The elliptical trainer burns about the same amount of calories as the treadmill, but the feeling of exertion is less and the joints are spared. In it, one can burn from 200 to 400 calories per hour and the physical conditioning achieved is practically the same as on the treadmill.
But on the treadmill you have the possibility to regulate inclination and speed, causing a greater caloric expenditure and being even more beneficial for the bones. However, the impact on the joints of the knees and ankles is greater and can lead to injuries.
Benefits of the Elliptical
The benefits of the elliptical are:
- In addition to working the muscles of the leg, works the pectoral, deltoid, biceps and triceps
- As the feet are always in contact with the device, the chances of knee and ankle injuries are minimal
- The feeling of effort is less when compared to the treadmill
- There is less pressure under the hips and spine
- You can vary the workout by controlling the intensity. Focus the exercise on the quadriceps by releasing the bar and doing the exercise in reverse mode, pushing the pedals back.
For all these benefits, it can be said that the elliptical is more suitable for those who are very overweight, not have a good physical conditioning and for those who are recovering some injury, but do not want to stop working out.
However, for greater use of the elliptical, it is recommended not to hold the bars while sliding, as this decreases the maximum VO2 percentage, which dictates physical conditioning, exercise intensity and caloric expenditure. But if you do not have much balance, hold the bar with only 2 fingers.
Benefits of Treadmill
In addition to being an easier movement to perform, walking on the treadmill for 1 hour can burn 200 to 400 calories, depending on the intensity in which it is practiced. Other benefits of treadmill are:
- Increased work on the leg muscles proportionally, favoring the body contour
- There may be greater variation of the exercises, according to the inclinations and speeds placed in the apparatus
- It is ideal for those who do not have much balance
- Coordination and concentration also work
Whatever the device chosen for the training, it is important that there is alternation between them, so that the muscles and tendons do not get accustomed to a certain movement, leading to the appearance of tendinitis, for example.
See more tips to improve training and weight loss faster on video with nutritionist Tatiana Zanin:
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