When thinking of exercise equipment, the two most common machines that you’ll come across are the treadmill and the elliptical. Both can provide you with a great cardio workout, but they do have different benefits. Deciding between the two can be really difficult and it comes down to personal preference. To help you decide, let’s look at the positives of exercising with an elliptical vs treadmill.

First, let’s look at the positive benefits of the elliptical. Because you’re working both your arms and legs as you use the elliptical, your entire body is getting a workout. Elliptical machines also offer an incredibly low-impact workout; the motion is smooth and doesn’t jolt your body. This makes them great for those who may be recovering from an injury or who have joint pain. Ellipticals also allow you to switch up your workout routine, so you can change the incline or resistance levels to make it more difficult or easier depending on your fitness level. Finally, they’re fairly easy to use and you don’t have to worry about balancing yourself.

Another benefit of an elliptical versus a treadmill is that it’s more natural. Since your feet don’t actually leave the platform, you’re actually mimicking a running or walking motion. This can help to prevent injury more so than a treadmill. Furthermore, you can move your upper body around while using the elliptical. This adds an additional layer of workout to the lower body, while training the arms at the same time.

Now let’s look at the positives of using a treadmill. The main benefit of running on a treadmill is the amount of control you have over your speed and intensity. Treadmills also offer a lot of programming options, so you can easily vary your training regimen. This makes them great if you want to mix up your workouts and stay challenged as you progress. Another positive of a treadmill is that it can simulate outdoor training; you can set the incline to mimic hills, or practice speed training in shorter intervals.

Ultimately, the decision between the two comes down to personal preference. Each machine has its own benefits and drawbacks. However, if you’re looking for a low-impact workout with a variety of options that still gives you an intense cardio workout, an elliptical may be the best option for you.