Trying to decide between a treadmill, stair climber, or elliptical trainer? These are 3 of the most popular exercise machines on the market, each with their own unique benefits.

Which one is the best for you?

Here’s an overview of the benefits of each to help you decide.

#1 The climber

The Bowflex Treadclimber is a cool looking machine. Instead of a belt like a treadmill, there are 2 moving belts that rise to meet your feet as you walk.

Treadclimber has some great benefits, the main one being that it can burn calories very quickly. According to Bowflex, you can burn up to 3.5 times more calories than on a regular treadmill.

So you see results very quickly, which is always encouraging!

Some of the other benefits are that the Treadclimber is a bit more compact than a treadmill or elliptical (more of a square footprint than a long rectangle). So if space is a bit limited in your home, this is a great option.

The downside of this machine is that you can’t run on it like a treadmill. Also, the motorized version starts around $2000 and up, so it’s not the cheapest option.

#2 The treadmill

The treadmill has been around for years and is a great option for both runners and walkers.

You have a much wider range of options than with a Treadclimber, and prices also range from $600 to $3,000. There are a lot of great benefits to a home treadmill.

First of all, unlike a Treadclimber, you can run with it. So there’s a little more versatility there.

Also, there is a new type of treadmill on the market called an incline trainer that gives you many of the same benefits as a Treadclimber. It gives you 0 – 40% incline.

Walking on a high slope can burn up to 5 times the calories like walking on a treadmill on a flat slope.

Another benefit of the treadmill is that today’s models give you many entertainment options that you won’t find on a Treadclimber or elliptical.

For example, how about a built-in web browser so you can surf the web on the go?

How about a desk option so you can work on your computer on the go? Or even a built-in TV so you can watch your favorite shows while you work out?

If you want to add some fun to your workout, a treadmill gives you a lot of great options.

One of the downsides of a treadmill is that there aren’t many options for exercising your arms (unless you want to invest in some hand weights and pump up while you walk).

#3 Elliptical Trainer

Elliptical trainers mimic your running stride without much jarring impact. Also, they usually have moveable arm bars that will work your upper body.

So you get a great “total” body workout. You can also go back and forth to work different leg muscles.

Just like treadmills, you get a range of options at many different prices. Also, the entertainment options, while not as diverse as on a treadmill, get better every year.

You can get elliptical trainers with iPod docks, speakers, built-in fans, and different workout programs.

The downside to these machines is that they can be a bit difficult to get used to. Also, you need to make sure you get the correct stride length.

A shorter stride (like on a cheap elliptical) will feel extremely uncomfortable and might even give you that jerky start-stop motion that a lot of people (rightly so) can’t stand.

Those are some of the main differences between a treadmill, a Treadclimber and an elliptical.

Whatever you choose to do, remember to take your time and research all of your options so you can be sure you’re getting the most for your money.