Treadmill Running vs Elliptical Machine
Maximizing 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.
Customize Your Cardio Workout: Explore the Benefits of Treadmill Running and Elliptical Machine for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Treadmill Running vs Elliptical Machine : Which is Better?
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.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Treadmill Running and Elliptical Machine differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Treadmill Running and Elliptical Machine Differ
| What differs | Treadmill Running | Elliptical Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, abs, and calves | quads, hamstrings, back, glutes, and triceps |
| Difficulty | 1 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 52,244 sessions | 1,438 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- If your knees are not good, do not raise the angle, hold onto the handrail, and walk slowly.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Treadmill Running, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Treadmill Running Guide page of our blog!
How to 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 Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to bend your waist.
- 2. Please be careful not to lean your body to one side.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Elliptical Machine, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Elliptical Machine Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Cardio, Treadmill Running or Elliptical Machine?
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 Treadmill Running and Elliptical Machine work the same muscles?
Not quite. Treadmill Running loads quads, hamstrings, abs, and calves, and Elliptical Machine loads quads, hamstrings, back, glutes, and triceps.
What equipment do Treadmill Running and Elliptical Machine need?
Treadmill Running needs a machine, and Elliptical Machine needs a machine.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.
It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

