A Comparison of Treadmills and Elliptical Machines
Elliptical machines are the “new treadmill.” They provide a person with a complete cardiovascular workout. They can be bought as low as 400 dollars, or as high as 4 thousand dollars.
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.
The best factor about an elliptical machine versus a treadmill is that they do not put pressure on the joints while exercising. When a person walks or runs it is constant pressure on the ankles and feet. With an elliptical machine this impact on the feet does not exist.
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 may find it hard to walk on the treadmill due to a fear of falling or sliding off of it. On an elliptical machine their feet are set in one place and it is impossible to slide off, and falling is unlikely. Most elliptical machines have different programs that a person can pick 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, when using the machine a person’s legs move in an oval shape, hence the name elliptical machine. The bigger the strides are, the more room a person will have to move around. Most elliptical machines are created with 10 to 20 inch strides.
Elliptical machines come in many different forms. Some can fold up to give ma person more space, but most should be put together in the spot, which they are supposed to stay. When a person purchases an elliptical machine, they should ask themselves three questions, will it fit my budget, my house, and me?
Elliptical machines are found in most gyms nowadays and are popular with gym guests. Elliptical machines focus more on a cardio workout, and will help a person get rid of those unwanted pounds by burning fat. Although ellipticals help to burn fat, they can be programmed to help build muscle if that is what the person wishes to do.
Another wonderful factor about elliptical machines is that they can be used without electricity. A person may not be able to see how many calories that they burned, but they could still use the machine and get a good workout. A treadmill can only work if it is plugged in to the wall.
Elliptical machines provide a person with a better workout than treadmills do. They will run with out power, work more muscles, and they do not affect the joints of the feet and ankles like treadmills do. All in all they are a better way of exercising than the use of a treadmill.

