At face value, the treadmill and the elliptical seem like two pretty similar pieces ofgym equipment.
Their basic purposegiving you a cardio workoutis downright identical.
Yet these machines can inspire some big feelings: Most folks who use themstronglyprefer one or the other.
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But which machine gives you a better workout?
Well, that depends on exactly what youre looking to get out of your cardio session.
Theyre both beneficial, physical therapist and running coachKimberly Melvan, DPT, CSCS, tells SELF.
It isnt necessarily one over the other.
Heres what to keep in mind before you hit that start button.
The biggest difference is the impact of your strides.
If youve only ever heard one thing about the elliptical, it was probably about it being low-impact.
But thats not to say that impact isbad.
In fact, its hugely helpful for our bone health.
Yet there are times when its best to minimize that impact.
The elliptical can also work your body in a couple of unique ways.
There are a fewdifferent kinds of ellipticalsout there.
In this OG case, the muscles you work are pretty darn similar to those on a treadmill.
Think:hamstrings, calves, glutes, quads.
(Though you might get a little more glute and calf action on the tread.)
Certain ellipticals also have arm handles that move back and forth.
If you take advantage, these extra options can work your body in different ways.
Taking higher steps can also target the glutes and stability muscles around the hip joint, she adds.
If youre running a race, youre better off on the treadmill (mostly).
Sometimes its great for the day after a really hard run or a long run, Corkum says.
She particularly recommends elliptical sessions for runners who struggle with issues likeshin splints.
Either machine can give you a hard workout, but certain intensities are easier on each.
The treadmill is often seen as more hardcore than the elliptical.
But it really comes down to how you approach these machines.
I think that theres a misconception that the elliptical is easy, Dr. Reiner says.
It really isnt if you use it efficiently.
you might crank up the resistance and push the pace to hit higher intensities.
Getting your arms in on the action, too, is an especially strategic move.
If you space out, youre not going to fall off the machine, Corkum points out.
Remember: The best cardio workout is the one youll actually do.
Physical benefits aside, dont ignore your emotional reaction to these machines.
Corkum even has runners switch back and forth between the two in the same workout.
Sometimes its not just what the body can handle, Corkum says.
It’s also what the brain is going to thrive on long-term.
