Elliptical Machine vs Running
Which one fits your Cardio workout plan?
Contents
Running burns more per minute than Elliptical Machine — MET 9 vs 8. Compare intensity, joint impact, and form for both Cardio options.
Compare the benefits of Elliptical Machine and Running and pick the one that fits your Cardio workout.
Elliptical Machine vs Running: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Running more often — 2,587 sessions compared to 1,438 for Elliptical Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Elliptical Machine and Running differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Elliptical Machine and Running Differ
| What differs | Elliptical Machine | Running |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, back, glutes, and triceps | quads, hamstrings, abs, and calves |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,438 sessions | 2,587 sessions |
How to Do Elliptical Machine
Elliptical Machine Muscles Worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Face forward and keep your waist and head straight.
- 2. Keep your shoulders back, chest out, and lightly grip the handle.
- 3. Be careful not to let your knees go past your toes.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to bend your waist.
- 2. Please be careful not to lean your body to one side.
For a full Elliptical Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Elliptical Machine exercise guide.
How to Do Running
Running Muscles Worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and get ready naturally.
- 2. Take a step forward and start running smoothly while swinging your arms.
- 3. At the end of the exercise, gradually slow down and switch to walking.
Coach's Tips
- Land softly on your feet and be careful not to lean too far forward.
For a full Running guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Running exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Cardio, Elliptical Machine or Running?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Cardio, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Elliptical Machine and Running work the same muscles?
Not quite. Elliptical Machine loads quads, hamstrings, back, glutes, and triceps, and Running loads quads, hamstrings, abs, and calves.
What equipment do Elliptical Machine and Running need?
Elliptical Machine needs a machine, and Running needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Elliptical Machine is the easier place to start. Move to Running once your form holds up.
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