Though accounts differ, many of the experts online claim that when the chips are down, the comparable amount of calories burned on ellipticals versus the calories burned while running come out in pretty much the same ballpark (see Medicine.Net and Men’s Total Fitness, just to name two).  However, there are a lot of factors involved in this equation.

Lots of “fitness people” feel like there’s no substitute for pounding the pavement: running puts a “natural stress” on the joints, and because the runner has to propel his/her own body upward and forward, there’s a specific feeling that you get while inching down a trail or track anywhere in the great outdoors.  Treadmills are a little different, but the runner is still doing the kind of self-propelled motion that they are used to.

With elliptical machines, it’s really a different situation: the elliptical machine “helps” you along.  No, it doesn’t coach you verbally (unless you have a much newer model than mine!) but the elliptical, with its engineered holistic motion, takes care of some of the mechanics of getting your down foot back up, much like a fixed-gear bike.  So, you can argue that there’s a big difference.  And some top voices in the field agree, giving the elliptical a different “Rate of Perceived Exertion”.

What that means is that to many of us, running on an elliptical seems easier.  This lets us push ourselves more, adjusting resistance (and slope on advanced elliptical models) for a more versatile workout, which a lot of us love for feeling like we are going all out, pushing it to the max.

So in terms of calories burned, resistance obviously changes the equation.  If you coast along at 1, you’re probably getting an easier workout than if you were out at the track, taking those super strides unencumbered by machinery, the old-fashioned way.  But, if you are hiking up the resistance to a 10 or 11 level, you’re really giving your body a chance to give it that proverbial extra mile, and pumping up your calorie count!

So, if you see the elliptical as a “soft” workout, remember, it’s all in how you use the machine.  It’s only as soft as how you set the dials, and just because it seems easier, doesn’t mean you’re going easy on your cardio.  You are, however, going easier on your joints, and for the most of us that may be the real difference between taking the elliptical route or running the old fashioned way.  The general idea is: if you need to favor your joints a little, skip the ground-pounding run and go for an elliptical experience.  But if you want to put a little more pressure on younger, stronger joints, running outdoors may be the thing for you, as long as you take care to evaluate your surfaces, opting for more elastic crushed gravel or turf over hard concrete.

The calorie and exertion difference, and joint considerations, are just part of the basis for choosing your activities.  Look further and customize your workout the way it best suits your body, and don’t be afraid of change; as we age, we need to constantly re-think the way we work out, and navigate toward a better future!