This morning, while I struggled on the elliptical, I wondered if it would be easier and better for me to use the treadmill or, at least, to alternate between the two, which I will begin tomorrow. Many seniors and younger people using either of these valuable machines often add an exercise bike to round out their workouts.
It’s been great to use these machines, often available in hotels, on cruises, and in some vacation rental condos and apartments. When we arrive at the condo in Lake Las Vegas, the fitness center has both, plus several other pieces of equipment I will use. At this hotel, the options are limited to elliptical, treadmill, and bike without any other resistance training machines, although there are hand weights, which I have been using.
Choosing between an elliptical and a treadmill depends on your fitness goals, joint health, and personal preference. Each has distinct advantages. Here are some points to consider if you have the option to use either of these
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: Many 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.
Ideal for: People looking for a full-body workout that’s gentle on the joints or those rehabbing an injury.
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 for focusing on lower-impact, joint-friendly cardio that still targets multiple muscle groups. Many people alternate between the two for variety and balanced benefits.
Travel requires a degree of fitness, as many venues and tours require walking and, at times, hiking. It’s essential to check the difficulty level of every tour you may choose to ensure your fitness level is commensurate with the advised level of difficulty.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, November 15, 2014:
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