When looking to boost your caloric burn while ramping up your cardio game, treadmills and ellipticals are the way to go. When deciding which machine to invest in for your home gym, evaluating your workout goals and personal limitations is crucial.
When looking for treadmills and elliptical machines in El Paso, check out The Fitness Superstore. We offer a wide selection of both at very competitive prices. Here are 7 things to consider before buying one of these exercise machines.
7 Considerations Before You Buy a Treadmill or Elliptical
1. Ellipticals Activate a Wider Variety of Muscles
Ellipticals involve a wide range of motions that aren’t involved when walking or running on a treadmill. This means you’ll be using a wider variety of muscles while using this machine.
Elliptical machines have 2 pedals that require you to move them in a circular motion, much like a bicycle. The main difference is that you are standing up instead of sitting down. This motion works out your lower body and leg muscles.
Ellipticals will also have handlebars. Machines have stationary handles, moving handles, or both. Ellipticals with moving handles require you to move your arms back and forth, activating your upper body muscles.
You also have the option to pedal backward on these machines, which activates additional leg muscles. Some like to alternate between pedaling forward and backward to get the most out of their elliptical workouts.
Like other machines, you can change your speed and adjust the resistance to increase your cardio and caloric burn.
2. Treadmills Work Great for Runners
Treadmills allow runners to stick to their workout routines no matter what it’s like outside. It also gives them an option that lowers the impact on their joints.
These machines consist of surfaces that have a spring effect to them. This effect absorbs the impact each time your foot lands on this surface.
It’s reported that 56% of runners incur injuries resulting from high-impact running. Using treadmills possibly minimizes these risks while allowing you to enjoy the benefits of running.
According to a 2020 study of runners, running on treadmills works your leg muscles more effectively than an elliptical.
3. Treadmills Burn More Fat and Calories
When looking to lose weight, a treadmill is your best option. A 2021 study found that people burned more fat using treadmills than working out on ellipticals.
For example, a 160-pound person burns approximately 365 calories in an hour when using an elliptical machine.
That same person on a treadmill for an hour burns approximately 314 calories when running at 3.5mph or 606 calories at 5mph. Overall, this study concluded that treadmills improve cardio-metabolic health.
4. Ellipticals Give a Low-Impact Experience
Ellipticals work great for people with arthritis or who suffer from knee, back, hip, or ankle pain. This is because the impact on your joints when using a treadmill is more significant than the impact your joints endure when using an elliptical.
5. Treadmills Offer Customization Through Technology
Treadmills often come with technologically advanced features to improve your workouts.
You can program a specific workout regimen, track your progress, and utilize preprogrammed workout routines. Other treadmills offer customizable screens and trainer-guided interactive features.
6. Ellipticals Tend to Be Cheaper
If you are on a limited budget, investing in an elliptical may be easier on your wallet.
Ellipticals typically range from $500-$3,000, depending on the brand. Treadmills usually range from $500-$4,000.
One way to help manage these costs is to invest in used or refurbished machines. You can often find a fully functioning used or refurbished piece of equipment at half the price of a new machine.
7. Ellipticals Provide an Option for Injured Athletes
Whether you’re a pro athlete or weekend warrior, you don’t have to let injuries keep you from getting an effective cardio workout. Ellipticals offer a low-impact option for those suffering from leg and back injuries.
Where to Find Elliptical Machines in El Paso
Whether you’re ready to add an elliptical or treadmill to your home gym, we have you covered at The Fitness Superstore. We offer a vast selection of exercise equipment backed by the best low-price guarantee in the industry.
We also offer quality used and refurbished equipment that can fit anyone’s budget.
Check out our store or shop online today to pick up your elliptical machine in El Paso!