Cross Trainer Benefits

Studies show that cross-trainer burns calories the same way as treadmill but is low impact and therefore easier on the joints than running.

12:36 17 June 2016

Tired on running on the treadmill or suffering from joint pain but want to burn calories? Then, switch to an elliptical or cross-trainer which burns calories the same way as treadmill but is more joint-friendly.

 

A study conducted at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse compared the benefits of cross-training with treadmill, stepper and stationary bike. It was participated by 16 volunteers aged between 27 and 54 who were asked to work out for 20 minutes using different machines at an intensity they chose. The researchers then measured their oxygen consumption, heart rate and levels of perceived exertion and found that their heart rate and oxygen consumption were identical.

 

However, treadmill stood out because although it provides the same calorie burning benefits, it is also low-impact and therefore more joint-friendly, see some options from Trusted Treadmill.

 

The results of the study were supported by another one published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness in which the researchers investigated the improvements to metabolism and cardiovascular fitness in a 12-week period, comparing elliptical trainers to treadmills and stair-climbers.  After 12 weeks, they found that the benefits were virtually the same from all three machines.