what is the difference between an elliptical trainer and a treadmill?
soft_cheeks asked:
what areas does the eliptical trainer target that the treadmill doesnt? which would you prefer? which one is better for quicker weight loss? thanks!
what areas does the eliptical trainer target that the treadmill doesnt? which would you prefer? which one is better for quicker weight loss? thanks!
I hear the eliptical is a faster way of burning calories, and it is a lot harder to use. I prefer the treadmill because I am lazy, but if you want faster results, probably the eliptical is best.
Elliptical targets more of the gluts and the quads. Basically, your rear end and thighs. A treadmill still works those areas but not to that degree…it’s more like running on a normal surface…so, stabilizer muscles and leg muscles are all worked pretty evenly. Any working out is generally good for weight loss. I prefer running on a track to either of those machines. As far as quicker weight loss…that can be helped by limiting intake of food…not starvation…but not stuffing yourself either. moderation.
the eliptical trainer works out your whole body and burns more calories per workout. If its burning more calories you are more likely to lose more weight on it.
The elliptical trainer is designed to match the natural running motion. That makes it easier on the knees because the feet aren’t slamming into the ground several times a second. Some also come with handbars that swing back and forth to provide an upper body workout as well.
The problem is that the elliptical machines tend to limit the range of motion, so you end up not running with a full stride like you would on a treadmill.
Both work the same muscles, although you can get more of an upperbody workout with the elliptical machine. If you can tolerate the shortened running stride, I’d say an elliptical machine is slightly better than a treadmill.