Choosing between an elliptical and a treadmill for cardiovascular exercise is only one way to enhance one’s fitness level. It depends on one’s fitness goals, joint health, and personal preference. Each has distinct advantages; weight resistance training is also imperative for full-body fitness. I am no expert, but I have worked out most of my life. It’s essential to check with your doctor to determine what fitness level suits you.

Treadmill

• Intensity & Calorie Burn: Treadmills generally offer a more intense workout, especially if you run or incorporate incline training. This intensity often leads to higher calorie burn.
• Natural Motion: Running or walking on a treadmill closely mimics real-life movement, which can benefit training or building running endurance.
• Impact on Joints: Running on a treadmill is easier on the joints than running on hard surfaces but still has more impact than an elliptical.

Ideal for: People looking to boost cardio endurance, improve running ability, or burn more calories in a shorter time.

Elliptical

• Low Impact: Ellipticals are great for joint health since they provide a low-impact workout. The smooth gliding motion reduces strain on knees, hips, and ankles, which can be beneficial if you’re prone to joint pain or recovering from an injury.
• Upper and Lower Body Workout: Most ellipticals have handles, allowing you to engage your arms and chest, providing a more full-body workout.
• Easier on the Heart Rate: Some people find that the elliptical provides an intense cardio workout without spiking the heart rate as quickly as running, making it a bit easier to maintain longer, steady sessions. This is particularly important to me right now as I build strength and stamina after a year of minimal activity, although I tried over and over again with little progress.

Which is Better?

The treadmill may be more effective if your primary goal is calorie burn and running endurance. However, the elliptical is an excellent choice if you focus on lower-impact, joint-friendly cardio that still targets multiple muscle groups. Many people alternate between the two for variety and balanced benefits.

Walking on a Treadmill

• Natural Movement: Walking on a treadmill closely mimics outdoor walking, making it feel more intuitive and comfortable for many people.
• Calorie Burn: Walking on a treadmill typically burns fewer calories than using an elliptical unless you add an incline or increase speed. However, adding even a slight incline can boost calorie burn and activate more muscle groups.
• Joint Impact: Walking is a low-impact activity, but there’s still some joint impact compared to the smooth glide of an elliptical. Using cushioned, shock-absorbing treadmills can help ease this impact.
• Accessibility: Walking is easier for beginners and may feel more natural, making it an easy option for those just starting or looking for a gentler workout.

Using an Elliptical

• Low-Impact Glide: The elliptical provides a no-impact, smooth gliding motion that’s especially easy on the knees, ankles, and hips. This can be a huge plus if you have joint issues or are recovering from an injury.
• Upper and Lower Body Engagement: An elliptical with moving handles lets you work your arms, chest, and core, engaging more muscle groups for a balanced workout.
• Calorie Burn: Using an elliptical generally burns more calories than walking on a treadmill because of the added resistance and the use of multiple muscle groups. You can also adjust resistance to make the workout more challenging.

Which is Better?

• If your primary goal is to engage in natural, straightforward movement with low joint impact while walking leisurely, a treadmill could be your best option.
• However, an elliptical may offer a slight advantage if you want to maximize calorie burn, reduce joint impact even further, and engage your upper body.

Many people alternate between the two to vary their routines and enjoy the unique benefits of each. In the next week or so, as I improve my stability and strength, I will also use the treadmill on alternate days. Right now, I walk every other day and then use the elliptical on alternate days.

Lately, I have added hand-weight exercises to enhance muscle strength in my arms and upper body. The fitness center here doesn’t have many exercise machines, only treadmills, ellipticals, and hand weights. But, for now, that is enough for me. Once we arrive in Nevada, the fitness center at the condo will be much more complete, with many other machines I can use.

It takes a lot of motivation to work out each day, but there are many rewards. I struggle to get myself out the door each day, but when I’m done, I am so happy I did it one more day. In time, this will serve me well in many ways as we continue to travel the world.

Be well.