Aerobics or the Elliptical: Which Burns More Calories?

The more you weigh, the more calories you'll burn.
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Exercising on a regular basis promotes healthy living. Aerobic exercise and working out on an elliptical both help to increase stamina and flexibility, and boost self-esteem. While exercising is holistically beneficial, some exercises result in higher caloric burn per hour. The actual number of calories that you can burn depends on your weight and impact level.

Low-Impact Aerobics

    Low-impact aerobics are the least abrasive on muscles and joints by incorporating light dance movement with exercise. Low-impact aerobics do not require bouncing, jumping or other movements that may cause injury. You can burn anywhere from 295 to 465 calories per hour, depending on your weight, while engaging in low-impact aerobics, according to Nutristrategy.com.

High-Impact Aerobics

    High-impact aerobics require more movement and energy than low-impact aerobics. As a result, you can expect to burn more calories. High-impact aerobics yield a caloric burn anywhere from 413 to 651 per hour, depending on your weight, according to Nutristrategy. com. High-impact aerobics are known for lively movement such as dancing and hopping; during the workout, both feet leave the ground at times.

Step Aerobics

    Step aerobics are known for high-impact movement with an elevated platform, such as a short step. Because it is more demanding than high-impact aerobics, you can expect to burn more calories: roughly 502 to 791 calories per hour, depending on your weight, according to Nutristrategy.com. Higher-intensity step aerobic workouts achieve higher caloric burn; however, they also require a higher elevated platform.

Elliptical Machine

    According to Dr. Edward R. Laskowski, a medical doctor certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and specializing in sports medicine, fitness, strength training and stability training, writing for MayoClinic.com, an elliptical is a safe method of burning calories while saving your joints. Working both the upper and lower body, an elliptical is ideal for maximizing caloric burn. Just one hour of elliptical training burns anywhere from 670 to 1057 calories, depending on your weight, according to HealthStatus.com.

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