Elliptical Machine vs. Treadmill: Calories Burned
Treadmills and elliptical trainers are the cardio machines of choice for many fitness gurus. There is no doubt that elliptical machines offer a much lower impact workout, but it's important for some to know which machine burns more calories.
Other People Are Reading
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Treadmill
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Consumer Health Digest reported on a study done by the Medical College of Wisconsin and the VA Medical Center in Milwaukee that examined calories burned on a motorized treadmill. This study found the average calories burned on a treadmill in one hour was 705 to 865.
Elliptical Trainer
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A calculator provided by Health Status shows that a 150-lb. person using an elliptical trainer for one hour will burn approximately 773 calories. Calorie burning increased in proportion to the weight of the user.
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Comparison
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A study conducted at the University of Wisconsin found that both a treadmill and elliptical trainer offered the same benefits in oxygen consumption, heart rate and calories burned.
Warning
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Test results on calorie burning are estimates. Numbers can change based on whether arms are incorporated into the workout, variables in the program like incline and resistance and weight of the individual.
Additional Considerations
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Elliptical trainers provide a lower impact workout. They can also be used in reverse direction to work all the muscles of the lower body effectively. Some people do not like the feel of the elliptical trainer and prefer the treadmill because it more closely mimics walking and running.
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