Toning Abs & Losing Belly Fat: Treadmill & Elliptical Benefits

Key Takeaways

• Using a treadmill can burn up to 600 calories in an hour, making it effective for weight loss.
• Ellipticals provide a full-body workout, engaging both upper and lower body muscles.
• Treadmills offer advanced settings like incline and speed intervals to enhance ab toning.
• Ellipticals are low-impact, making them ideal for those with joint issues.
• Consistency and variety in workouts are key to losing belly fat and toning abs.

At SOLE, we provide top-quality treadmills and ellipticals to help people lose belly fat and tone abs. Our equipment facilitates shock-absorbing workouts, making them perfect for individuals of all fitness levels seeking effective, low-impact exercise solutions for achieving weight loss goals. Featured Products SOLE Treadmills: Starting at $1199.99, SOLE treadmills excel in ergonomic design, durability, and value. Equipped with advanced cushioning to minimize joint impact, powerful, quiet motors, and wide running surfaces, they suit any fitness level. Our intuitive consoles track progress, and the extensive warranties highlight their quality. SOLE Ellipticals: Priced from $1,199.99, SOLE ellipticals are known for their ergonomic design, durability, and affordability. They provide a quiet, smooth workout with intuitive consoles, adjustable stride lengths, incline options, and heart rate monitoring, ensuring a comprehensive exercise experience.

Treadmill vs Elliptical to Lose Belly Fat & Tone Abs

There are two pieces of equipment that often come into the spotlight for losing belly fat and toning abs: the treadmill and the elliptical. Each has its own set of advantages and can be particularly effective when used correctly. 

Before exploring the specifics, let's quickly compare the two:

• Treadmill: Primarily targets lower body muscles, offers higher calorie burn, and includes settings for incline and speed.
• Elliptical: Engages both upper and lower body muscles, provides a low-impact workout, and is gentler on the joints.

Calories Burned: Treadmill vs. Elliptical

One of the most important factors in losing belly fat is burning calories. The more calories you burn, the more fat you lose. Here's a comparison of calorie burn for both machines:

Equipment	Calories Burned (1 hour)	Source
Treadmill	606 (at 5 mph on a treadmill)	Business Insider
Elliptical	773	American Home Fitness

Muscles Targeted: Treadmill vs. Elliptical

Here's a breakdown of the muscle engagement for each machine:

Equipment	Muscles Targeted
Treadmill	Lower Body Muscles Quadriceps: The front thigh muscles are heavily engaged during running or walking, responsible for knee extension. Hamstrings: Located at the back of the thighs, these muscles are involved in bending the knee and maintaining balance. Calves: The calf muscles, including the gastrocnemius and soleus, are activated during the push-off phase of walking or running. Glutes: The gluteal muscles help stabilize the hips and provide propulsion during movement. Core Muscles Abdominals: These muscles stabilize the torso and maintain posture while exercising. Obliques: Engaged during twisting motions and help with balance and posture control. Upper Body Muscles While primarily a lower-body workout, using the handrails can engage the biceps and triceps, although this is less effective than focusing on the lower body.
Elliptical	Lower Body Muscles: Quadriceps: Similar to the treadmill, these muscles are engaged during the forward pedaling motion. Hamstrings: Active during the backward motion of the elliptical. Calves: Engaged during the push-off phase, similar to treadmill workouts. Glutes: The glutes are also activated, particularly when using a higher resistance setting. Upper Body Muscles: The elliptical often includes moving handlebars, which engage the arms, shoulders, and back, providing a full-body workout. Core Muscles: The core is engaged to maintain stability, especially when using the handlebars, which allows for a more natural arm movement.

Benefits of Using a Treadmill

Treadmills are a staple in many gyms and home workout setups. They offer a straightforward way to get your cardio in and can be incredibly effective for burning calories and losing belly fat.

Cardio Workouts on a Treadmill

Running or walking on a treadmill is an excellent way to increase your heart rate and burn calories. A consistent treadmill routine can significantly contribute to weight loss and improved cardiovascular health. 

Advanced Settings for Enhanced Performance

Most treadmills come with advanced settings that allow you to adjust the incline and speed - they can help you adapt your workout to meet specific fitness goals. 

For example, increasing the incline mimics uphill running, which can intensify your workout and engage more muscle groups. Our SOLE F85 treadmill has 15 incline and 6 decline levels that allows you to have a more engaging workout session.

Toning Abs with Inclines and Speed Intervals

Using the incline feature on a treadmill can also help tone your abs. When you run or walk on an incline, your core muscles work harder to stabilize your body. This added effort helps in toning your abs.

Incorporating speed intervals is another effective way to engage your abs. Alternating between high-speed sprints and slower recovery periods can keep your core engaged throughout the workout.

Benefits of Using an Elliptical

Ellipticals are another popular choice for cardio workouts. They offer a full-body workout and are especially beneficial for those who need a low-impact exercise option.

Full-Body Workouts with Ellipticals

One of the standout features of an elliptical is its ability to engage both the upper and lower body. The handles allow you to work your arms, while the pedals target your legs. 

Low-Impact Exercise for Joint Protection

Ellipticals provide a low-impact workout, making them ideal for individuals with joint issues or those recovering from injuries. The smooth, gliding motion reduces the strain on your knees and hips. It’s also perfect for users who want to proactively reduce the risk of joint injuries too.

Combined Muscular and Cardio Benefits

Ellipticals are unique in that they offer both muscular and cardiovascular benefits. Unlike the treadmill, which primarily targets the lower body, ellipticals engage the upper body too through the use of handles. This makes for a more comprehensive workout, engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously. 

Besides that, you can also adjust an elliptical’s resistance - for example, our SOLE E35 elliptical has a 25 lbs flywheel weight and 20-level resistance. So, users will enjoy an exceptionally smooth experience with ample resistance during their challenging workout.

This dual benefit of cardio and muscle engagement can lead to more efficient fat loss and overall body toning.

Comparative Analysis: Treadmill vs. Elliptical for Belly Fat Loss

Treadmills and ellipticals have their own pros and cons - understanding these can help you make an informed decision. 

Belly Fat Reduction: Which One is More Effective?

Scientific data shows that you can expect to burn on average 600 calories for 1 hour of exercising on a treadmill, while an elliptical burns around 700 calories in the same time frame.

Therefore, if calorie burn is your primary goal, the elliptical may have a slight edge. The elliptical's ability to engage both upper and lower body muscles can lead to more balanced muscle development and fat loss. 

For example, using an elliptical can help you develop stronger arms and shoulders, which can contribute to a more toned overall appearance. 

You may even burn more calories if you run at a faster speed and steeper incline because it will be a more strenuous exercise routine. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific fitness goals and any physical limitations you may have.

Long-Term Weight Loss Strategies

Long-term weight loss isn't just about the calories burned during a single workout. It's also about consistency and creating a sustainable routine. Both treadmills and ellipticals can be part of an effective long-term weight loss strategy.

Consistency is key. Aim to incorporate cardio workouts into your routine at least three to five times a week. Mix it up between the treadmill and elliptical to keep things interesting and to engage different muscle groups.

Customized Workouts Based on Fitness Levels

One of the great things about both treadmills and ellipticals is their versatility - you can easily customize your workouts based on your fitness level.

If you're just starting out, begin with a low incline or resistance setting and gradually increase the intensity as you build strength and endurance. For more advanced users, incorporating interval training can significantly boost calorie burn and improve cardiovascular fitness.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Equipment

Here are some factors to consider when choosing between a treadmill and an elliptical:

• Personal Fitness Goals: Are you more focused on cardio or muscle strength?
• Joint Health: Do you have any existing joint issues or injuries?
• Space and Budget: How much space and money do you have for fitness equipment?

These factors can help guide your decision and make sure you choose the equipment that best fits your needs.

Personal Fitness Goals: Cardio vs. Strength

If your primary goal is to improve cardiovascular health and burn calories, a treadmill might be the better choice. It offers higher calorie burn and can be used for various cardio workouts, from walking to running.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a full-body workout that also engages your upper body muscles, an elliptical might be more suitable since it has a balanced workout that can help with both cardio and muscle strength. 

Joint Health and Injury Concerns

For those with joint issues or injuries, the low-impact nature of the elliptical makes it a safer option - the smooth, gliding motion reduces the strain on your knees and hips, allowing for a comfortable workout.

Treadmills, while effective, can be harder on the joints, especially if you're running. If you have existing joint issues, you might want to opt for walking or using the elliptical instead. That said, all our SOLE treadmills have a joint-protecting Cushion Flex Whisper Deck that reduces impact by up to 40% when compared to running on asphalt. 

Space and Budget Constraints

Space and budget are also important considerations. Treadmills often require more space and can be more expensive than ellipticals - especially if they non-foldable like our commercial-grade ST90 and TT8 models. If you're limited on space, an elliptical might be a more practical choice.

Additionally, consider the long-term investment. Both machines can be a significant financial commitment, so choose the one that you'll be more likely to use consistently. 

Tips to Maximize Results

Regardless of the equipment you choose, there are ways to maximize your results and ensure you're getting the most out of your workouts.

Effective Treadmill Workouts

To get the most out of your treadmill workouts, consider incorporating interval training. Alternate between high-speed sprints and slower recovery periods. This keeps your workouts interesting and boosts calorie burn.

Another effective strategy is to use the incline feature. Running or walking on an incline engages more muscles and can help tone your abs and lower body.

Consistency and Tracking Progress

Consistency is crucial for achieving any fitness goal, including losing belly fat and toning abs. Track your progress by keeping a workout journal or using a fitness app like our SOLE+ or Kinomap app. Note down your workouts, duration, intensity, and how you feel after each session. This keeps you motivated and allows you to see your progress over time.

Besides tracking your workouts, also keep an eye on your diet. A balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates complements your exercise routine and accelerates fat loss. Remember, consistency in both exercise and diet will yield the best results.

Best SOLE Equipment to Lose Belly Fat & Tone Abs

Choosing between a treadmill and an elliptical for losing belly fat and toning abs depends on your personal preferences, fitness goals, and any physical limitations you might have. Both machines offer unique benefits and can be effective when used correctly.

• Treadmill: If you're looking to improve cardiovascular health and burn calories, the treadmill might be your best bet - especially with the incline and speed workouts.
• Elliptical: If you want a full-body workout that's easier on your joints, the elliptical could be the better option.

Incorporating different types of workouts can prevent boredom and keep you motivated. Try alternating between treadmill and elliptical sessions. Your workouts are fresh and you’ll engage different muscle groups too.

Additionally, think about your long-term fitness journey. Which machine are you more likely to use consistently? Consistency is key, so choose the equipment that you'll enjoy and stick with over time.

Consider adding strength training exercises to your routine as well. Exercises like planks, crunches, and leg raises can complement your cardio workouts and help tone your abs more effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Use a Treadmill or Elliptical to See Results?

Aim to use either the treadmill or elliptical at least three to five times a week. Consistency is key, and regular workouts will help you see results faster. Pair your cardio sessions with strength training exercises for optimal results.

Can I Lose Belly Fat by Only Using a Treadmill or Elliptical?

While using a treadmill or elliptical can help you burn calories and lose fat, it's important to combine cardio workouts with a healthy diet and strength training exercises. This holistic approach will yield the best results for losing belly fat and toning abs.

What Other Exercises Can Help Tone My Abs Alongside Cardio?

Incorporate exercises like planks, crunches, leg raises, and Russian twists into your routine. These exercises specifically target your abdominal muscles and complement the fat-burning benefits of cardio workouts.

Is One Machine Safer Than the Other for Joint Health?

The elliptical is generally considered safer for joint health due to its low-impact nature. The smooth, gliding motion reduces strain on your knees and hips, making it ideal for individuals with joint issues. Treadmills, while effective, can be harder on the joints, especially if you're running.

How Do I Stay Motivated to Use These Machines Regularly?

Set clear, achievable goals and track your progress. Mix up your workouts to keep them interesting, and consider working out with a friend or joining a fitness community for added motivation. Most importantly, remember why you started and keep your long-term goals in mind.