Treadmill or Elliptical; Low Impact Exercise Equipment

The importance of exercise is known and understood by many. However, we do not always do what we know is best. We get busy with work, families, and other obligations. For some reason, exercise and our health takes a back seat to just about everything else in our lives. Those who manage to make exercise a part of their busy schedules have a few ways to do so. They can join a gym, attend exercise classes, use exercise dvds, or use home exercise equipment. Having exercise equipment at home is such a good idea because driving to a gym or class isn't always practical. Using exercise equipment at home can save time and money and still give you great results.

Treadmill or Elliptical; Which is Better for You?

There are a lot of choices on the market for exercise equipment that all claim to give you results. Despite all of the different options, treadmills and elliptical trainers still seem to be the most popular. The question is, which is better for you?

Treadmills

Treadmills have been around for a long time and are considered to be one of the most popular pieces of exercise equipment used in gyms and in homes. There are a variety of treadmills available from inexpensive to very expensive. This is not a piece of equipment you want to skimp on. Treadmills are meant to be walked or run on at various speeds with adjustable inclines. You need a treadmill that can handle the weight of a person who might be running with full force. That is a lot of pressure on the treadmill. It has to be strong and durable to withstand this type of use.

Treadmills give a great workout. You can vary the speed at which you walk or run on a treadmill. You can also vary the incline, so it feels like you are walking on anything from flat ground to a steep hill. Treadmills offer programs for fat burning, interval training, fitness tests, and more. The display can share the time you've been exercising, the calories you've burned, and the distance you have traveled. Bowflex treadmills are a great choice. They are a bit pricey, but very well built.

Some people do not care for treadmills due to the impact. Keep in mind that the impact can help to strengthen bones. If you do not enjoy walking or running, a treadmill is not for you. Treadmills can provide an intense cardio workout that keeps you looking and feeling great.

Elliptical Trainers

Although elliptical trainers have not been around for as long as treadmills, they have gained a great deal of popularity as a favorite amongst exercise equipment. Elliptical trainers provide an excellent cardio workout without the impact. Like treadmills, they are customizable to your preferences and goals. Ellipticals have various programs to choose from for your workouts. You can customize the resistance and the inclination. The digital display can show how long you've been exercising, how many calories you have burned, and the distance you have traveled. Elliptical trainers are a favorite of many people because it does not hurt their body as much as a treadmill may. There is no impact on ankles, knee, hips, etc.. It is a more gentle workout. Proform and Schwinn elliptical trainers are built very well and perform well when being used.

Exercise Goals

Ultimately, the decision of which piece of equipment is best for you is your decision to make. Understand that treadmills and elliptical trainers are both effective pieces of exercise equipment. You have to choose the one that you prefer and that feels the best on your body when you use it. You have to like the exercise that you participate in. Otherwise, you may not want to stick with it. Your goal is to find exercise that you enjoy and even look forward to doing. This will be great for your health!