Treadmill vs. Elliptical -- Whos In The Lead?

See ya later stationary bikes and row, row, rowing to no where!

Elliptical trainers have over taken stationary bikes in popularity with the gym-going population and have long since left rowing machines back at the dock. This is evidenced by gym operators reducing the number of stationary bikes and rowing machines in their facilities to make way for newer varieties of elliptical trainers.

During their day (1980s) stationary bikes and rowing machines along with steppers and climbing machines were about the only options in cardio equipment. You could get a good cardio workout if you stayed on these machines for at least 30 minutes. Though sitting on a stationary bike for that long can leave you with a sore butt. Studies have shown that prolonged use of stationary bikes can lead to impotence in some men. Sure doesn't sound like something I'd want to chance!

Stationary bikes still have their use - hop on one for about 5-10 minutes for a quick warm up for your quads and knees before launching into a heavy leg workout consisting of squats and leg presses. Given the choices in cardio equipment these days, whenever I see someone at a health club slogging away at the lone rowing machine I think -- "must be a new member."

David vs. Goliath

Treadmills have been around longer than elliptical trainers and remain hugely popular. Treadmills must have something going for them. The great thing about treadmills is they simulate the experience of both jogging and walking -- both great cardio exercises. With treadmills you can bring your jogging or walking indoors -- no need (or excuse) to miss a workout because it's raining, snowing, too hot, too cold, etc.

Treadmills have programs that allow you to add variety and challenge to your workouts. You can also increase the incline on many treadmills to further increase the intensity of your treadmill workout and also target other muscles in your lower body more directly. Treadmills have the additional advantage over jogging and running that the belt provides more cushioning to your joints than pounding away on asphalt or concrete. However, treadmills still are much more of an impact exercise than that offered by elliptical trainers.

There's just something more graceful and less stressful about exercising on a quality-made elliptical trainer than a treadmill. And let's face it, many people will agree that working out on an elliptical trainer is somehow less boring than pounding away on a treadmill. Maybe it's not a coincidence that another expression for the "rat race" is "going around on a treadmill!"

Rich Rojas

Elliptical Trainer Reviews and Fitness Ideas

http://www.ellipticalhome.com

Genesis donates outdoor fitness equipment
Quad City Times, IA - Sep 5, 2008
By Steve Trainor | Friday, September 5, 2008 4:21 PM CDT | () comments Sue Gerace of Davenport, Iowa, does push-ups using the outdoor fitness equipment at ...

Study: Only few Pinoys join fitness clubs
ABS CBN News, Philippines - Sep 5, 2008
Technogym was the official provider of fitness equipment in the recently-concluded Beijing Olympics. It will "open shop" through local distributor E-Sports ...

Success of the Olympics Sparks Sports Clothing Sales
Polo-Shirts News, UK - Sep 5, 2008
Consumers have been purchasing equipment such as bicycles and exercise equipment. They have also been purchasing fitness clothing including t-shirts, ...

A technological 'stride' for exercise equipment
Jamaica Observer, Jamaica - Aug 27, 2008
Thursday Tech discovered the Pro Form Perspective ES treadmill - from Pro-Form Fitness who claims that it is the "most advanced treadmill on the market. ...

Boston Globe
A treadmill designed for kids? A debate over fitness takes shape.
Boston Globe, United States - Sep 3, 2008
My Treadmill children's fitness equipment at Henry Bear's Park in Brookline Village. (Globe Staff Photo / Pat Greenhouse) By Beth Teitell Treadmills and ...

Planet Nutrition's Subsidiary IM & M Exercise Equipment Inc ...
CNNMoney.com - Aug 21, 2008
The retail value of the Extreme Fitness Brand equipment purchased is in excess of $250000.00. All of the company's Heavy Duty Strength Training Equipment is ...

Germs at the gym: A few precautions will keep you safe
Austin 360 (subscription), TX - 20 hours ago
Castle Hill Fitness cleans equipment with an all-natural solution with tea tree oil and lavender, says manager Celeste Cyr. "Tea tree is a very natural way ...

Home Fitness Equipment For Every Exercise
Corsavoo.com, France - Aug 30, 2008
Although some of the equipment makes be a little bulky, home fitness equipment usually stores always nicely. You can find equipment that costs some money or ...

'Unbelievable deals' at Gold's Gym auction
Honolulu Advertiser, HI - Sep 5, 2008
By Dave Dondoneau Hundreds of pieces of exercise equipment, from commercial treadmills, elliptical machines and Stairmasters to squat racks and 45-pound ...

Workouts Becomes A Gold's Gym
RedOrbit, TX - Sep 6, 2008
New equipment is due to start arriving in early October. He also plans to add a four-lane indoor lap pool, a women-only exercise room and a cardio-cinema ...
Workouts Fitness Center Leased To Gold's Gym RedOrbit
all 3 news articles

Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

5 Questions You Should Ask Before Purchasing a Treadmill