Unfortunately home exercise equipment is never cheap, which means it is really important to invest in the right machine. For effective weight loss, you need to find out which piece of equipment is best at helping to burn up those excess calories.

The two best selling pieces of exercise equipment are treadmills and elliptical trainers, but which one is actually best at burning the most calories? There is certainly a lot of argument with many people liking both pieces of equipment. However when it comes down to which is best for you to buy, there really is only one definitive answer.

The simple fact is that both machines can help burn the exact same number of calories, it just all depends on how you exercise with them, but working out on an elliptical can be just as effective as working out on a treadmill.

It is true that running on a treadmill can be more intensive, and can have a greater impact on your body’s muscles and joints. For this reason some people may find it very hard to run on a treadmill. By using an elliptical, you are still able to exercise and burn off the same number of calories, it’s just the exercise has a gentler impact on your body.

Running on a treadmill, at approximately 7 mph, would burn 783 calories if you were 150 pounds, and you ran for an hour. Using an elliptical trainer, you would burn 774 calories. But if you only walk on a treadmill at 3 mph, you would only burned 297 calories. That’s a big difference!

The number of calories your body burns on an elliptical really does all depend on how you use the machine and the approach you take to your workout. Some people prefer to exercise in a moderate, gentle way, whereas others charge in an give themselves a very intense workout.

You really need to ask yourself which machine you would prefer. Remember, you will only do you exercise if you are motivated and excited, if you find it boring to use a treadmill, you are not likely to keep up to your workout regime. Equally, if an elliptical does not inspire you, then you are better off with a treadmill.

If you simply love walking, jogging, or running, then you want to invest in a treadmill. It’s much better than walking on the surface of the street. But if burning calories is your main concern, you’ll need to make sure that you increase the speed and up the incline.

If you’ve experienced pain in your knees or ankles, or simply want to enjoy a low impact routine, then you’ll want to choose an elliptical instead. As you age, an elliptical trainer is much more forgiving on your body. Of course some exercise enthusiasts invest in both machines – an elliptical and a treadmill. This lets you mix up your workouts and avoid burnout completely.