Treadmill and elliptical exercise machines have become a mainstay of most cardio training programs today. And for a good reason. Whether it’s athletic performance or general fitness you’re after, both cardio machines can help you reach your training goal. Here is how each of these DrenchFit Cardio Equipment machines can benefit your training.
The Treadmill Benefits
The treadmill cardio machine allows you to:
- Burn more calories Running and sprinting are demanding activities when it comes to energy expenditure. Whether on the pavement or the treadmill, you still have to push yourself hard when you run or sprint. As a result, on the treadmill you can burn almost twice more calories than you would on the elliptical.
- Increase bone density When you exercise on the treadmill, you still subject your body to some degree of impact with the surface. Such exposure can help you improve your bone density in a way similar to when you train with weights. Improved bone density is a good way to fend off injuries and such conditions as osteoporosis.
- Improve sport skills Many sports require exceptional running and sprinting skills for optimal performance. The treadmill helps you train these skills in the closest way to how you use them in your sport. And it helps you do that from the comfort of your gym or home, regardless of the weather.
The Elliptical Benefits
The elliptical cardio machine helps you to:
- Train more muscle groups When you move on the elliptical, you have to engage your upper body muscles more than on the treadmill. As a result, you end up actively training more muscle groups within your workout. You also do it in a way that is similar to how your body moves when you ski.
- Decrease stress on joints When you exercise on the elliptical, your body experiences zero impact with the surface which helps your spare joints. Thanks to this, you can challenge and improve your cardiovascular fitness without aggravating your previous injuries or joint conditions.
- Train with more variety Exercising on the elliptical offers more variety in training than the treadmill. On the elliptical, not only can you adjust the incline and the intensity, but you can also move backwards. This helps to shift the focus to the muscles of your posterior chain, specifically your hamstrings and glutes.
Do You Have to Choose?
Combining the benefits of both the treadmill and the elliptical in your training yields best results. When you want your cardio training session to be intense, exercising on the treadmill can serve you better. But when you don’t have much energy to spare or want to save your joints, go with the elliptical.
If you do have to make a choice, however, consider your training goals and your condition. If you want to improve your athletic performance, the treadmill can help you do so faster. But if all you want is to be fit and spare your joints, the elliptical is a wiser choice.