By Jennifer Closshey | Special to the Plant City Times & Observer
Which is better: the treadmill or the elliptical machine?
Almost every gym offers both machines. Since the 1800s, the treadmill has been well-researched and refined. The elliptical trainer was introduced in 1995, as the first machine to allow the foot to roll from heel to toe. Both pieces of equipment can provide an effective aerobic workout.
Let your fitness goals determine whether you should use a treadmill or an elliptical trainer, another piece of equipment or an exercise program. Incorporate both machines into your exercise regimen for the most benefits. Varying exercises and machines, instead of doing the same exercise on a continual basis, will allow you to avoid the monotony of cardiovascular exercise and will activate different muscle groups. To help you make better choices, here are some advantages and aspects to consider for each machine type.
Treadmill
The treadmill emulates natural movements, including walking, jogging and sprinting. These movements feel familiar to the body while providing weight-bearing exercise. The weight-bearing during both walking and running strengthens bones and muscles, which aid with posture and body function as you age.
You can choose your own constant speed and incline or choose one of the multiple pre-programmed training routines offered by modern machines. Customized programs include weight loss, running, steep climbing and interval training.
Elliptical Trainer
A benefit of the elliptical is that it places less stress on the knees, hips and back than running on a treadmill. This is especially important as the human body ages.
Many elliptical machines offer moving upper-body handles that provide a full-body exercise. The arms, shoulders and back are exercising at the same time as the lower body. You can work the calf and hamstring by reverse pedaling on the elliptic trainer. This allows a different movement pattern to stretch and strengthen the calves and hamstrings without injury. Over the years, this has served to decrease back pain.
Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative holistic health based out of Plant City. She teaches restorative yoga classes at the Plant City Family YMCA on Thursdays.