Calories Burned Elliptical vs Running

On average, running tends to burn more calories per minute than using an elliptical machine. Running at a moderate pace can burn around 8-10 calories per minute for a 160-pound person, while using an elliptical may burn approximately 5-7 calories per minute for the same individual. Both activities offer effective workouts with different impact levels on the body.

Calories Burned Calculator

Time (minutes): Select Activity: Running Elliptical Calculate

Calories burned:

Activity	Calories Burned (155 lbs)
Elliptical (moderate)	260-335 calories
Elliptical (vigorous)	335-420 calories
Running (5 mph)	260-335 calories
Running (8 mph)	465-600 calories

Do you burn more calories on the elliptical or running?

The number of calories burned during exercise depends on various factors such as intensity, duration, body weight, and individual fitness levels. In general, running and using an elliptical machine can both be effective forms of cardiovascular exercise that can help you burn calories and improve your fitness.

Running is a weight-bearing exercise, which means your body is supporting its weight against gravity as you move. It typically requires more energy and can burn calories at a higher rate compared to exercises like walking or using an elliptical. However, the exact number of calories burned will vary depending on how fast and how far you run.

On the other hand, using an elliptical machine is a low-impact exercise, meaning it is gentler on your joints compared to running. The elliptical can provide a full-body workout, engaging both the upper and lower body, but it might burn slightly fewer calories compared to running at the same perceived level of exertion.

Ultimately, the best exercise for you depends on your preferences, fitness goals, and any physical limitations you may have. Both running and using the elliptical can be effective ways to burn calories and improve cardiovascular health, so you can choose the one that you enjoy and can sustain over time. If your goal is to burn more calories, you can increase the intensity or duration of either exercise to achieve a higher calorie burn.

Is elliptical as effective as running?

The effectiveness of the elliptical compared to running depends on your fitness goals, physical condition, and personal preferences. Both running and using an elliptical machine offer numerous benefits, but they have some key differences:

1. Impact: Running is a high-impact exercise, which means it puts more stress on your joints, bones, and connective tissues. If you have joint issues or are prone to injuries, the elliptical may be a more suitable option since it provides a low-impact workout that is gentler on your body.
2. Muscle Engagement: Running primarily engages the lower body muscles, including the calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, and glutes. The elliptical, on the other hand, can engage both the upper and lower body, including the arms, shoulders, chest, and back, making it a full-body workout.
3. Calorie Burn: Both running and using the elliptical can burn calories effectively, but the exact amount depends on factors such as intensity, duration, and individual characteristics. Running may generally burn slightly more calories per minute due to the higher intensity and weight-bearing nature of the exercise.
4. Cardiovascular Benefits: Both activities can improve cardiovascular health, as they elevate your heart rate and increase blood circulation. The choice between the two may come down to your preference and what type of exercise you find more enjoyable and sustainable in the long run.
5. Variety and Enjoyment: Some people find running outdoors or on a treadmill more enjoyable, while others prefer the smooth motion of an elliptical. Enjoyment and variety in your workout routine can contribute to long-term adherence and consistency.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of an exercise depends on how well it fits into your overall fitness plan and how committed you are to maintaining regular workouts. You can achieve excellent results with either running or using an elliptical machine, and some individuals may even choose to incorporate both into their routines to add variety and target different muscle groups.

Is running or elliptical better for belly fat?

Losing belly fat is primarily influenced by creating a calorie deficit, which means burning more calories than you consume. Both running and using an elliptical machine can contribute to this goal, but they do so in slightly different ways.

1. Calorie Burn: Running typically burns more calories per minute than using an elliptical machine due to the higher impact and energy expenditure involved. However, the difference in calorie burn may not be significant if you work out at a similar intensity and duration on the elliptical.
2. Muscle Engagement: While both activities can help burn calories and reduce overall body fat, the elliptical engages more muscle groups, including the core muscles. This can contribute to strengthening and toning the abdominal muscles, but it won’t necessarily target fat loss specifically in the belly area.
3. Spot Reduction: It’s essential to understand that spot reduction, or losing fat from a specific area of your body, is not scientifically supported. When you lose weight, it happens throughout your body, and the distribution of fat loss is determined by genetics and individual factors.
4. Overall Body Fat Loss: To reduce belly fat, you need to focus on overall body fat loss by combining regular cardio exercise (like running or using the elliptical) with a balanced diet. Strength training can also be beneficial as it helps build lean muscle mass, which can increase your metabolism and assist with fat burning.
5. Diet: It’s crucial to maintain a healthy and balanced diet that aligns with your fitness goals. Reducing caloric intake and making healthier food choices can have a significant impact on losing belly fat.

In summary, both running and using an elliptical machine can be effective in burning calories and contributing to overall body fat loss, including belly fat. However, there is no specific exercise that solely targets belly fat, so incorporating a combination of cardio exercises, strength training, and a balanced diet is the most effective approach to achieving your fitness goals and reducing belly fat.

Is 2 miles on an elliptical equal to running?

Running on an elliptical machine can provide a similar cardiovascular workout to running outdoors or on a treadmill. However, it’s important to note that the calorie burn and overall impact on your body may not be exactly the same. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Cardiovascular benefits: Both running and using an elliptical machine can elevate your heart rate and provide an effective cardiovascular workout. This can help improve cardiovascular endurance, burn calories, and enhance overall fitness.
2. Lower impact: One of the advantages of using an elliptical machine is that it offers a lower-impact workout compared to running on a hard surface. This means less stress on your joints, which can be beneficial if you have joint issues or want to reduce the risk of impact-related injuries.
3. Muscle engagement: Running outdoors or on a treadmill primarily engages the muscles in your lower body, including your quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. On an elliptical machine, you engage both your upper and lower body, including your arms, shoulders, and chest. This can lead to a more balanced overall workout.
4. Calorie burn: The number of calories burned during a workout depends on various factors such as your weight, age, gender, workout intensity, and workout duration. Generally, running outdoors or on a treadmill might burn slightly more calories per mile compared to using an elliptical machine. However, the difference in calorie burn is not significant, and both activities can be effective for weight management and fitness.
5. Personal preference: Some people find running to be more enjoyable and motivating, while others prefer the smooth and low-impact motion of an elliptical machine. Ultimately, the best workout is the one you enjoy and can stick to consistently.

In summary, using an elliptical machine for 2 miles can provide a similar cardiovascular benefit to running 2 miles, but there may be some differences in muscle engagement and calorie burn. It’s essential to choose the workout that suits your fitness goals, preferences, and any existing physical limitations you may have.

FAQs

ChatGPT

1. Do you burn more calories on the elliptical or running?

The number of calories burned depends on several factors such as intensity, duration, body weight, and fitness level. Generally, running may burn slightly more calories per mile compared to using an elliptical machine, but the difference is not significant.

2. Is elliptical as effective as running?

In terms of cardiovascular benefits and calorie burning, an elliptical can be as effective as running. It provides a low-impact workout that can be gentler on the joints while still engaging both upper and lower body muscles.

3. Is running or elliptical better for belly fat?

Both running and using an elliptical can contribute to overall fat loss, including belly fat. The key to losing belly fat is to combine regular exercise with a balanced diet and lifestyle.

4. Is 2 miles on an elliptical equal to running?

In terms of distance covered, 2 miles on an elliptical is similar to running 2 miles. However, the impact and muscle engagement may differ.

5. Is elliptical or running better for weight loss?

Both elliptical and running can aid in weight loss when combined with a calorie-controlled diet. The one that is “better” for weight loss depends on your personal preferences and any physical limitations you may have.

6. Do ellipticals help lose belly fat?

Yes, ellipticals can contribute to overall fat loss, including belly fat, when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

7. Is 30 minutes on elliptical good?

Yes, 30 minutes on an elliptical can be a good cardiovascular workout and can help improve fitness, especially for beginners or those with time constraints.

8. Why is running so much harder than elliptical?

Running can be more challenging due to the higher impact on joints and the need for greater muscular effort to propel the body forward. Elliptical machines provide a smoother and lower-impact motion, making it feel easier for some people.

9. How long is 1 mile on elliptical?

The distance covered in 1 mile on an elliptical depends on the machine’s stride length and your stride speed. It typically takes around 1600 to 2000 strides to complete 1 mile on most ellipticals.

10. What cardio burns the most calories?

High-intensity exercises like running, interval training, and jumping rope generally burn more calories per minute than low-intensity exercises like walking or easy cycling.

11. Why is running better than elliptical?

Running provides weight-bearing exercise, which can help maintain bone density. It also engages specific muscles that may not be as activated during an elliptical workout. However, the choice between running and elliptical depends on individual preferences and physical needs.

12. What exercise burns the most calories?

Exercises that involve full-body movements or high-intensity workouts, like running, burpees, or swimming, tend to burn the most calories.

13. What is a good speed on elliptical?

The appropriate speed on an elliptical varies depending on your fitness level and goals. A comfortable pace that elevates your heart rate without compromising form is generally a good speed to aim for.

14. How many hours on an elliptical to lose a pound?

The number of hours required to lose a pound on an elliptical depends on your calorie deficit. Roughly, you need to burn approximately 3,500 calories more than you consume to lose one pound of body weight.

15. Is a 15-minute mile on the elliptical good?

A 15-minute mile on an elliptical translates to an average pace, which is perfectly fine for many people. The goal is to find a pace that challenges you while allowing you to maintain proper form and exercise comfortably.

16. How long does it take to burn 500 calories on the elliptical?

The time it takes to burn 500 calories on the elliptical depends on your body weight, workout intensity, and fitness level. On average, it might take around 45 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise.

17. How long should I be on the elliptical to lose weight?

The duration of time you spend on the elliptical for weight loss will depend on your individual factors such as fitness level, calorie intake, and weight loss goals. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, combined with a healthy diet, for effective weight loss.

18. Is elliptical better cardio than walking?

Both elliptical workouts and brisk walking can be effective cardiovascular exercises. The elliptical provides a low-impact workout, while walking can be done outdoors and can engage different muscle groups.

19. How many minutes of elliptical is equal to running?

The minutes of elliptical equal to running depend on the intensity and effort you put into each exercise. A general guideline is that 15-20 minutes of intense elliptical exercise can be comparable to 20-30 minutes of running.

20. Can you run on the elliptical every day?

Yes, you can use the elliptical daily, but it’s essential to vary your workouts to prevent overuse injuries and ensure balanced fitness.

21. Is a mile on elliptical harder than treadmill?

The perceived difficulty of a mile on an elliptical versus a treadmill can vary depending on individual preferences and fitness levels. Some find the elliptical to be gentler on the joints, while others prefer the more dynamic and engaging nature of running on a treadmill.

22. Will elliptical get rid of love handles?

Spot reduction is generally not effective. While elliptical workouts can contribute to overall fat loss, you cannot target specific areas like love handles. Combining cardiovascular exercise with strength training and a healthy diet can help reduce body fat, including love handles.

23. Does an elliptical tone your arms?

Using an elliptical machine can engage your upper body muscles, including the arms, shoulders, and chest. However, for significant arm toning, incorporating specific arm-focused strength training exercises is recommended.

24. Do you lose weight faster on a treadmill or elliptical?

Weight loss rate depends on several factors like intensity, duration, and diet. Both the treadmill and elliptical can be effective for weight loss, and the best choice depends on your preferences and any physical limitations.

25. How do I convert my elliptical to running?

To switch from using an elliptical to running, simply step off the elliptical machine and start running on a treadmill or outdoors. Running is a high-impact activity, so ensure you have proper footwear and start with a comfortable pace.

26. What muscles do the elliptical work out?

The elliptical works out various muscles, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves, chest, back, biceps, and triceps. It provides a full-body workout when using the handles for an upper body workout as well.

27. Is 30 mins walking better than 30 mins on elliptical?

Both 30 minutes of walking and 30 minutes on the elliptical provide valuable cardiovascular benefits. Walking is lower impact, while the elliptical engages both upper and lower body muscles.

28. How can I drop 20 pounds fast?

Losing 20 pounds quickly may not be sustainable or healthy. Aim for gradual weight loss through a combination of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and healthy lifestyle changes.

29. Which cardio is best for fat loss?

High-intensity exercises like running, interval training, and cycling can be effective for fat loss. However, consistency and a balanced diet are essential for sustainable results.

30. Will I lose weight if I use the elliptical everyday?

If using the elliptical every day leads to a calorie deficit (burning more calories than you consume), it can contribute to weight loss. However, other factors such as diet and overall physical activity also play a significant role.

31. How can I lose 20 pounds on an elliptical?

Losing 20 pounds on an elliptical requires consistent exercise, a healthy diet, and a calorie deficit. Aim for a combination of cardio workouts on the elliptical and strength training exercises.

32. How to lose 40 pounds on elliptical?

Losing 40 pounds on an elliptical would require a well-rounded approach with a combination of cardio workouts, strength training, and a calorie-controlled diet.

33. How do I maximize my weight loss on an elliptical?

To maximize weight loss on an elliptical, vary your workouts with different intensity levels, include interval training, add resistance, and combine it with a healthy diet.

34. What will happen if I do elliptical everyday?

If you do the elliptical every day and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you can improve cardiovascular fitness, burn calories, and possibly lose weight. However, listen to your body and allow for rest days to prevent overuse injuries.

35. What happens when you use the elliptical everyday?

Using the elliptical every day can lead to improved cardiovascular fitness, increased strength and endurance, and potentially weight loss when combined with a balanced diet.

36. How to burn 500 calories on an elliptical?

To burn 500 calories on an elliptical, aim for a vigorous workout of around 45-60 minutes or longer, depending on your body weight and exercise intensity.

37. Is elliptical better for knees?

The elliptical is generally considered a low-impact exercise, making it a good option for people with knee issues or those who want to reduce impact on the joints.

38. Is speed or resistance better on elliptical?

Both speed and resistance play important roles in an elliptical workout. Increasing speed can increase the cardiovascular challenge, while adding resistance can engage more muscles and make the workout more strenuous.

39. How many miles on an elliptical is a good workout?

The number of miles that make a good elliptical workout depends on your fitness level and goals. A typical workout could range from 2 to 5 miles, but focus on duration and intensity rather than just the distance.

40. How long does it take to burn 1,000 calories on elliptical?

The time it takes to burn 1,000 calories on an elliptical depends on factors like your body weight and exercise intensity. On average, it might take around 90 minutes of vigorous exercise.

41. How long should a beginner workout on an elliptical?

For beginners, starting with 20 to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity elliptical workouts and gradually increasing duration and intensity is a good approach.

42. How can I burn 500 calories in 30 minutes?

Burning 500 calories in 30 minutes is challenging and would require high-intensity workouts like running, jumping rope, or circuit training.

43. What is the best cardio to burn 500 calories?

High-intensity exercises like running, cycling, and swimming can burn around 500 calories in a shorter time compared to low-intensity exercises like walking.

44. What cardio burns 1,000 calories?

Exercises like running, cycling, swimming, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) have the potential to burn around 1,000 calories in a session, but this can vary based on individual factors.

45. Is it better to walk on a treadmill or elliptical?

Both walking on a treadmill and using an elliptical provide cardiovascular benefits. The choice depends on personal preferences, fitness goals, and any physical limitations.

46. Is The elliptical a full body workout?

Yes, the elliptical provides a full-body workout, engaging both upper and lower body muscles when using the handles.

47. Which is healthier treadmill or elliptical?

Both the treadmill and elliptical are healthy options for cardiovascular exercise. The choice depends on personal preferences and considerations for joint impact.

48. What is the easiest exercise to burn 500 calories?

Low-intensity exercises like walking or gentle cycling would be the easiest to perform for an extended period to burn 500 calories.

49. How can I burn 700 calories in 1 hour?

To burn 700 calories in an hour, engage in high-intensity workouts like running, cycling at a fast pace, or participating in a high-intensity fitness class.

50. How do I burn 1,000 calories a day?

Burning 1,000 calories a day would require a combination of high-intensity workouts, extended duration, or a mix of cardio and strength training. However, such high-calorie burn goals should be approached with caution and under professional guidance to avoid overtraining and injury. Always prioritize safety and overall well-being in your fitness journey.