To get to your fitness goals while still having fun, you need to consider these modern cardio workout machines. You can burn the calories while still being easy on your body.
Hi there. Have you found yourself hauled up at home but you still want to remain fit? Are you looking for something more exciting than the spin bike or treadmill? If you have answered yes to any of those questions then this is the article for you.
The glider and elliptical are two quality workout equipment specifically geared to be the perfect replacement to running outside. They are especially what you need if you can’t always meet up at the gym with all your fitness buddies for a good workout.
Also, it is true. Not all cardio workout equipment are designed the same. So, who then is the cardio god between the glider and the elliptical?
What are the key differences between the Glider and Elliptical?
Model |
Glider |
Elliptical |
Dimensions |
15″L x 19″W x 61.5″H |
53.8″ L x 24″ W x 62.5″ H |
Product Weight |
37lbs |
100lbs |
Maximum weight capacity |
220lbs |
200lbs |
Stride length |
30 inches |
18 inches |
Accessories |
Easily foldable to half its size, built-in workout programs |
Contact grip pulse sensors, 16 resistance levels |
Availability |
Glider vs. Elliptical- How do they differ?
Performance
Regarding their performance, gliders and elliptical trainers have a lot in common as well as a few distinct features that make each of them stand out. First, both of these machines are designed to deliver a low-impact performance that is easy on your knees and back. This makes them a great fit for beginners as well as people who are recovering from injuries and surgeries.
Also, like I said, they do have a few things that make them stand out regarding the kind of workout you want to get. For instance, if you are a fitness enthusiast and you are looking for performance that will really challenge you, you might be a tad disappointed with the glider.
This is because they are primarily designed for beginners who want a low impact workout that will still help them shed the weight. Elliptical trainers on the flipside usually come with a dial resistance that can be tuned up whenever you want to go for a highly intense workout and push your body.
You get a more challenging workout with the elliptical compared to the glider.
Calorie Burn Potential
When you have very specific goals regarding your calorie burn remember that the intensity and time you are working out is really what matters. That said, you are bound to burn more calories on the elliptical than it is with the glider.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, you can lose up to 270 calories after a 30 minute session on the elliptical. That is for a 125-pound person. A person who weighs 155-pounds can lose up to 335 calories.
With the glider, a 150-pounds person is out to lose up to 260 calories after a 30 minute session on it. Keep in mind that if you up the intensity on your elliptical or glider, you can really lose the calories as much as you would have if you were running on a treadmill for the same amount of time.
For a higher calorie burn potential go for the elliptical as you can burn up to 335kcal on it.
Fitness Tracking
For both the glider and elliptical, they are designed to give you real-time electronic data on how well you are doing. For example, depending on the elliptical model, you can track how many calories you are burning as well as your average heart rate.
This helps you know whether to remain on track or push harder. Gliders also come fitted with LCD displays that show you the calories, time, distance and count you are pushing. For the most comfortable placement and support, set it up using the adjustable abdominal pad.
Gliders and elliptical trainers are not entirely different in their fitness tracking as they both come with consoles displaying your progress.
Glider vs. Elliptical – A Comparison Overview
Glider- Overview
[amazon box=”B00224BE8O” template=”horizontal” ]If you are looking for a good quality exercise machine that will help with your cardio workouts-look no further than a glider. No matter the model you go for, you are assured of a lowimpact exercise experience that is easy on your body but does not compromise on the kind of workout you are getting.
If you really push yourself and go for long workouts, you can lose the weight and tone your muscles almost faster than with just running.
To use a glider, it is pretty simple because all you need to do is place your feet on the pedals and tug at the handlebar to start pedaling away. To get an even better workout experience you can change your body movement and position every so often.
For example, if you want to work your upper body you can lean forward with every push against the handlebars. Also, to get your calves in shape all you need to do is lift your heels with every move.
Depending on your fitness skills, you can use your glider solely for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) that is great for your strength and endurance building.
Pros
- Low-impact workout
- Easy to store
- Affordable
Cons
- Not the best fit for fitness enthusiasts
Elliptical- Overview
[amazon box=”B07H1BKRQ3″ template=”horizontal” ]Right off the bat, you might assume that the elliptical gives you an easy way out from running or hitting the treadmill. While it does offer a lower-impact workout, the elliptical will still have you sweating and losing the calories while being easy on your joints and knees.
Another added plus with an elliptical is that you get a full body workout. The handles that you need to push and pull as you work out help you tone your upper body while also engaging your core and lower body as you cycle with the foot pedals. Unlike running, the elliptical offers a rather complete workout that targets all the parts of the body that you would want to flex.
The elliptical also shines out because of its high calorie burn potential. Depending on the intensity you are riding at, you can lose up to 300 calories after a 30 minute session on this equipment.
While it is not exactly healthy to always obsess over how many calories you are burning it does not hurt to know the kind of workout to expect with each of these fitness machines.
Pros
- Easy on your knees and back
- Good calorie burn potential
- Comes with resistance and intensity options for challenging workouts
Cons
- Can get quite monotonous after some time
- Quite expensive
Conclusion: So, which is better- Glider or Elliptical?
While a high-end elliptical can cost up to $2000 and gliders are a few hundred bucks, there are many reasons why the elliptical is the best value for money.
You get a challenging cardio workout machine as well as a durable machine that will last you quite a while. High-end elliptical trainers also come with long warranties that cover parts, labor and frame.
FAQs
Do you get low-impact workouts with the glider and elliptical?
Yes. They are good forms of cardiovascular workouts that are still easy enough on your joints and back.
Are they fast calorie burners?
Yes. With the glider and elliptical, you can go for high-intensity interval training that is a real calorie burner even after 30 minutes exercise.