The elliptical machine is one of the most popular low-impact aerobic machines in gyms and fitness centers today, but how does it compare to walking as a means of exercise? In this article, we’ll explore whether the elliptical is better than walking in terms of effectiveness and safety.
In Addition – Michael Collins wrote an article about “Elliptical vs. Cardio“; you may find this helpful. |
Is Elliptical Better Than Walking?
When choosing between walking or elliptical for exercise, both have their benefits and drawbacks.
Walking is low-impact and often recommended for beginners just starting an exercise program. Doing regularly can be an effective way to improve overall health and burn calories. However, many people find that walking doesn’t challenge them enough to maintain motivation over time.
In short, you can look at the following:
| Comparison Factor | Walking | Elliptical |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Level | Low | Low |
| Recommended for | Beginners, low-impact exercise | Intense cardio workout |
| Calorie Burn Rate | Lower | Higher (3-4 times higher) |
| Muscle Tone Development | Engages mainly lower body muscles | Engages both upper and lower body muscles simultaneously |
| Muscle Impact | Non-weight-bearing | Non-weight-bearing |
| Safety Considerations | No specific precautions needed | Warm-ups and cooldowns, monitor exercise form to avoid injury |
Home Elliptical machines offer a more intense cardio workout with the added benefit of minimal stress on the body. The risk of injury is lower than in running or other high-impact activities, and you can set the resistance level according to your fitness level. Additionally, many elliptical machines also allow you to target specific muscle groups like your core and glutes while you move.
Ultimately, there’s no specific answer when choosing between walking or elliptical; it’s essential to consider your individual goals, fitness level, and existing physical limitations before deciding.
1. Calorie Burn Rate
The elliptical machine can act like a stair climber, allowing you to get an intense workout with less stress on your knees, ankles, and hips than running or jogging. Additionally, depending on your level of exertion, the calorie burn rate for an elliptical workout can be 3-4 times higher than for walking. This makes it an ideal choice if you’re trying to maximize fat loss from cardio training.
2. Muscle Tone Development
Unlike other aerobic machines like treadmills, stationary bikes, or rowers that mainly engage one major muscle group at a time (e.g., legs), the elliptical works both upper and lower body muscles simultaneously, providing more efficient use of time spent exercising. Your arms will get just as good of a workout as your legs thanks to its handlebars and resulting arm movement during each revolution – something walking cannot provide.
3. Muscle Impact
As mentioned before, one advantage of using the elliptical joint impact due to its non-weight-bearing movement. That said, the glutes will still be worked approximately 20% more than they would be while walking, providing even further motivation besides reduced joint pain! Movement variation on the machine can also help tremendously activate different muscle groups that might typically go unused during walking sessions (e.g., calves).
4. Safety Considerations
It’s important to note that although an elliptical does not weight-bear like running or jogging does, it is still possible for injuries to occur if proper safety protocols are not adhered such as warm-ups and cooldowns before/after each session or keeping back straight throughout all exercises.
All users should monitor the correct exercise form closely throughout their workouts to avoid any potential hamstring strains caused by incorrect alignment/motion patterns being executed inefficiently over time.
Ultimately, all ages should feel comfortable utilizing either this particular piece of equipment or alternatively taking part in alternative activities such as swimming laps, biking around town, etcetera; always consult with a medical professional before starting any new form of physical activity.
Is Elliptical Harder Than Walking?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as the intensity of your walking or elliptical workout and your fitness level. Generally speaking, the elliptical can be more challenging than walking if you adjust the resistance setting higher or set a tough pace for yourself.
On the other hand, it’s easy to find an easier pace on the elliptical if you need something a little less strenuous. Both forms of exercise are great ways to stay active and improve your health.
A Closer Look at Elliptical Training
Elliptical trainers provide a unique type of aerobic exercise featuring low-impact movements. These motions are more centered around hip flexion and extension while allowing minimal joint wear and tear, making them ideal activities for seniors or those with knee and joint issues. Additionally, they can burn up to 400 calories per hour.
Another benefit to using an elliptical machine is resistance, which allows users to adjust the intensity of their workout depending on their needs. By cranking up the resistance, people can get a more intense cardiovascular exercise equivalent to running or jogging and build muscle endurance and strength in areas such as arms, legs, and back.
The Drawbacks of Using An Elliptical Machine
Although an elliptical trainer might be beneficial in providing low-impact cardio activity, there are still some drawbacks associated with this form of exercise. For instance, an elliptical does not work out your entire body as evenly as walking does by working simultaneously for all your muscle groups. It can only target specific muscle groups.
Therefore, walking may be less effective than walking to burn overall calories since fewer muscles will be engaged during your workout session.
Another downside is that using an elliptical machine can become monotonous over time due to its repetitive motion. It may cause boredom and a lack of motivation, leading to less frequent use or dropping off entirely after a short period has passed.
Conclusion
So, Is Elliptical Better Than Walking? When trying to decide between walking vs. using an elliptical machine for low-impact cardio workouts, there are advantages and disadvantages associated with both exercises that should be considered before making a choice.
However, it’s all about personal preference – so pick one strike match with personality & lifestyle and best for optimal results!
| More for Fitness Admirers: |
| – Best Elliptical Under $1500 – Best Elliptical Under $1000 – Best Elliptical Under $500 – Best Elliptical Under $300 |
| Source – https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=120689801&page=1 |