What is a Treadmill?

As if you actually needed a definition of what a treadmill is! But for definitions sake, let’s revisit this revolutionary fitness invention!
A device which can be used for walking while staying at the same place is called a Treadmill. Before being used as an exercise machine, treadmill was used to harness power off animals and also used in prison for punishment. However as time went by, the use of treadmill evolved as well. This particular machine uses a conveyer belt which is powered by an electric motor.

Whenever the machine is turned on the conveyer belt starts moving, however, you can control the speed of the belt. You could set it according to your need, this is a new version of treadmill, and the older version was manual where you had to run or walk yourself in order to move the belt. The speed could not be set in the manual treadmill.

There are many benefits of using a treadmill. An individual can set the speed according to his need and record the speed, whereas normally you could not know about the speed you were running or walking at. The incline option in the treadmill gives a whole new experience, where you feel as if you are running uphill. The new generation treadmill also tells about the amount fat you are burning and time duration. This machine allows you to run indoors, for those individuals who are not comfortable running outdoors!

What Is An Elliptical Trainer?

An elliptical trainer is an exercise machine that stimulates stairs, climbing, walking and running. This machine allows you to perform all these activities without putting too much pressure on the joints. People who have injuries can use this machine easily in order to stay fit. The speed and resistance can be set according to the need of the user. Most of the elliptical trainers help to work on the lower body, though; there are some which also have upper body options. This machine is self powered and when turned on, starts motion generation. Elliptical trainer is available in three types; rear drive, front drive and center drive. This machine requires leg motion in order to operate; some good machines also provide hand grips that give a better training experience.
Elliptical trainer can help to burn calories; this machine helps to do this with lesser effort and risk. This machine also allows you to set your own speed and resistance which allows you to train in your own way!

Elliptical Trainer or Treadmill?

Elliptical trainers allow you to work out without any pressure on your joints; this is because there is not impact on the ground. This means that it provides a gentle workout, which is easier for an individual who has an injury. In case of treadmill there is impact on the ground, hence, there is more pressure involved. The good point about the added pressure is that it helps to make your bones stronger! However, the rough exercise using a treadmill usually gives a good experience to joggers and runners as compared to a Elliptical trainer.

However elliptical trainer is excellent for pressure free, cardio training. Studies that have been conducted recently showed that the amount of calories burned while using an elliptical trainer and treadmill is the same, the only benefit is elliptical trainer requires lesser effort. Thomas Altena, an exercise physiologist at the University of Missouri-Columbia, said: "The physiological responses associated with elliptical exercises were nearly identical to treadmill exercises; both exercise machines are effective for increasing the amount of calories burned and for producing cardio respiratory health and training benefits..."

One important feature that sets Elliptical trainer apart is the forward and reverse option; these options provide you a whole new training experience that no other machine can!

Conclusion

In all honesty, there’s no one ‘better’ form of workout when it comes to both of these – it really depends on your own personal preference. Either way, exercising is a good habit that should be practiced every day!

References:
Wikipedia.com: Treadmill (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treadmill_)
Wikipedia.com: Elliptical trainer (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elliptical_trainer)
Exercise.about.com: Treadmills vs. Elliptical Trainers (exercise.about.com/cs/exercisegear/a/treadelliptical.htm)