Equipment Selection: Which burns more calories elliptical or treadmill?

Last updated on May 13th, 2025 at 03:56 am

Walking or jogging outdoors is undoubtedly great for both your mental and physical health. But with increasingly busy schedules, not everyone has the luxury of heading outside for a workout. That’s where indoor fitness equipment steps in. Two of the most popular cardio machines in the market today are the elliptical trainer and the treadmill. While both are excellent for cardiovascular exercise, each offers distinct benefits depending on your fitness goals and physical condition.

If you’re looking to create an effective low-impact cardio workout at home, it’s important to understand how these two machines differ in function, effectiveness, and suitability for various users.

Elliptical vs Treadmill for Weight Loss

A common question among fitness beginners is, “Which burns more calories: elliptical or treadmill?” Based on numerous fitness studies, both machines are effective for burning calories. For example, a woman weighing 150 pounds may burn around 300 calories in 30 minutes on a treadmill and approximately 250 calories on an elliptical.

While the treadmill burns slightly more calories, it is also considered high-impact cardio equipment, which can place stress on your knees and joints—especially for beginners or those with limited cardiovascular endurance. In contrast, the elliptical is a low-impact cardio machine that offers a smoother motion, making it more suitable for extended sessions without joint pain or fatigue.

So, if your goal is to lose weight without running, the elliptical is an excellent choice. It’s easier on your body and helps you build up endurance and muscle tone gradually.

Targeting Belly Fat: Treadmill or Elliptical?

It’s important to clarify a common myth—neither the treadmill nor the elliptical will specifically target belly fat. Fat loss occurs throughout the body and is influenced by your overall calorie deficit and nutritional choices. That said, both machines help burn calories and support fat loss, including from your midsection.

Belly fat, or adipose tissue, is often stored due to excessive carbohydrate intake. During sustained cardio sessions, your body taps into these fat reserves for energy. Combining daily cardio with a clean diet low in processed carbs is key to burning belly fat.

If you’re focused on maximum calorie burn, the treadmill may have a slight edge. But if you prefer low-impact fat-burning workouts, the elliptical offers a gentler option that still yields excellent results.

Toning Muscles: Which Machine Wins?

When it comes to muscle toning, your choice of equipment should match the muscle groups you want to target. The treadmill primarily engages the lower body—quads, calves, hamstrings, and glutes—making it great for leg toning.

In contrast, the elliptical cross trainer provides a full-body cardio workout, engaging both the upper and lower body. With the use of handlebars, your arms, chest, back, and shoulders are activated along with your legs. This makes the elliptical one of the best cardio machines for toning multiple muscle groups at once.

If you’re looking for best cardio machine for beginners who want a complete body workout, the elliptical offers more versatility.

Cardiovascular Fitness: Elliptical vs Treadmill

Both the elliptical and treadmill are excellent tools for improving cardiovascular health. However, your physical condition and personal needs should dictate which is best for you.

If you’re energetic, injury-free, and have good balance, the treadmill is ideal for improving heart health and endurance. It mimics natural walking or running and is a staple for anyone looking to burn more calories fast.

However, if you’re dealing with joint pain, recovering from an injury, or simply prefer a less strenuous session, the elliptical offers a low-impact cardio workout that is gentler on the knees and ankles. It’s also one of the top choices in the elliptical vs treadmill for seniors debate due to its safe and smooth operation.

Best for Home Use: Treadmill or Elliptical?

Choosing the right cardio machine for your home gym depends on available space, storage needs, and your personal fitness goals.

For small living areas, a foldable treadmill for small apartments can be a game-changer. Many modern treadmills are compact, portable, and easy to store in a corner or closet when not in use.

On the other hand, while ellipticals typically take up more space and aren’t foldable, they provide a low-impact weight loss workout and full-body toning benefits. If you have the room and are looking for a full-body cardio workout machine, the elliptical is worth the investment.

When comparing home gym equipment for small spaces, portability and noise level should also be considered. Treadmills can be louder, especially at high speeds, while ellipticals usually operate more quietly.

Final Thoughts

In summary, both the treadmill and elliptical are excellent additions to your home workout routine. The treadmill is best for those aiming to increase endurance, burn maximum calories, and strengthen lower-body muscles. Meanwhile, the elliptical is a fantastic option for those seeking a full-body, low-impact cardio machine that promotes joint health and total muscle engagement.

Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just beginning your journey, choosing the right machine can make a significant difference in achieving your goals. Start with what suits your body best and don’t forget to pair your workouts with a healthy, balanced diet for optimal results.

If you’re building your first home gym, both machines deserve a spot—but if you have to choose one, let your fitness level, space, and preferences guide you toward the right investment.