In today’s gyms, the treadmill and the elliptical stand side by side, but if you look closely, just a little more space is often given to the latter.

So what’s wrong with the treadmill?

Okay, there’s nothing wrong with the treadmill (except that if you stand still, you fall off).  The elliptical machine was designed to accommodate those who wanted a lower-impact training choice than running, and not everyone wants that.  But the elliptical does provide more than just a low-impact exercise, and a lot of athletes or trainers whose joints are in perfectly good shape are using them.

The key to understanding the popularity of elliptical machines is in realizing that they include a whole lot of additional engineering for those who are working out.  From incline simulation and resistance options, to dashboard features like “hill training”, heart rate and calorie monitoring, and more, the design of the elliptical allows users to focus on training specific muscles (for instance, according to the incline, with the handheld part of the machine also working the upper body), and defining their workout.

Now, for those who see in the elliptical the prediction of some Orwellian super-machine that holds a person’s limbs, guiding them toward optimal strides and movements...that situation hasn’t arrived yet, and the elliptical really isn’t like that.  Yes, it’s fairly fancier than running on a track, and there are some significant differences, but you don’t have to see the elliptical machine as taking away your freedom, or restricting your range of movement.

For those of you who have previously stuck to a running routine, try the elliptical.  Did you like it?  Why or why not?  Developing this sense will get you closer to defining your own fitness goals, and your critics won’t be able to say you haven’t tried the alternative.

Though the elliptical machine gives other cardio activities a run for their money, there’s something that neither of these can provide: interactivity.  For many whose fitness philosophy remains “holistic”, the part of the equation that’s left out is the part where humans move about in their environment in the open air, enjoying all of the sights, sounds and smells of the seasons; all four of them, to be exact.

For these individuals, the elliptical machines will never measure up, but many others take a divided approach.  You might choose to use the machines when it’s most practical (in the middle of a blizzard or a thunderstorm) and outdoor exercise on a track or trail at other times.  With this winning combination, you’ll be keeping a consistent workout regardless of the day’s weather...and this is really a great goal!  Consistency is one of the keys to keeping fit, so don’t be afraid to “plug into” the elliptical machine to get its benefits and realize its potential.