The Classic Home Gym Debate
If you can only have one cardio machine, should it be an elliptical or a treadmill? This is one of the most common questions in home fitness, and the answer depends on your body, goals, and preferences.
Impact on Joints
This is the most important difference. Treadmills involve impact — your feet hit the belt with each stride, transmitting force through your ankles, knees, and hips. Good treadmills like the Peloton Tread with its slat belt minimize this, but impact is inherent to running.
Ellipticals eliminate impact entirely. Your feet stay on the pedals throughout the motion, gliding through a smooth arc. For people with joint issues, recovering from injuries, or over 50, this difference alone often decides the choice.
Winner: Elliptical for joint protection.
Calorie Burn
Running on a treadmill typically burns more calories per hour than elliptical training at the same perceived effort level. A 160-lb person burns approximately 600 calories per hour running at 6 mph versus 450-500 on an elliptical.
However, the elliptical engages both arms and legs (using the moving handles), which can narrow this gap. Machines like the NordicTrack FS10i with incline capability can further increase the burn.
Winner: Treadmill for raw calorie burn.
Muscle Engagement
Treadmills primarily work your lower body — quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. They excel at training running-specific muscles.
Ellipticals engage more upper body muscles through the moving arm handles. The Bowflex Max Trainer M9 takes this further with its stair-stepper hybrid design that creates a full-body workout.
Winner: Elliptical for total muscle engagement.
Space Requirements
Treadmills are generally larger, especially when accounting for the 3-foot safety clearance needed behind them. Many fold (like the NordicTrack 1750), but unfolded footprints are substantial.
Ellipticals have smaller footprints and do not need rear safety clearance. However, they add 6-12 inches to your standing height, requiring adequate ceiling clearance.
Winner: Tie — depends on your specific space constraints.
Workout Variety
Modern treadmills offer incline, decline, and speed variation. You can walk, jog, run, or sprint.
Ellipticals offer resistance, incline, and on some models like the FS10i, adjustable stride length. Some provide forward and reverse pedaling for different muscle targeting.
Winner: Tie — both offer good variety with modern features.
Noise Level
Ellipticals are significantly quieter than treadmills. The smooth magnetic resistance of machines like the Sole E95 produces almost no noise. Treadmills, especially at running speeds, create noticeable motor and belt noise.
Winner: Elliptical for quiet operation.
Our Recommendation
- Choose a treadmill if: You love running, want maximum calorie burn, and have healthy joints
- Choose an elliptical if: You need low-impact exercise, value quiet operation, or want upper-body engagement
- Consider both if: You have the space and budget — they complement each other perfectly
