Most public gymnasiums have treadmills and ellipticals, so it makes sense that runners who have home gyms or would prefer not to run in the rain/heat would have one of the machines as well. But how can someone determine which style will work best for them?
Treadmills and ellipticals are very similar, so many of the defining factors will come down to a person’s preferences and budget. There are a two very popular brands which make the machines that we will be comparing today - Proform vs Nordictrack.
History Behind the Treadmill:
A basic treadmill is an exercise machine with a belt that individuals can run or walk on without actually getting anywhere. According to Mental Floss, the closest device to what modern audiences know as a treadmill actually originated around 1818.
A civil engineer by the name of Sir William Cubitt made a 24-spoked wheel on which inmates in prisons were forced to walk.
This “treadwheel” was frequently used to grind grain, hence the origin of the word “treadmill.” Many people were forced to march on these devices for the majority of the day for days on end, using their manual labor to make profits for the prisons.
So, if the treadmill seems like a form of torture, this notion actually isn’t that far from the truth. This video explains the information is more detail.
Modern treadmills no longer function as torture devices, but are instead a type of exercise machine where a runner can move without being outside or going anywhere.
Most contemporary machines have screens to display important information about the user’s workout, including calories burned, distance travelled, and speed.
History Behind the Elliptical:
Imagine someone took the seat off of an exercise bike, forcing the user to stand up. An elliptical is a machine which looks like this. The user has their feet on two pedals which are connected to bars that the athlete can hold and move with their hands.
The idea of the elliptical is that the user can walk or run without going away. The pedals move in an elliptical motion which is believed to put less strain on the person exercising, especially on joints like the knees, ankles, and hips.
Precor developed the first elliptical trainers for the modern market in the 1990s, where they have since gained popularity
Health Benefits of Regular Running:
Both the treadmill and the elliptical can give users some of the health benefits of regular running as a form of exercise. These benefits have been identified by numerous professional and medical groups, including places like Harvard University.
The Harvard University noted that regular running, even a steady jog, is enough to improve a person’s heart health, keep their muscles strong, and help the lungs.
Even running for 5-10 minutes a day is enough to extend a person’s lifespan by several years. National Public Radio reported on the same conclusion, which stated that even light exercise improves a person’s quality of life. People who run even more can receive greater benefits than others who stick to a few minutes of jogging.
Treadmills and ellipticals have roughly the same effect as running outdoors or on a track. Treadmills can be tough on the joints because of the shock and force created from the impact of a person’s foot on the machine, but ellipticals seem to work well for individuals who have joint issues.
However, ellipticals can be more expensive and technologically advanced, so many people still use treadmills.
Proform Treadmill:
ProForm is a brand of Icon Health & Fitness, also called Weslo. This line consists of treadmills and ellipticals designed both for the average person and for regular athletes and runner. This review will include a broad overview of the different models sold by the company as well as some general information and facts about the equipment.
On a scale of 1-5, most Proform equipment rates around 3.5 or 4. There are a broad range of prices for the treadmills and ellipticals.
Here are their two most popular treadmills and ellipticals.
Most of the Proform treadmills include a form of cushioning to help protect the runner’s joints when striking the belt.
My Choice: If I were to buy one of their treadmills today I would select this one because of the value.
- Discover Trainer-Led Workouts; A 30-day iFit trial membership gives you access to interactive training sessions, on-demand studio & global workouts, and connected fitness tracking in your home
- 5” Backlit Display; Track distance, speed, estimated calorie burn, and more; Stream iFit workouts to own your tablet or phone; On-board sound system and audio auxiliary port
- 0-12 MPH Digital QuickSpeed controls; 0-12% Quick Incline controls; With iFit, your trainer automatically adjusts your treadmill’s speed and incline for an optimized cardio workout
- Folding SpaceSaver design for compact storage; 20” x 60” treadmill belt for tall runners; Self-cooling drive system for extended use; ProShox cushioning and 1.9” balanced non-flex rollers
- 325-pound user capacity; Protected with a 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty; 61” H x 35.5” W x 78.75” L
NordicTrack Treadmill:
Edward and Florence Pauls opened NordicTrack in 1975 and the company continues to develop advanced treadmills and ellipticals for regular people and seasoned athletes alike. On a scale of 1-5, NordicTrack rates around a 4 to 4.5 because it combines quality with affordability.
The company remains technologically cognizant and strives to provide high quality machines.
The ellipticals don’t have the same restrictions but can have their resistance adjusted to suit the user. All of the equipment has some form of heart rate monitor, tracks calories burned, speed ran, and how long the user has been on the machine.
Here are the most popular NordicTrack treadmills and ellipticals.
My Choice: If I were to buy one of their treadmills today I would select this one because of the value.
- 30-Day iFIT Membership Included; Stream live & on-demand workouts on your equipment with Global Workouts & Studio Classes; Elite trainers adjust your equipment (15 Dollar value)
- 10% OneTouch incline control; 10 MPH SMART OneTouch speed control; With iFIT, your trainer auto-adjusts your speed and incline through a smart Bluetooth connection
- SMART-Response Motor for effective speed, interval, and endurance training; 20” x 55” tread belt offers plenty of leg and elbow space as you run; FlexSelect deck cushioning protects your joints
- Innovative SpaceSaver design with EasyLift Assist means your treadmill can fold up after your run for compact, simple storage; Auxiliary music port and dual 2-inch speakers provide entertainment
- 300-pound user capacity; Protected with a 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty; 54” H x 36” W x 73.5” L
Comparison: NordicTrack vs Proform:
It can be difficult to find many surface differences between Proform and NordicTrack because of their similarities.
Both companies make high-quality equipment designed with runners and athletes in mind. This graph demonstrates some of the main differences between the brands.
Proform | NordicTrack |
|---|---|
$400- $4000 | $800-$2,500 |
Variety of warranties | Variety of warranties |
10-12 mph limits | 10-12 mph limits |
Maximum 12% incline | Maximum 40% incline |
18-32 fitness programs | 12-32 fitness programs |
300-325 lb. limits | 300-350 lb. limits |
More flexible material | Sturdier material |
These brands seem very similar but there are a few differences when actually used. Overall, the NordicTrack models tend to be sturdier and more durable than their Proform counterparts, which are more flexible and have longer warranties.
Neither makes one machine better than the other, but runners will have different needs based on their workouts.
Conclusion
As most people can see, on paper Proform and NordicTrack treadmills and ellipticals look very similar. Either one would be a good machine for a runner, so the main factors influencing a person’s decision should be budget, need, and lifestyle.
A runner should decide which machine best suits their exercise regimen before making a decision. If possible, it’s important to try any machine before purchase to ensure comfort as well.
Last update on 2021-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API