Treadmills vs Ellipticals, Bikes, Treadclimber, Stairmaster and Rowers

Treadmills offer benefits over many other popular types of exercise. Comparing how treadmills work in relation to other types of exercise equipment will give you a good idea of how efficient your exercise program really is.

Treadmill vs Elliptical

Ellipticals take the stress off of the joints by cushioning each step and movement. While this is beneficial, it can also be more taxing on the cardio aspect of the workout. Individuals who have a hard time maintaining a certain heart rate can have difficulty on an elliptical because of how much the body has to work to maintain specific speeds and levels of endurance. Using a treadmill offers benefits to the cardiovascular system because the incline and speed can be adjusted as necessary. Treadmills are designed to help work the basic components of the body by performing one of the most natural exercises in the world. By fining tuning the elements of that exercise, the person can achieve a wide range of results.

Treadmill vs Treadclimber

The main difference between a treadclimber and a treadmill is the range of intensity. Treadclimbers are designed to offer a set level of intensity for a longer period of time. Both will help a person achieve specific goals when it comes to endurance, toning and the creation of new muscle. With the two alternating belts of a treadclimber, the person achieves the goal of working their way up a steep incline, but when it comes to increasing speed or intensity, it is much more difficult. Treadmills offer several different degrees of incline to help a person increase their flexibility and muscle tone. The ability to also the intensity of the incline workouts is also a distinct advantage over the treadclimber.

Treadmill vs Stairmaster

A Stairmaster offers a more intense cardio workout than a treadmill, but in exchange for that, it places more stress on the knees, hips and ankles. Because it uses the same movements and force as walking or running up steps, the stress placed on the weight bearing joints of the body, the easier it can be to pull or strain a muscle. Treadmills do not have the degree of incline as a Stairmaster, but they can sufficiently help to burn a similar number of calories using a higher incline for a slightly longer period of time, without increasing the risk of muscle and joint strain. While Stairmaster can also help to build new muscle using the weight of the body as resistance, treadmills help to tone what is already there and gradually improve muscle endurance.

Treadmill vs Exercise Bike

A stationary bike is great for individuals who have knee or ankle injuries and must control the amount of weight the put on their joints as they exercise. Some stationary bikes offer a dashboard that allows the user to increase the speed and resistance as if they are pedaling up an incline. While these machines are beneficial for individuals who have trouble with mobility and range of motion, treadmills are much better in the long run due to the fact that the whole body is in motion during the exercise. Treadmills can improve stamina and endurance much like a treadmill, but offer the advantage of moving the person’s entire body weight as an added bonus.

Treadmill vs Crosstrainer

Elliptical crosstrainers offer an extensive whole body workout that allows both sides of the body to be used throughout the entire session. Much like cross country skiing, the entire body is worked by through a series of movements that use select muscle groups on either side of the body. Most ellipticals allow the person to move forward or backward, something that cannot be achieved on a treadmill. Crosstrainer elliptical have hand grips that allow the person to work both upper and lower portions of the body. Treadmills do not have the capability of working the upper body, but they can provide similar workouts using forward range of motion. While both allow the user to adjust intensity, the crosstrainer will put less resistance on the lower weight bearing joints.

Treadmill vs Rowing Machine

Rowers machines offer a more efficient way to lose excess weight simply because of the rowing movement uses the body’s weight for resistance. Incorporating the additional weight into the time spent during the exercise, the body will burn more calories than simply using a rowing movement or an inclined walk. Treadmills, on the other hand, will help a person to lose weight. The process will take slightly longer depending on whether or not the user chooses to adjust the speed and incline of the machine during their workouts. While rowers, employ much of the upper body and core in the exercise, treadmills mostly focus on lower abdomen, hips and legs. This will help burn more calories during longer, more intense sessions.

Treadmills benefits

Whether you are trying to lose weight or just tone your muscles, Treadmills are a great piece of exercise equipment. Be sure to check out the benefits treadmills offer in comparison to running outside, on a track or on the road are substantial.

Written by Treadmills & Ellipticals