Elliptical vs. Jogging: Which is More Effective?

There’s no doubt about it. Jogging is one of the best forms of exercise around. The average person jogging at a moderate pace burns around eleven calories per minute and gives the heart and muscles of the lower body an incredible workout. Jogging outdoors, while breathing in the cool, autumn air is also soothing to the mind. Unfortunately, winter soon arrives and outdoor jogging becomes a challenge as the temperature drops. This is the time when joggers turn to other forms of exercise such as an elliptical machine to get their workout. The elliptical machine does the job, but is it as good as jogging? When it comes to elliptical vs. jogging, which is better?

The Benefits of Jogging Over the Elliptical

Working out at a moderate intensity on the elliptical machine burns a little over seven calories per minute – though you can burn more or less depending on how you set the machine. Keep in mind that the readouts on elliptical machines are often inflated and may overestimate calories burned by as much as thirty percent. Compare this to the number of calories burned from jogging for the same time period and you can see that, overall, jogging burns more calories. The other advantage of jogging is you can do it outdoors which is more mentally stimulating than working out in the gym.

The Benefits of the Elliptical Over Jogging

Even though working out on the elliptical machine burns fewer calories on average, it gives a better whole body workout since you’re working the upper body when moving the upper arm handles. If you pull your abdominal muscles in and exaggerate the movements, you also target your core to some degree. Jogging only works the lower body and unless you’re doing hills, you’re not getting a great deal of lower body strength development.

Working out on an elliptical machine is also a better choice for people who want to avoid high impact exercise. It’s an option that’s safer for the joints. Keep in mind that you can really increase the intensity when working out on an elliptical machine by raising the resistance and speed, and if you’re motivated enough you can get a workout that rivals that of an outdoor jog.

Which is Best?

Each form of exercise has its advantages. Working out on an elliptical is perfect for people who want a low impact option that gives a fairly good total body workout. It’s also a good option for joggers when it’s too cold to go outside and run. The best plan would be to combine the two to add some variety and work different groups of muscles. The body responds to a workout best when different types of exercises are rotated so it doesn’t have the chance to adapt. Try alternating the elliptical machine with jogging or save the elliptical for rainy days or days when the temperature drops below freezing. Whatever you do, keep on challenging yourself and keep on working out!