Is the treadmill or elliptical better for weight loss?
Emily Sparks
Published Jan 22, 2026
Treadmills and ellipticals both have their pros and cons, but when it comes to weight loss, the treadmill helps you burn a little bit more calories than the elliptical machine. That's because the treadmill is a high impact machine.
Which is better for losing belly fat treadmill or elliptical?
Both machines may help you get leaner overall, but you can't target specific areas. Plus, your diet accounts for over 80 percent of your results. The treadmill burns slightly more calories compared to the elliptical bike, but it also puts stress on your joints.
Is elliptical as effective as treadmill?
Maintain fitness after injury
A 2010 study found that calories burned, oxygen consumption, and heart rate were nearly identical on the elliptical and treadmill. The researchers concluded that the elliptical is an acceptable alternative to the treadmill as a form of cardio exercise.
Can you lose belly fat with elliptical?
Elliptical trainer workouts and other exercises. One can lose belly fat by adhering to a strict diet plan and exercise regimen and by making a few lifestyle modifications. Elliptical trainers can help burn calories, reduce belly fat and tone the body.
What's better for weight loss running or elliptical?
For the same level of perceived exertion (i.e., the work feels the same during both activities), running will burn more calories than the elliptical, although it's pretty close (about 100 calories per hour difference).
21 related questions foundWhat is the best cardio for weight loss?
10 Best Cardio Exercises for Weight Loss
- Sprinting. Sprints outside, on a treadmill, or even up stairs or bleachers are great to burn the most calories in the least amount of time. ...
- High-intensity Interval Training. ...
- Rowing. ...
- Swimming. ...
- Cycling. ...
- Kettlebells. ...
- Jumping Rope. ...
- Stair Climber.
Is 30 minutes of elliptical enough?
15-30 minutes on your elliptical machine per day is enough to maintain your wanted weight or even lose more.
How can I drop 20 pounds fast?
Here are 10 of the best ways to quickly and safely drop 20 pounds.
- Count Calories. ...
- Drink More Water. ...
- Increase Your Protein Intake. ...
- Cut Your Carb Consumption. ...
- Start Lifting Weights. ...
- Eat More Fiber. ...
- Set a Sleep Schedule. ...
- Stay Accountable.
Is elliptical better than walking?
But exercising on an elliptical typically burns more calories than walking. A 155-pound person can burn around 335 calories after 30 minutes of working out on the elliptical, according to Harvard Health Publishing. The same person burns only around 149 calories after 30 minutes of walking.
How do I lose 20lbs in a month?
To lose 20 pounds in a month, reduce the number of calories you're eating every day by eating less and cutting out junk food. Focus on eating healthy, low-calorie foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. On top of eating healthier, exercise for 1 hour 3-4 times a week.
Is the elliptical a waste of time?
Not only is it the most boring piece of equipment in the gym, it is also extremely ineffective. First off, the elliptical doesn't use a natural body motion to work your body. Workouts that use natural motions like running, bending, or jumping are much more effective at toning muscles.
Is it good to workout on the elliptical everyday?
You shouldn't get on the elliptical every morning — your body needs at least one rest day from exercise every seven to 10 days, according to the American Council on Exercise. If you're doing a hard workout on the elliptical every morning, as well as incorporating strength training, you run the risk of overtraining.
Is the elliptical a good workout for weight loss?
Working out on an elliptical machine can help with burning a significant number of calories. For a person who weighs 125 pounds, working out on an elliptical for just one half hour burns 270 calories. For a person who weighs 155 pounds, this same workout will burn 335 pounds.
What gym equipment is best for stomach fat?
The following are among the most popular and effective workout machines used for reducing belly fat.
- Treadmill.
- Elliptical.
- Stairmaster.
- Stationary bike.
- Rowing machine.
What burns more calories elliptical or walking on treadmill?
You burn about half the amount of calories on an elliptical compared to what you can burn on a treadmill in the same amount of time, though, if you go by METs.
Does apple cider vinegar help you lose weight?
Apple cider vinegar isn't likely to be effective for weight loss. Proponents of apple cider vinegar claim that it has numerous health benefits and that drinking a small amount or taking a supplement before meals helps curb appetite and burn fat. However, there's little scientific support for these claims.
How can I lose a lb a day?
You need to burn 3500 calories a day to lose one pound a day, and you need anywhere between 2000 and 2500 calories in a day if you are doing your routine activities. That means you need to starve yourself the whole day and exercise as much as to lose the remaining calories. This is practically not possible.
How can I lose 20lbs in 2 weeks?
Below are the strategies for losing 20 pounds in 2 weeks:
- Make A Commitment. ...
- Cut Your Caloric Intake. ...
- Up Your Protein Intake. ...
- Eat More Fibre. ...
- Plenty Of Sleep. ...
- Avoid Refined Carbs. ...
- Increase The Intensity Of Your Workouts. ...
- Set A Nightly Food Cutoff Time.
How much weight can you lose on an elliptical in a month?
If you bump up your time to one hour on elliptical five days a week and cut 500 calories from your diet, you will lose about 2 pounds per week. If you don't change your diet at all and just do the elliptical for one hour, five days a week, then you will lose about over 2 pound a week.
How long do you have to use an elliptical to lose weight?
If you want to lose weight using an elliptical, aim for at least 30 minutes of HIIT or 60 minutes of steady-state cardio per session. Exercise at least five times per week and incorporate a caloric deficit into your diet.
How long does it take to see results from using an elliptical?
It typically takes anywhere from one month to six months to see results with consistent elliptical use. These results will depend on diet, the intensity of your workout, and other machines used in your fitness program. Most results will show up slowly over time and with incremental body changes.
What's the best exercise to lose weight at home?
7 Best Exercises to Lose Weight At Home
- Aerobic Exercises. Walking is considered one of the best weight loss exercises. ...
- Skipping or Jumping Rope. ...
- Planks. ...
- Push-Ups and Pull-Ups. ...
- Squats. ...
- Lunges. ...
- Yoga.
What exercises can I do to lose weight in a week?
Running for 25 minutes every day and following a healthy diet is an efficient strategy for losing belly fat fast.
...
5 best exercises for losing belly fat
- Running. Running is an aerobic activity that is very efficient for weight loss and belly fat burning. ...
- Aerobic class. ...
- Jumping rope. ...
- Cycling. ...
- Speed walking. ...
- Swimming.
What exercise burns the most calories in 30 minutes?
Running at even a slow pace burns a lot of calories for 30 minutes. On average, running burns between 10.8 to 16 calories per minute and putting it at the top of the list of workouts that burn the most calories. To up the calorie burn, increase the intensity or add in sprint intervals.
Does elliptical help lose thigh fat?
To lose that excess fat, you must reduce the total fat in your body. Working out with an elliptical helps you burn calories, improve heart and lung health, and reduce the size of your hips and thighs. An elliptical is activated by moving the body in a cross-country skiing motion.