Treadmill Articles

Treadmill vs. Elliptical -- Whos In The Lead?

See ya later stationary bikes and row, row, rowing to no where!

Elliptical trainers have over taken stationary bikes in popularity with the gym-going population and have long since left rowing machines back at the dock. This is evidenced by gym operators reducing the number of stationary bikes and rowing machines in their facilities to make way for newer varieties of elliptical trainers.

During their day (1980s) stationary bikes and rowing machines along with steppers and climbing machines were about the only options in cardio equipment. You could get a good cardio workout if you stayed on these machines for at least 30 minutes. Though sitting on a stationary bike for that long can leave you with a sore butt. Studies have shown that prolonged use of stationary bikes can lead to impotence in some men. Sure doesn't sound like something I'd want to chance!

Stationary bikes still have their use - hop on one for about 5-10 minutes for a quick warm up for your quads and knees before launching into a heavy leg workout consisting of squats and leg presses. Given the choices in cardio equipment these days, whenever I see someone at a health club slogging away at the lone rowing machine I think -- "must be a new member."

David vs. Goliath

Treadmills have been around longer than elliptical trainers and remain hugely popular. Treadmills must have something going for them. The great thing about treadmills is they simulate the experience of both jogging and walking -- both great cardio exercises. With treadmills you can bring your jogging or walking indoors -- no need (or excuse) to miss a workout because it's raining, snowing, too hot, too cold, etc.

Treadmills have programs that allow you to add variety and challenge to your workouts. You can also increase the incline on many treadmills to further increase the intensity of your treadmill workout and also target other muscles in your lower body more directly. Treadmills have the additional advantage over jogging and running that the belt provides more cushioning to your joints than pounding away on asphalt or concrete. However, treadmills still are much more of an impact exercise than that offered by elliptical trainers.

There's just something more graceful and less stressful about exercising on a quality-made elliptical trainer than a treadmill. And let's face it, many people will agree that working out on an elliptical trainer is somehow less boring than pounding away on a treadmill. Maybe it's not a coincidence that another expression for the "rat race" is "going around on a treadmill!"

Rich Rojas

Elliptical Trainer Reviews and Fitness Ideas

http://www.ellipticalhome.com

Related Links:

Treadmill vs. Elliptical -- Whos In The Lead?

Try A Landice Treadmill

Epic t60 treadmill

Latest Treadmill News

About.com Walking
Get the latest headlines from the About.com Walking GuideSite.

• A Bridge to Somewhere
  19 Nov 2008 at 2:58am
  Photos of the Vancouver Land Bridge Pedestrian bridges are usually ugly steel and concrete utilitarian structures built by the lowest bidder. Rarely are they a work of art that celebrates...
  
• Don't Be Invisible
  18 Nov 2008 at 3:11am
  Unless I want to walk only during the work day or on the weekends, I have to walk in the dark this time of year. Since I tend to...
  
• What's On Your Walking Wish List?
  15 Nov 2008 at 2:53am
  I'm updating my lists of great gift ideas for walkers. My beloved Camelbak Pixie hydration pack had to be dropped from the lists because it was discontinued. What...
  
• Treadmill Review: Smooth 5.45 Folding Treadmill
  13 Nov 2008 at 3:41am
  Smooth treadmills have long been highly rated. They just updated their most popular models, including their budget model, the Smooth 5.45. I have been testing it and it...
  
• The Pumpkin Coach Awaits - Wordless Wednesday
  12 Nov 2008 at 2:53am
  Photo © Wendy Bumgardner 2008 The autumn leaves were falling fast and furious on our walk this weekend. We've had an extremely colorful fall this year. The leaves and...
  
• What Do You Do With Old T-shirts?
  10 Nov 2008 at 10:26am
  T-shirts can be surprisingly hard to get rid of. If they are soiled or torn, you can't give them to charity, but it is rare to find a recycling...