UBCNews - Business - Ellipticals vs Treadmills: Which Machine is Better for People with Bad Knees?

Episode Date: November 16, 2025

Welcome back to the show. I'm here with a fitness equipment specialist to tackle something that, honestly, might surprise a lot of our listeners. We're talking about ellipticals versus treadmills, and why one of these machines might be the perfect solution for seniors and people recovering from injuries. So let's start with the big question - why should someone dealing with joint issues or in rehab even consider cardio equipment in the first place? SOLE Fitness City: Salt Lake City Address: 56 Exchange Pl. Website: https://www.soletreadmills.com/

Welcome back to the show. I'm here with a fitness equipment specialist to tackle something that, honestly, might surprise a lot of our listeners. We're talking about ellipticals versus treadmills and why one of these machines might be the perfect solution for seniors and people recovering from injuries. So let's start with the big question. Why should someone dealing with joint issues or in rehab even consider cardio equipment in the first place? That's such an important question, and I think there's a misconstitutional. inception that people with joint problems should avoid cardio altogether. But the reality is, um, cardiovascular exercise is essential for everyone. It strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and actually helps with overall joint health. The key is finding the right type of exercise that doesn't

add stress to already sensitive areas. Right. So we're talking about finding solutions, rather than avoiding cardio entirely. And that's where ellipticals come in, isn't it? What makes them so different from, say, running on a treadmill? Exactly. The fundamental difference is impact. When you're on a treadmill, your feet are constantly hitting that belt. There's what we call ground reaction force happening with every step. That force travels up through your ankles, knees, and hips.

But with an elliptical, your feet never leave the pedals. You get this smooth, gliding motion that mimics walking or running without any of that jarring impact. Hmm, I see. So we're talking about protecting those vulnerable joints while still getting the cardiovascular benefits. But I'm curious, are we sacrificing anything by going low impact? Not at all. Actually, you might be getting more. Ellipticals provide a full-body workout because most machines have moving handlebars.

So while your legs are working, your quads, glutes, calves, your arms, shoulders, and back are engaged too. You're getting strength training and cardio simultaneously. Plus, the cardiovascular benefits are just as strong. strong. Your heart rate increases, blood circulation improves, and you're building endurance. That point about full body engagement sets up our next piece, how this translates to real safety benefits. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. Let's hear from them. Finding the right elliptical for your home fitness routine doesn't have to be complicated. At Soul Fitness, you'll find ellipticals designed for all fitness levels, from beginners to

experienced athletes. Compare features like adjustable resistance, incline options, and smooth, whisper quiet operation. Look at ellipticals with heavy flywheels and ergonomic design that deliver low-impact workouts without subscriptions or hidden fees. Visit sole treadmills.com to find your perfect home fitness solution. Picking up on that full-body engagement, how does this actually translate to safety for someone who might have balance concerns? Oh, this is huge for seniors especially, the elliptical provides a stable, controlled environment, and holding the handlebars can significantly reduce the risk of falling. Compare that to a treadmill where, you know, one misstep and you could be in trouble. The elliptical actually helps improve

balance over time, because engaging those stabilizing muscles is what this is really focused on. I joke with my clients that they're becoming tightrope walkers, without the rope. And what about people specifically dealing with conditions like arthritis? Have you ever wondered how someone with chronic joint pain can still maintain an active lifestyle. I actually worked with a client recently who had severe knee arthritis. She thought her active days were over, but we started her on an elliptical with very low resistance, and over time she experienced reduced pain and increased strength. The elliptical's design reduces stress on knees, hips, and back, while still providing that strengthening component that arthritic joints

desperately need. That's incredible. So we're talking about maintenance plus actual improvement. What other benefits should people know about? Well, there are some surprising mental health benefits too. The smooth, rhythmic motion combined with the endorphin release from cardiovascular exercise creates this stress-relieving effect. I mean, exercise can help regulate cortisol and adrenaline levels, contributing to stress reduction, or as I like to tell people, exercise can help manage those stress hormones that make us feel wound up. Plus, improved circulation means better oxygen delivery to all your organs, which can boost energy levels and even help with sleep quality. Right, so the benefits are really holistic. Now, for someone just starting out or getting back into fitness

after an injury, what should they expect? The beauty is in the adjustability. Most ellipticals let you control resistance and incline, so you can start incredibly gentle, almost like a leisurely walk. and gradually build up. This approach is also forgiving if you're deconditioned. You're not going to jar yourself back into fitness like you might with high-impact activities. Definitely makes sense. And I think what we've established here is that low impact doesn't mean low benefit, or put another way, gentle doesn't mean ineffective. For our listeners dealing with joint issues, recovering from injuries, or just wanting a safer cardio option, ellipticals offer that sweet spot of effective. effectiveness without the stress. So to everyone listening, have you considered how a simple change

in equipment choice could transform your fitness routine? Exactly. This is really working smarter rather than harder. Your joints will thank you, your cardiovascular system will strengthen, and you'll build confidence knowing you're exercising safely. That's really what sustainable fitness focuses on. Perfect way to wrap this up. Thanks for breaking down why ellipticals might just be the overlooked champion of cardio equipment. For more information and to look at your options, check out sole treadmills.com. Until next time, keep moving forward. Safely.