Nowadays, everyone is doing exercise or gym, either for good health or for an attractive body. In this, ‘cardio’ is considered important in the gym or home workout to lose weight. For this, treadmill and elliptical cross trainer are two popular options with technology. But which of these two should you choose to lose weight quickly? Know the detailed comparison of both the exercises.

Calorie loss and time ratio

The main goal of losing weight is to burn calories.

• Treadmill: 1 hour of intense running or incline walking burns about 600 to 800 calories .
• Elliptical: About 500 to 700 calories are burned in a 1-hour moderate to intense workout .

While you burn more calories in less time on a treadmill, you need to spend a little more time on an elliptical to burn the same amount of calories. However, if you walk at a normal or slow pace on the treadmill, you burn relatively more calories on an elliptical.

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Heart rate

The main purpose of cardio is to increase your heart rate and get you into the fat burning zone.

• Treadmill: When running or walking uphill, your heart rate increases significantly, making the treadmill more effective for high-intensity interval training.
• Elliptical: This keeps the heart rate controlled and stable, making it possible to workout for long periods of time without fatigue.

Muscle movement

• Treadmill: This primarily focuses on the lower body. It involves the muscles of the thighs, legs, and hips.
• Elliptical: The use of handles on this exercise works both the upper and lower body simultaneously. It also works the back muscles, biceps, triceps, and core.

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Effects on joints

• Treadmill: Running on a treadmill puts high-impact pressure on the knees, heels, and hips as the soles of the feet hit the ground. This can be a problem for those with joint pain or injuries.
• Elliptical: This is a low-impact machine. In this, the feet are not lifted off the pedals, so there is no stress on the knees and joints.

Other benefits for the body

• Benefits of treadmill: Strengthens bones, increases stamina, and provides natural running practice for everyday life.
• Benefits of the elliptical: Full body toning, it is extremely safe for those with joint pain and beginners.

Which option is best ?

If you want to burn calories quickly, have no joint problems, and increase stamina, a treadmill is the best. However, if you have knee pain, are overweight, or want a safe, full-body workout, an elliptical is the best and safest option!