You don’t have to hammer through a
high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session
or go out and crush a 10-mile run to get in a good workout. There are
plenty of activities that offer a low-impact form of cardio, including
both
walking and the
elliptical machine. Both activities can potentially
strengthen your heart and
reduce the risk of heart disease. Regardless of your method, you should be aiming for
2 1/2 hours of moderate-intensity cardio every week.
But which of these two modalities is actually better for your body
and an overall better workout? Here, the experts weigh in on the pros
and cons of using the elliptical versus going for a walk.
The great thing about walking is you can do it anywhere, anytime.
“When it comes to choosing a workout, convenience can sometimes be more
significant than anything else,” says Caleb Backe, certified personal
trainer and health and wellness expert at
Maple Holistics. “There’s a low barrier to entry, you just need a
good pair of walking shoes.” Whether you’re traveling and don’t have access to a gym or are looking to
up your step count at the office, walking is the perfect way to fit
more movement into your daily routine.
A 150-pound individual will burn 459 calories during 45 minutes on an
elliptical versus 145 calories walking 3.5 miles per hour at a brisk
pace, according to MyFitnessPal’s
calorie calculator.
It’s important to note this calorie burn can vary greatly, depending on
the intensity of your effort on the elliptical or on the open road.
Also worth noting: The
elliptical can offer a full-body workout if
you use it as intended. “When using the handles, the arms are involved
through pushing and pulling, which can increase the amount of calories
burned,” says Joshua Gray, a certified strength and conditioning
specialist.
Spending more time in nature helps decrease stress, boost mood levels and more. A study published in the journal
Environmental Science and Technology also found that exercising outside is associated with increased energy and greater feelings of revitalization.
While walking is nowhere near as high-impact as running, it’s still
higher compared to the elliptical. On the elliptical, your feet never
leave the pedals, which means there’s zero impact. “Walking is a
weight-bearing exercise, meaning the joints have to absorb and produce
force to keep moving forward,” explains Gray. If you’re
recovering from an injury or often experience
joint pain, the elliptical might be a better choice.
Whether you buy an elliptical to keep in the comfort of your own home
or you use one at the gym, an elliptical usually comes with a price
tag. While putting money down may keep you accountable to some sort of
fitness routine, that doesn’t mean there isn’t potential for that piece
of equipment to collect dust and go unused over the years. Walking, on
the other hand, is free.
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