Treadmills Versus Ellipticals

Most fitness clubs or rec centers stock a variety of fitness equipment, because when it comes to exercise, people want variety. Chugging away on a stationary bike every day or trudging up a stair climber is bound to get boring. And understandably, a bored exerciser is an inconsistent exerciser. Visit any fitness club and you'll notice that a growing segment of the fitness equipment population is now comprised of elliptical machines. Not quite running, not quite walking, not quite climbing, and definitely not peddling or rowing. These machines offer a unique alternative to the usual suspects for fitness fanatics seeking workout diversity. So how does an elliptical compare to a good ol' tried and true treadmill? As a student with access to all sorts of fitness equipment at the local U's athletic center, I'll offer my very unscientific, but honest, opinion.

My school's athletic center exclusively features Precor's elliptical machines. Precor has long been a respected name in the treadmill business, and by judgment, has reason to be proud of its elliptical lineup. I have used the Precor EFX 546 model and its siblings and have been very satisfied with my experiences. These machines are subject to frequent use in a large university setting, and yet for the most part, have stood up to the abuse. The pedals on the machines glide smoothly and the noise is minimal. From my observations, most elliptical devotees are young women eager to sculpt their lower bodies, and these machines definitely have the potential to leave you tired and sore. Adjusting the "crossramp" - essentially, Precor's fancy name for the incline - to a higher gradient yields a more rigorous workout.

Additionally, you can adjust the resistance, monitor your heart rate, and track your strides and calories burned. There are a handful of pre-existing programs designed to target specific muscle groups, or, you may design your own program and make adjustments as you see fit. My only gripe with the Precor model is that it does not engage the upper body; other brands, such as Life Fitness, feature models that do engage the upper body with mobile handles. During my workout on the Precor, I merely cling to the prominent handrails while my lower body does the brunt of the work.

While ellipticals offer a nice change from cycling or running, treadmills still remain a good choice. I never feel as satisfied with myself as I do after a good run. I always find that running on treadmills is significantly more difficult than running outdoors; the scenery is rarely inspiring, the pacing is too even, and of course, the time and mileage glare at you from the console. More or less, treadmills are conveyor belts for humans. But when the temperatures hit triple digits or the sidewalks become skating rinks, treadmills become a savior. I have had the opportunity to try True, Life Fitness, Precor, and Woodway Treadmills. I anoint Woodway as the best. The surface is firm, the front console is appropriately modest, and the noise level is low. I am fortunate to have access to these fine treadmills in my university's facilities, but the price tag of $7000+ makes these machines inaccessible to the Average Joe.

Since most quality aerobic machines cost a few thousand dollars each, joining a local fitness center to gain access to a variety of machines is the logical solution, especially if you live in an area that is not conducive to regular outdoor workouts. To adequately compare treadmills with ellipticals is a difficult task, because each brand and model varies enough to impact your opinion. Some ellipticals have a better length of stride than others, and some treadmills have too soft of a running surface. Both ellipticals and treadmills will get your heart rate pumping. As for which is better - it's all a matter of preference.