This is a tough question to answer because the final decision will vary based on a variety of personal needs, opinions, and preferences. But we’re highlighting the basic differences between these two forms of home cardio equipment – elliptical vs treadmill – to help you narrow down your upcoming purchase. Let’s get started!
Important Considerations When Choosing Between Elliptical v Treadmill
Consider Your Space – Treadmills and ellipticals typically require a designated space for use and storage. They’re both heavy and not easily moved from place to place. When moving this equipment is necessary, most have wheels on the base to assist in transporting the machine. However, folding treadmills tend to move much easier than treadmills that don’t fold, as well as ellipticals.
Consider Your Household Needs – The physical limitations of household members should be considered when deciding between a treadmill and elliptical. Treadmills are best for users who are in good physical shape with a conditioned muscular system, strong connective tissue, and limited joint pain. If you or other members of your household experience knee and other joint pain, foot pain, or back pain regularly, an elliptical is a better low-impact option for strengthening and conditioning.
Consider Your Fitness Goal Timeline – Ellipticals, being a low-impact cardio machine, burn calories at a slow rate compared to using a treadmill. If you have a timeline for a fitness goal, consider the calorie burn/day rate necessary for meeting this goal before selecting an elliptical or treadmill.
A woman (125 lbs to 185 lbs) can expect to burn an average of 322-478 calories per hour on an elliptical. That same woman can burn an average of 566-839 calories in an hour on the treadmill. Consider the following fitness goal:
Goal: Lose 30 pounds
Time Line: 6 months
Calorie Burn/Day To Meet This Goal:
Consume 2000/Burn 600, Net Calorie Intake = 1200. This will result in losing 1.5 pounds per week (average), which means you’ll need 20 weeks to burn 30 pounds. This can definitely be accomplished in 6 months.
**If you were to follow this guideline to a T, you could do it in 4 months. But such strict rigidity to a diet plan is incredibly hard. So be patient with yourself!
Now you have to consider personal time restraints and your current physical condition. Are you able to work out for 30 minutes a day or 2 hours a day? Your available time for exercise each day will tell you how rigorous your workout will need to be to meet your calorie goals. If you have time and you’re comfortable with reaching your fitness goals at a slower pace, then an elliptical can get you there. But if you want to reach your goals faster (and have the capacity to do so), a treadmill will meet your needs better.
| Treadmills | Ellipticals |
| Average Cost $999 – $4,299 Treadmills have a really broad price range because more features are added or taken away with the cost difference. Screen size, motor size, incline range are major factors that will affect the price. | Average Cost $799 – $2,499 Ellipticals consist of fewer working components and accessories than treadmills. This lowers the average cost for home ellipticals. |
| Basic Components Motor Size Incline/Speed Ability Running Surface Size Folding (Yes or No) On-Board Workout Programs Subscription Service Display Quality Heart Rate Monitoring | Basic Components Flywheel Weight Resistance Levels Display Quality On-Board Workout Programs Footprint Subscription Service Heart Rate Monitoring Incline Ability |
| Available Accessories Fans Speakers Audio Jacks USB Port HDMI/Screen Casting Water Bottle Holders Accessory Trays Tablet Holders Floor Mats Free Weights | Available Accessories Fans Speakers Audio Jacks USB Port HDMI/Screen Casting Water Bottle Holders Accessory Trays Tablet Holders Floor Mats Free Weights |
| Basic Functions Walking Jogging Running Distance Training Hill Training Speed Training Cardiovascular Training HIIT Training | Basic Functions Walking Jogging Stair Stepping Resistance Training |
| Limitations Treadmills are traditionally not recommended for someone in need of a low impact form of cardio unless you are using it primarily for walking. | Limitations Ellipticals provide low impact cardio exercise. You’ll typically burn fewer calories in the same amount of time on the elliptical as the treadmill. But it’s much easier on the body. |
If You’re Ready To Buy An Elliptical or Treadmill
When you’re researching a treadmill or elliptical purchase, there are certain components of each piece of equipment to which you should pay attention.
| Treadmills | Ellipticals |
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Available Accessories – When you’re researching a treadmill or elliptical purchase, see which of these accessories are available on the machines you’re interested in:
Treadmills Are Best For Replicating Natural Gravitational Resistance
Training for outdoor events (cycling, running, hiking) is best done indoors on a treadmill. Treadmills are best for mimicking the conditions of riding, walking, or running on asphalt or dirt trails. The elliptical can help to strengthen muscles, connective tissue, and cardiovascular strength, but they fall short in preparing athletes for real-world conditions.
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Check out this additional reading to learn more about home fitness equipment and exercises.
How To Build A Home Gym On A Budget
NordicTrack vs. Peloton – Comparing The Two Brands
Studio Bike vs Treadmill – Breaking Down The Spinning vs Running Debate