Elliptical Machine vs Treadmill Running
Which one fits your Cardio workout plan?
Contents
Treadmill 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 Treadmill Running and pick the one that fits your Cardio workout.
Elliptical Machine vs Treadmill Running: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Treadmill Running more often — 52,244 sessions compared to 1,438 for Elliptical Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Elliptical Machine and Treadmill 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 Treadmill Running Differ
| What differs | Elliptical Machine | Treadmill Running |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, back, glutes, and triceps | quads, hamstrings, abs, and calves |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,438 sessions | 52,244 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 Treadmill Running
Treadmill Running Muscles Worked: Cardio
Form
- 1. Adjust the speed and incline on the treadmill, hold onto the handles, and start slowly.
- 2. Once you reach your desired speed, run while swinging your arms naturally.
- 3. At the end of your workout, reduce the speed, and get off once the treadmill has completely stopped.
Coach's Tips
- If your knees are not good, do not raise the angle, hold onto the handrail, and walk slowly.
For a full Treadmill Running guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Treadmill Running exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Cardio, Elliptical Machine or Treadmill Running?
Planfit users log Treadmill Running more often — 52,244 sessions against 1,438 for Elliptical Machine. Both train Cardio, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Elliptical Machine and Treadmill Running work the same muscles?
Not quite. Elliptical Machine loads quads, hamstrings, back, glutes, and triceps, and Treadmill Running loads quads, hamstrings, abs, and calves.
What equipment do Elliptical Machine and Treadmill Running need?
Elliptical Machine needs a machine, and Treadmill Running needs a machine.
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