If you’re in the market for home exercise equipment, you may be wondering which is better: elliptical machines-or treadmills? Both types of machines offer advantages, depending on what is most important to you.

The best way to start analyzing between the two is to start with the basics. Studies have shown that elliptical machines and treadmills alike offer great cardiovascular workouts. These studies have also shown that the overall calorie burn between the two pieces of machinery is near equal. With this, if a cardiovascular workout with calorie burning is your only concern, then the decision is a tossup.

What’s interesting, though, is that users of elliptical machines have consistently reported a sense of expending considerably less effort during their workout than treadmill users.

The main reason for this is the fact that elliptical machines offer a wide spread full body workout. Instead of focusing the workout on one area, elliptical machines offer equal distribution to the back, chest, abs, arms, legs, and hips. This works out very well for those who are not too keen on exercise, but are still looking for cardiovascular activity.

Elliptical machines also provide more varied workout options than treadmills. In treadmills, incline and speed changes do provide some variety. Elliptical machines offer similar incline and speed adjustments, but with the added advantage of varying resistance settings for the legs and arms, plus forward and backward motion.

This variety can help prevent overuse injuries and may actually improve the effects of your training over the long run, because your body never becomes fully accustomed to a regular “routine.”

Finally, some of the overall concerns of treadmills may stack the chips in the elliptical machines favor. While running is a great cardiovascular workout, it can put an enormous amount of pressure on the joints.

When all is said and done, elliptical machines and treadmills both allow the body to burn calories and have great indoor exercise. If you have other concerns such as overall workout, safety, or joint problems, then you should give some thought to the matter before deciding.

Have you used Octane Fitness elliptical machines yet? Click here and take the tour!

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