What To Know
- According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), a 155-pound person can burn approximately 563 calories per hour on an elliptical machine and 740 calories per hour running at a moderate pace.
- If you’re looking for a full-body workout that’s easy on your joints, an elliptical machine may be a good choice.
- If you’re looking for a more challenging cardiovascular workout that builds muscle mass in your legs, running may be a better option.
When it comes to cardio exercises, elliptical machines and running are two popular choices. Both offer a full-body workout, but they have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. In this blog post, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between elliptical and running to help you decide which one is right for you.
Calorie Burn
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a cardio exercise is how many calories it burns. Both elliptical and running are effective ways to burn calories, but running typically burns more calories per minute. This is because running requires more muscle activation and cardiovascular effort.
According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), a 155-pound person can burn approximately 563 calories per hour on an elliptical machine and 740 calories per hour running at a moderate pace.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Both elliptical and running are excellent cardiovascular exercises. They help to strengthen your heart and lungs, and they can reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions.
Running is generally considered to be a more challenging cardiovascular exercise than elliptical, as it requires more muscle activation and cardiovascular effort. However, elliptical machines can still provide a great cardiovascular workout, especially for beginners or those with joint pain.
Muscle Activation
Elliptical machines and running target different muscle groups. Running primarily works the muscles in your legs, including your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Elliptical machines, on the other hand, also engage your upper body muscles, including your chest, back, and arms.
This makes elliptical machines a more complete full-body workout than running. However, if you’re looking to build muscle mass in your legs, running may be a better choice.
Impact on Joints
Running is a high-impact exercise, which means that it can put stress on your joints. This can be a problem for people with joint pain or injuries. Elliptical machines, on the other hand, are a low-impact exercise, which means that they are less likely to cause joint pain.
Convenience and Accessibility
Elliptical machines are typically found in gyms and fitness centers, while running can be done anywhere. This makes elliptical machines more convenient for some people, especially those who live in areas where it’s not safe or practical to run outdoors.
Which One is Right for You?
The best way to decide which exercise is right for you is to try both of them and see which one you enjoy more. If you’re looking for a full-body workout that’s easy on your joints, an elliptical machine may be a good choice. If you’re looking for a more challenging cardiovascular workout that builds muscle mass in your legs, running may be a better option.
Wrap-Up: Making an Informed Decision
Ultimately, the best cardio exercise for you is the one that you enjoy and that you can stick with over time. If you’re not sure which one to choose, try both elliptical and running and see which one you prefer. Whichever exercise you choose, make sure to listen to your body and take rest days when you need them.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. Is elliptical as good as running for weight loss?
Elliptical machines and running can both be effective for weight loss. However, running typically burns more calories per minute than elliptical, so it may be a better choice for people who are trying to lose weight quickly.
2. Is elliptical better for beginners than running?
Yes, elliptical machines are generally better for beginners than running because they are lower-impact and easier on the joints. This makes them a good choice for people who are new to exercise or who have joint pain.
3. Can I use an elliptical machine if I have knee pain?
Yes, elliptical machines are a good option for people with knee pain because they are low-impact and do not put stress on the knees.
