Which is better Treadmill vs Elliptical For Weight Loss

I’m sure you’ve wondered this before: Which is better for losing weight, the treadmill or the elliptical machine?  I’m here to tell you that there is no cut and dry answer for you, it really comes down to preference, effort, and training goals.

For example, let’s just say that you are training to be in the next 100 meter dash and you are 20 years old and in great shape.  A treadmill might be better to simulate running and help you work on your speed.  You can use quick buttons to change pace between sprint and walk easily to simulate sprinting on a track.

Now let’s pretend you are a marathon runner.  You want to make sure you are training  for endurance.  You do this by going a long distance on the treadmill, because it most simulates running a marathon.

Do you see where I’m going with this article?  You want to most simulate what you will be doing.

OK, but now you might be thinking : “I just want to lose weight!”  Great, then you can use either machine you like.  The trick is to get your heart rate up to a safe level (always consult a doctor before using any type of cardio machine).  For many people, running on a treadmill is quite boring.

It’s most effective, in my opinion, if you set the treadmill to about 80% intensity for 25-30 minutes.   If you can’t do that, just listen to your body?  OK stop, what do I mean?

I know I’m going off on a tangent here, but bear with me for a minute.  You’ve heard the phrase “no pain, no gain”.  Well that doesn’t mean that you should be causing yourself injury while on the treadmill.  So you need to adjust the intensity and time according to what you can do.

Slowly increase the intensity and time every week and do what you can do.  It should only be slightly uncomfortable getting your heart rate up, you should not be in a lot of pain or panting heavily for breath . If you are lower the intensity.

Back to our talk.  Now let’s say you want to use the elliptical.  In my opinion this machine is a lot smoother on the body.  Your knees and feet should not hurt as much on the elliptical because of the movement on the machine.

It’s a little more fun because it feels like you are skiing, and I personally know for a fact that when you are having fun working out you will be motivated and have a lot more energy, meaning you will see more results!  OK so a lot of elliptical machines give you a guide on how intense you should be going, but it really does depend a lot on your age and physical condition.

You should always ask a doctor or personal trainer how intense you should be going, but a good general rule of thumb is to go for about 80% intensity for 25-30 minutes.  Intensity depends on your heart rate and age, you need to do some research and find out.

I hope you had fun talking with me today.  However, please remember I am not a medical doctor and I am not responsible for any injury that may happen as a result of my advice, this article is only intended for educational purposes only.  Thanks!