Should I Use A Treadmill Or Elliptical Machine To Lose Weight Fast?

We have a reader from Macon Georgia send in the following question:

Hey Luke, first thank for all the great reviews on the treadmills.  Also, I have a quick question.  I am needing to lose about 30 pounds and I am wondering if I should use the treadmill or elliptical machine?  I have them both available to me at my gym so whichever you advise would be okay with me.  I am just wanting to burn the most fat as fast a possible.
-  George S.  
Macon, Georgia

First of all thank you for the question George, this is a question that a lot of our readers have.  We have receive this question about once a week so I thought I would write a blog post about it that has all the information needed to properly answer this questions from George.  Remember, that you have to base your decision between treadmill and elliptical machine on what you wish to accomplish and what kind of shape you’re in. Both treadmill and elliptical may show different results for two people having similar kind of body, in the sense every body reacts differently to a certain equipment.

In case you are a beginner, an elliptical machine might be a more beneficial choice than a generic treadmill. Compared to jogging on a treadmill, working out on an elliptical machine is considerably less stressful on the back, hips and knees. The stress on the back, hips and knees is about equal with treadmills and elliptical machine if the treadmill is used for walking.

The ability to exercise both your upper body and lower body at the same time,and that is another notable advantages  included in the elliptical vs treadmill workout debate. An elliptical machine unlike a treadmill exercises the arms with its movable handles. If you pedal in reverse in an elliptical machine, it can even help you to exercise your calf and hamstring muscles very efficiently.

The treadmills especially those reviewed at commercial treadmills are more suited for exercise for fit and athletic folks, while the elliptical workouts are definitely for starters and for those with an easy life style. The fact that your feet are constantly on the pedal when using an elliptical machine means that impact stress is kept to a minimum. Manufacturers of the treadmill have tackled this issue as experts, and are in the process of making and providing treadmills that include cushioning to decrease strain of the joints. Using a treadmill will be more easy on your legs and on your back than if you would run in the free environment.

Working out on the treadmill is more intense and stresses the body more than a similar workout on the elliptical machine.  The reason for this is the impact that you are creating when stepping on tread, and also using your upper body by swinging your arms.  Most people don’t use their arms on the elliptical machine.  However, the treadmill also burns calories faster so that your workout can take less time.  That’s the reason serious runners are going to be happier with a treadmill.