Okay, you’re in the market for some fitness equipment. If you’re like many people, once you’ve decided to buy an exercise machine, you’re faced with the issue: treadmill vs elliptical? How do you resolve the treadmill vs elliptical question?

To help your treadmill vs elliptical dilemma, check out the following 7 considerations.

1. Joint impact: Although many treadmills offer cushioning and low impact features, an elliptical offers low to no impact workouts.

2. Is running your primary workout regimen? If your focus is running and you live in a cold climate and would love to run inside, then a treadmill is your best option. However, if you can run outside all the time and would like some workout variety, mix it up with an elliptical trainer.

3. Cost: Treadmills and ellipticals cost about the same for the same level of quality. You can spend $400 to thousands of dollars.

4. Are you looking to add variety to your workouts? If you already run or walk and wish to vary your routine, an elliptical workout is an excellent addition to your workout regimen. That said, you can do more types of workouts on a treadmill – walking, running, sprinting, lunges, side-stepping, and workouts with handheld weights.

5. Full body workout: You can get a full body workout on a treadmill with hand weights, but if you do a hand weight routine (other than a running motion), you’ll have to walk. Ellipticals with moveable handles (most have moveable handles) automatically offer a full body workout.

6. Entertainment: I find it more convenient to read magazines on an elliptical than running on a treadmill. If you like reading on fitness equipment, an elliptical is a better option.

I do find reading easy enough when walking on a treadmill. You can get an excellent treadmill walking workout with a decent incline.

7. Is the level of noise an issue where you’ll use your fitness equipment? Treadmills produce more noise than ellipticals for two reasons: (1) the motor, and (2) the pounding feet. If you need to be quiet while exercising, go for an elliptical.

At the end of the day there is no objectively best answer to the treadmill vs elliptical question. The decision is one only you can make.

If you want to learn what makes a great elliptical review, then check out these elliptical reviews

The Elliptical machine is a wonderful addition to your workout schedule. They offer a low impact cardio workout that is easy on joints, mainly the knees, ankles and hips. Many choose to work out on this machine because it includes a joint friendly cardio routine. It is great for anyone, at any age, any size or ability level looking for a way to stay in shape with minimal impact on sore joints and or muscles. If you can walk you can use this machine effectively.

Some people may find it especially hard to stay motivated when completing a work out or a series of daily workouts. With varied intensities and inclines there is enough of a variation to stay interested and keep work outs fun and appealing for any and everyone. Some of the different models available also have the ability to change the stride length, accommodating more than one runner or running styles.

Since it is important to many people to have equipment that is user friendly, it is nice to have the ease of using a machine that is not fancy just helps individuals complete their workout routine. This machine was designed to be easy for all users regardless of age, ability or size.

With its standard size around the same as a regular treadmill or typical bench press system it is compact enough to adequately fit in the typical average sized home without much trouble. This is one of many appealing features for many, knowing you don’t need a large area to fit it into. This machine is also built sturdy and is able to handle above average adults with no problems.

Heart rate is very important during exercise and the handle bars of some machines, depending on the model, will display your heart rate. This is important to know because if your heart rate is too high you are over doing your work out. Although using the handle bars is optional, it can enhance your workout by giving resistance to the upper body in addition to the lower body and cardio training.

All handle bars are dual action, meaning they move both backwards as well as forward in a skiing type motion. This is very much like the swinging motion your body normally has when running. It also helps work more muscles while running by increasing your upper body’s range of motion.

Another feature this machine has is the ability to go backwards as well as forward. Running backwards is not something offered by any other machine. It offers the user safety while exercising. This change also offers a modification in routine and helps the runner stay focused and motivated.

In spite of the climate and or conditions where you live, you can still maintain a regular cardio workout year-round. Most of us do not live where outside exercise is constructive all year. Some may have dangerous streets nearby or roads that don’t have large enough shoulders to accommodate runners. Having an Elliptical Machine is a great way to stay fit and safe even when the weather or situation is uncooperative where you live.

Mike Henderson writes elliptical reviews to share with his blog readers. He has tried out all the best ellipticals and he wants to give the first hand account on his experience including tips on how to choose the best elliptical.