Jogging is scientifically proven to be the best natural exercise machine. It is irreplaceable in the fight against excess weight and helps to improve tone throughout the body. Many home exercise enthusiasts cannot decide between a treadmill and an elliptical trainer.
This article will list all the positive and negative aspects of each device separately, compare them in terms of functionality and a list of the best models.
Features of the treadmill
This type of simulator is recommended for everyone, without exception, both for weight loss, and for strengthening the body or rehabilitation after any illness.
Treadmills are of mechanical and electrical type. In the mechanical version, the running belt moves directly by the athlete, and the change in load is carried out using a special magnetic field that affects the flywheel. Accordingly, the tracks of the electric type are powered by an electric motor.
The load changes by adjusting the speed of the working belt and changing the angle of inclination on the track itself.
Ways to change the angle of inclination:
- By moving the support rollers;
- With the help of a computer system that gives a special signal to the motor.
Indicators such as the cushioning system and the size of the working belt affect the comfort and safety of running. During the operation of the treadmill, the working surface should always be damp for better gliding. Usually, special substances or coatings for the canvas are used for these purposes.
Pros of a treadmill.
Let's consider the main advantages of this device:
- Versatility. This type of apparatus has a fairly wide range of settings, from normal walking to intense jogging at an incline. They are armed with a solid list of high-speed add-ons, tilting the canvas at the desired angle and several training programs.
- Imitation of natural movement. This device reproduces imitation of street running, walking.
- Good performance. For a certain movement of the human body on the simulator, certain efforts will be required. Thanks to this, the body burns fats and calories much more efficiently.
- Firming effect. Jogging helps to strengthen a person's bones and muscles.
- Well thought out apparatus. This type of machine dates back to the 19th century. He is rightfully considered the main cardiovascular equipment.
Cons of the treadmill
This simulator, like many, has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Here are the main ones:
- A colossal load. The treadmill exercises put a lot of stress on the main human joints such as the spine, knee joints or hips. This effect is enhanced by the fact that a person does not warm up before classes or uses an enhanced program for a long time. Despite the fact that there are tracks with improved shock absorption, they still carry enormous loads.
- Safe to use. To exercise on this simulator, you need to know exactly your physical condition and not overdo it in choosing a load, otherwise it will become very dangerous for you.
Features of the elliptical trainer
It is also called an orbitrek, it perfectly imitates the movements of a person while running. The movement of the legs differs from movements during training on a treadmill, since the feet move together with a special platform without taking off from them. This fact reduces the stress on a person and his joints. Another interesting feature is that on the elliptical orbit track it is possible to move backwards to work with the muscles of the thigh and lower leg.
Orbitrek will help:
- remove a couple of extra pounds
- tone the muscles you need
- restore the body after various injuries
- increase the body's endurance.
The ellipsoid can be used by everyone, regardless of age and experience. But it is recommended to start with low loads, gradually switching to heavier ones if desired.
Pros of an elliptical apparatus
Let's consider the main advantages of the Orbitrack:
- Convenient to operate and safe. This apparatus simulates the movement of a person while walking, with minimal stress on the body and joints of a person, in contrast to the track.
- Combination. There are modifications of this apparatus with movable handles for working not only the lower, but also the upper body.
- Reverse move. Orbit track data has an interesting and useful reverse function. This feature engages those muscle groups that are not used during normal walking.
- Small efforts are significant benefits. Scientists have proven that a person spends much more energy on this apparatus than he thinks. Thanks to this, calorie burning occurs with minimal stress.
Cons of an elliptical trainer
Despite the huge number of pluses, minuses are also present on this device.
Here are a couple of them:
- Poor functionality compared to the competitor. If treadmills are able to change the angle of inclination to regulate loads, then this function is not provided in elliptical orbit tracks, and even if there is (on some models) this function works much worse.
- Support effect. Due to the reduced effect on the body, the chance of injury is much less, but this also has the opposite effect. Due to the weight of the pedals, there is no support effect that is present in normal walking.
Elliptical trainer or treadmill, which is better?
These two machines are the best options for specific tasks. The choice depends entirely on the person, his preferences and physical health. With excellent health, it is better for a person to choose an ellipsoid; during training, he uses both the upper and lower body.
However, if a person has heart problems, then a running machine will be indispensable. For maximum results in the fight against excess weight, it is better to use an ellipsoid. Exercising on the treadmill, the leg muscles are exposed to maximum stress. It is more suitable for people who are professional joggers.
Comparison by functionality
Although these two simulators differ from each other, their main functions are very similar.
Let's consider the general main functions:
- help in the fight against excess weight. Both devices are associated with running and walking, and as you know, these are the best helpers in the fight against excess calories. Their difference is that the track, due to its many functions (change of speed, change in the angle of inclination of the belt, heart rate monitor) is more effective than its opponent. Experiments show that this type of exercise machine destroys more calories.
- increasing endurance and strengthening human muscles. Each of the simulators focuses its attention on certain muscle groups, if the track is mainly aimed at the muscles of the legs and hips, then the orbitrek uses much more muscle groups including the chest, back and arms, but this despite the fact that a special moving steering wheel is installed on the simulator.
- Strengthening and supporting joints. In this, the simulators are fundamentally different from each other. The path is aimed specifically at strengthening the joints, maintaining their elasticity and preventing aging. On the contrary, exercising on an ellipsoid does not affect the joints in any way, it is made so that the load on the joints is minimized. But on the ellipsoid, you can get the perfect posture.
- Keeping your heart in good shape. Since both devices are cardiovascular equipment, they perform this function at the highest level. Both of these machines strengthen the cardiovascular system and reduce the risk of heart problems. Also, thanks to the fast heartbeat during exercise, the respiratory system also improves.
Calorie Burning Comparison
This indicator is influenced by many factors: a person's weight, height, physical health, training level and the directly selected pace and running mode.
For active workouts, the treadmill has the advantage that it burns calories better than an ellipsoid. On the track with optimal settings and maximum load, this figure reaches up to 860 kcal. Under the same conditions on an elliptical trainer, the indicator fluctuates at the level of 770 kcal.
Top Models
There are more than 60 manufacturers of these simulators. Let's take a look at the best ones.
Top 5 tracks:
- Dender LeMans T-1008 Silent car from a German manufacturer. It has a reinforced shock absorber, a canvas with dimensions of 40x120, a speed of up to 16 km / h. Price: 31990 RUR
- Body Sculpture BT-5840 Great car from an English company. It has a wide canvas of 46x128 cm, a powerful 2.5 hp engine, electric tilt angle control, the speed reaches 16 km / h. Price: 42970 RUR
- Dfit tigra iiElectric car from the manufacturer Dfit, light and reliable. Improved shock absorbers, low price, engine power 2.5 HP, speed reaches 16 km / h. Price: 48990 RUR
- Oxygen Laguna II An improved version of the famous Oxygen Laguna model. Able to withstand 130 kg. , Japanese engine with a power of 2 hp, standard 40x120 cm bed, unique hydraulics, speed reaches 12 km / h. Price: 42690 RUR
- Carbon T654 Another German machine with an American engine with a capacity of 2 hp, withstands weight up to 130 kg. , slightly enlarged canvas 42x125 cm, multi-level shock absorption, speed reaches 14 km / h. Price: 49390 RUR
Top 5 elliptical trainers:
- Dender E-1655 Omega Electromagnetic trainer with a step size of 40 cm., Flywheel weight 16 kg. , 25 types of programs, the presence of a reverse course. Price: 31990 RUR
- Body Sculpture BE-7200GHKG-HB Magnetic type of apparatus with a step size of 43 cm, the weight of the flywheel is 8 kg. , there are 18 programs and 16 types of load, there is a function of fat analysis, the maximum weight of a person is 150 kg. Price: 44580 RUR
- EUROFIT Roma IWM An electromagnetic device with a step size of 40 cm, the main trump card is the intelligent weight tracking function, thanks to which it is much easier to choose the type of training. Price: 53990 RUR
- PROXIMA GLADIUS Art. FE-166-A Electromagnetic type of apparatus with a step size of 49 cm, weight of the flywheel 20 kg. , insane sliding system, smooth and even running. Price: 54990 rub.
- NordicTrack E11.5 World famous electromagnetic ellipsoid from an American manufacturer. The step size is adjustable 45-50 cm, there is a folding function, quiet pedal travel, excellent speakers, the ability to integrate with iFIT. Price: 79990 RUR
These simulators have both positive and negative effects. To determine which simulators are best used, it is necessary to take into account many personal facts, such as: height, weight, previous injuries, health level, planned result, etc.
The elliptical orbitrack is recommended for people who plan to improve their heart function with a minimum of consequences. To lose weight on this apparatus, classes should be held at an increased pace.
As for treadmills, they are recommended to be used by an already experienced athlete because of their great functionality and heavy loads.
The choice of a simulator is a personal matter and must be selected individually for a person, but if there is a desire and opportunity, then it is better to use both options.
