Elliptical vs Treadmill: Which Cardio Machine Is Right for You?

Trying to decide between an elliptical vs treadmill? You're not alone; it's one of the questions our team hears most often, whether we're chatting with someone in the showroom or answering emails from customers setting up their first home gym. The short answer: an elliptical is the lower-impact, full-body option and tends to be the better pick if you're dealing with knee pain, arthritis or general joint concerns, while a treadmill more closely mimics walking and running and suits endurance or race training. Both can burn a solid number of calories and support weight loss, so the real decision usually comes down to your joints, your goals, and just as importantly which machine you'll actually enjoy using often enough to see results.

We've put together this guide from what we see working for our customers day to day: how each machine trains your body, which is better for weight loss, and which is the safer bet if you're managing bad knees or arthritis. If you're ready to start comparing models, browse our elliptical cross trainers and treadmills  and treadmills to see what's available for every fitness level and budget.

If fat loss is your main goal, it can also help to understand how cardio compares with other forms of exercise. Our guide to cardio vs weight training for weight loss breaks down the differences.

Elliptical vs Treadmill: What's the Difference?

An elliptical cross trainer and a treadmill both improve cardiovascular fitness, but they train your body in different ways.

The core difference is impact. A treadmill requires your feet to strike a moving belt with every step, which sends ground-reaction force through your ankles, knees and hips. An elliptical machine removes that impact almost entirely, because your feet stay in constant contact with the pedals throughout the movement.

Neither an elliptical trainer nor a treadmill is better in every situation. The right machine depends on your joints, your training goal and your fitness level, which is what the rest of this guide covers.

What Is a Cross Trainer?

A cross trainer, also called an elliptical trainer or elliptical machine, is a cardio machine that simulates walking, stair climbing and running without the repetitive impact of running on a hard surface. Your feet never leave the pedals. Instead, they follow a continuous oval path that creates a smooth, controlled movement.

In our experience fitting out home gyms across Western Australia, this combination is why we recommend cross trainers most often for:

• Weight management
• Home cardio workouts
• Active recovery days
• Exercise programmes during rehabilitation when recommended by a healthcare professional
• Older adults who need joint-friendly exercise
• Anyone managing bad knees or arthritis

How Does Each Machine Work?

Elliptical: guides your legs through a controlled oval motion while your feet stay planted on the pedals, so there is virtually no impact from foot strikes. Most modern models include adjustable resistance, forward and reverse pedalling, moving handlebars, heart rate monitoring and pre-set workout programmes.

Treadmill: uses a moving belt that lets you walk, jog or run indoors at your own pace. Most models offer variable speed, incline adjustment, heart rate tracking and interactive workout programmes.

Which Muscles Does an Elliptical vs Treadmill Work?

An elliptical works more muscle groups per session than a treadmill, because the moving handlebars add an upper-body component that a treadmill doesn't have.

Elliptical muscles worked:

• Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves, hip flexors, core
• Shoulders, biceps, triceps, upper back (when using the handlebars)

Treadmill muscles worked:

• Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves, hip flexors, core stabilisers

Practical takeaway: if a full-body workout matters to you, the elliptical has the advantage. If your goal is improving walking or running performance specifically, the treadmill trains that movement pattern more directly. 

Elliptical vs Treadmill for Weight Loss

Both machines can support weight loss, and the deciding factor is usually intensity and consistency rather than the machine itself.

A treadmill tends to burn more calories during vigorous walking, jogging or running, since your body has to propel and support its full weight against gravity. An elliptical cross trainer engages both the upper and lower body at once, so it can still deliver a strong calorie burn with far less joint stress, which matters most for beginners or anyone returning to exercise after a break.

Estimated calories burned in 30 minutes

For people with osteoarthritis or ongoing joint pain, organisations such as the Arthritis Foundation, Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare recommend regular physical activity, with low-impact exercises often being appropriate for maintaining mobility and overall health. If you have persistent pain or a diagnosed joint condition, consult your GP or physiotherapist before starting a new exercise programme. 

Prefer walking or running for your cardio? See our comparison of walking vs running for fat loss to understand how intensity and consistency affect your training.

Does a Cross Trainer Help You Lose Weight?

Yes, a cross trainer supports weight loss by helping you burn calories and improve cardiovascular fitness. Just as importantly, most people find it comfortable enough to stick with regularly, and that consistency is what tends to drive results over time. Weight loss ultimately comes down to maintaining a calorie deficit, so pairing regular sessions with a balanced diet is the most effective approach.

Our advice: the best cardio machine for weight loss is the one you'll actually use several times a week. We'd rather set you up with a machine you enjoy than one that just looks best on paper. If you're building a home gym for the long haul, browse our range of cardio equipment to compare machines that suit different goals and budgets. 

Is a Cross Trainer Good for Knees?

Yes, for most people a cross trainer is one of the more comfortable cardio options for sensitive knees. Because your feet stay in constant contact with the pedals, an elliptical removes the repeated impact that walking or running on a treadmill creates, while still providing an effective cardiovascular workout. This is one reason many healthcare professionals may recommend low-impact exercise such as an elliptical for some people managing knee pain, depending on their individual condition.

If reducing joint impact is your priority, you can also explore our guide to low-impact exercises for over 55s for more joint-friendly ways to stay active.

Best Exercise Machine for Arthritic Knees

For many people with arthritic knees, low-impact cardio machines are often a comfortable starting point because they place less stress on the joints. However, the most appropriate option depends on your symptoms and should be discussed with your GP or physiotherapist if you have a diagnosed condition. 

If you have osteoarthritis, a previous knee injury or chronic joint stiffness, an elliptical is often one of the most comfortable ways to stay consistent with cardio while limiting joint stress. That said, everyone's joints respond differently, so it's always worth checking with your GP or physiotherapist before starting a new exercise programme if you have a diagnosed joint condition

If joint comfort is your priority, many people compare recumbent exercise bikes alongside exercise bikes and ellipticals, as they also provide effective low-impact cardio. 

For a broader comparison beyond treadmills and ellipticals, see our guide to the best cardio machines and how different options suit different fitness goals.

Walking vs Elliptical for Knees

Walking is weight-bearing exercise that supports bone density and follows a natural movement pattern, which makes it a good option for people with healthy joints who enjoy outdoor activity. An elliptical is a non-impact, controlled gliding motion, which makes it the better option if you have existing knee pain, arthritis, or want longer sessions with less discomfort. Neither is "wrong," they simply suit different joint conditions and goals.

Treadmill vs Elliptical: Joint Impact Explained

Key takeaway: if protecting your knees, hips or ankles is your main concern, an elliptical is usually the safer everyday choice. If your goal is improving walking mechanics, training for a running event, or getting more weight-bearing exercise for bone health, a treadmill offers more sport-specific benefits.

If you decide a treadmill better suits your training goals, our treadmill buyer's guide explains the key features to compare before choosing a model.

Pros and Cons of Elliptical vs Treadmill

Elliptical

• Low impact on joints
• Full-body workout
• Comfortable for longer sessions
• Well suited to bad knees, arthritis and rehab
• Quiet operation
• Doesn't fully replicate running mechanics
• Limited bone-loading benefit
• Slight learning curve for new users

Treadmill

• Natural walking and running motion
• Excellent for building endurance
• Higher calorie burn during running
• Supports incline training
• Weight-bearing, supports bone health
• Higher impact on knees and hips
• Running may aggravate existing joint discomfort for some people
• Primarily a lower-body workout

How to Choose the Right Cardio Machine

Beyond fitness goals, here's what we walk customers through in the showroom before they buy:

What's your primary goal?

Choose an elliptical cross trainer if you want low-impact training, a full-body workout, or longer sessions with less joint fatigue. Choose a treadmill if you want to walk or run regularly, train for an event, or maximise calorie burn through higher-intensity sessions.

Do you have joint pain?

If you experience knee pain, hip discomfort, arthritis or a previous injury, an elliptical will usually feel more comfortable. If your joints are healthy and you enjoy running, a treadmill remains an excellent option.

How much space do you have?

Treadmills generally need more floor space, ceiling clearance and power. Ellipticals typically have a smaller footprint, though premium models can still take up significant room. Measure your space before ordering either machine.

Who will be using it?

If multiple people in the household will use the machine, check the maximum user weight, adjustable resistance range, ease of use, warranty coverage and the availability of local service and spare parts. A longer warranty on the frame and motor can provide added peace of mind for long-term home use. 

Check the stride length (Ellipticals)

Stride length has a big impact on how comfortable an elliptical feels. Taller users generally benefit from a longer stride length (around 18–20 inches or more), while shorter users may find compact models more comfortable. If possible, try the machine in person to make sure the movement feels natural. 

Consider the flywheel weight

On an elliptical, the flywheel helps create the smoothness of the pedalling motion. Heavier flywheels often provide a more stable and quieter workout experience, particularly during longer sessions or higher resistance levels. Don't judge a machine by price alone—look for an overall balance of build quality and performance. 

Quick Buying Guide

Why Buy Your Cardio Equipment from Orbit Fitness

Setting up a home gym is an investment, and it's one we help customers get right every day. Orbit Fitness stocks a wide range of treadmills, elliptical cross trainers and other cardio equipment from trusted brands, suited to every fitness level and budget and unlike buying online from an anonymous retailer, our team is on hand before and after the sale to help you choose equipment that actually fits your space, your goals and your joints.

Not sure which machine is right for you? Explore our range online, or better yet, visit one of our showrooms in Western Australia to try the equipment in person and chat with our team. There's no substitute for testing the stride, the resistance and the fit before you commit. Browse our elliptical cross trainers or treadmills to compare features, or explore our complete range of cardio equipment if you're still weighing up which machine suits your goals.

Shop Cardio Equipment Today>>

Conclusion

There is no single winner in the elliptical vs treadmill comparison. An elliptical is the stronger choice if you prioritise low-impact exercise, want a full-body workout, or are managing bad knees or arthritis. A treadmill is the stronger choice if you enjoy walking or running, want race-specific training, or want the bone-health benefits of weight-bearing exercise.

At the end of the day, the best cardio machine is the one you'll actually use consistently. If you're still unsure which is right for you, come and see us. Our team is always happy to talk through your options and help you find the right fit, no pressure attached.

FAQ’s 

Which is better, an elliptical or a treadmill? 

Neither machine is universally better. An elliptical is better for low-impact, full-body training and joint comfort, while a treadmill is better for walking, running and endurance training. The right choice depends on your fitness goals and whether you have any joint concerns.

Is a cross trainer good for knees? 

For most people, yes. Because your feet stay in contact with the pedals, a cross trainer avoids the repeated impact of walking or running on a treadmill, while still providing an effective cardiovascular workout. That's why it's often recommended for people managing bad knees, previous injuries or general joint stiffness though if you have a diagnosed condition, it's worth checking with your GP or physio first

What is the best exercise machine for arthritic knees?

Low-impact machines such as an elliptical cross trainer or a recumbent exercise bike are generally considered the best options for arthritic knees, since they avoid the repeated joint loading involved in walking or running.

Is an elliptical good for knee pain? 

For many people with mild to moderate knee pain, yes. Because your feet remain on the pedals throughout the movement, an elliptical eliminates the repetitive impact that can aggravate sensitive joints during walking or running, and some physiotherapists may recommend an elliptical during certain stages of rehabilitation, depending on the individual's condition and recovery plan.

Does a cross trainer help you lose weight?

Yes. A cross trainer supports weight loss by burning calories and improving cardiovascular fitness, and its comfort makes it easier to use consistently, which is the biggest factor in long-term weight loss.

Is an elliptical bad for knees? 

Not typically, when used with correct technique. Ellipticals are low-impact, but poor posture, excessive resistance or overtraining can still cause discomfort. Correct form and gradual progression help prevent most issues.

Can an elliptical cause knee pain? 

It can if resistance is too high, posture is poor, or the knees aren't aligned with the feet during the movement. Using moderate resistance, maintaining upright posture and warming up properly reduces this risk.

Is a treadmill good for knee arthritis? 

It depends on how you use it. Walking on a cushioned treadmill at a comfortable pace generally produces less impact than running outdoors, and **may help some people maintain mobility.** Running, steep inclines and higher speeds increase joint loading more than walking does, so if you have arthritis, it's worth starting with walking, wearing supportive footwear, **and speaking with your GP or physio if symptoms worsen.