In that grand debate between elliptical machine lovers and advocates of independent running (outdoor or treadmill), some of the elliptical machine’s features play a substantial role.

One of these is the “rise factor”: some ellipticals allow users to select all kinds of ‘mountainous’ courses, where the machine simulates an incline and the trainer can pretend to navigate, if not the vast slopes of the Himalayas, at least a set of stairs or the hilly trails of the nearby park.

If you’re a traditionalist, this may just throw you off.  You might not like to have your surface humming and adjusting while you run.  But for others, playing these games with rise/run is part of an engaging process that makes the workout more fun and more effective.  Lots of us like having a “control room” (the dash of the machine) where we can set rise levels, levels of resistance and more, while constantly clocking our heart rates (available on some models), calories, distance and more!

Another feature that attracts many to the elliptical is the ‘arm bars’ that get the upper body working.  Being able to go into overdrive using the arms as a counterbalance appeals to some trainers who want to push their entire body at the same time.  

But, running advocates argue, it’s not true to say that running can’t work the upper body.  All you need is a pair of relatively light curl bells.

For a chance at using the upper body in running outdoors, get a pair of these and head out to the park, track or trail.  While running, keep the body straight, and alternate curls with these tiny barbells as you run along.  You’ll get upper body training while enjoying the outdoor air!

So, both groups, the avid runners and the elliptical machine fans, can both work the upper body if they want to.  There’s still a lot of fundamental differences, though, that make a person lean toward one of the other of these options.  Think of it as a choice between a “digital” and an “analog” experience: while outdoor running preserves “realism” (and all of the pros and cons that go along with it), the elliptical provides innovation, again, with its attached advantages and disadvantages.  

Here’s an idea: try both, and keep a log detailing your experiences, whether you chose to up the ante on elliptical machine resistance, what features you liked on the dash, etc.  Keeping records is always a great way to succeed in personal fitness anyway, and it can help you compare results to get a definite choice on the table.  Be sure to also include the normal details like how long you worked out, and what time of day, etc.

Pick your side, and know why you chose it, and keep on toward your fitness goals in the way that’s most comfortable for you.