you can set the pace, incline and workout duration. This allows you to fine-tune your exercise routine to match your fitness level and goals while tracking your progress, similar to what a fitness tracker can do.

The best treadmill for home use also typically include entertainment features, such as built-in screens, audio systems and connectivity for streaming workouts or watching TV. These can help keep you motivated and engaged during your workouts.

If you are asking yourself, “Are ellipticals better than treadmills?” or vice-versa, there is no concrete answer. Elliptical machines are better for low-impact, full-body workouts that are a little easier on the joints. On the other hand, treadmills provide a higher-impact, predominantly lower-body workout that’s ideal for cardio enthusiasts. Both exercise machines do share some of the same benefits, including:

• Stress reduction. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers that can help reduce stress and anxiety while promoting a better mental well-being.See Disclosure ²
• Time efficiency. Both ellipticals and treadmills allow you to get an effective workout in a relatively short amount of time.
• Versatility. You can vary your exercise routine by changing each machine’s settings or using different pre-programmed workouts.

Additionally, neither ellipticals nor treadmills take up a lot of room and can easily incorporate themselves into home gym setups. Just don’t forget to stock up on exercise equipment accessories, like floor mats, ensuring that your flooring isn’t damaged during your workouts.

It is clear that elliptical machines and treadmills both have their own unique benefits as well as some commonalities. And with their interactive touchscreens along with many other technological features, both machines exemplify how tech can help with your workout. Ultimately, the best exercise machine for you will always depend on your personal fitness goals. Remember, the most important thing is not which one you choose, but the determination to keep moving forward on your journey to a healthier you.

Additional information: These statements and any information contained herein are intended for educational purposes only and are not meant to substitute for medical care or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. Carefully review product labels for instructions and important safety information and consider consulting with a health care professional regarding your use of health and wellness products.

1. Biddulph, Maddy. “Treadmill Benefits: Six Reasons to Jump on the Running Machine Today.” Live Science, Future US Inc. September 27, 2022. https://www.livescience.com/treadmill-benefits.

2. Basso, Julia C. and Suzuki, Wendy A. “The Effects of Acute Exercise on Mood, Cognition, Neurophysiology, and Neurochemical Pathways: A Review.” Brain Plasticity, IOS Press. March 28, 2017. https://content.iospress.com/articles/brain-plasticity/bpl160040.