When the elliptical trainer first came out, it seemed that it was almost proclaimed as a wonder machine. Experts and users alike sang its praises. Now that the hype has died down, how does the elliptical trainer stack up against the other perennial favorite when it comes to exercise machines, the treadmill? Well, there's a lot to be said for the elliptical, but the main advantage of using it is the ability of the user to get an excellent workout with almost no impact, due to the elliptical motion of the pedals. Having said that, many treadmills have special beds that moderate the amount of impact that's transmitted upon foot strike. While jogging on a treadmill won't ever be as low-impact as working out on an elliptical machine, it's an improvement compared to jogging on hard surfaces outdoors. And some people just love to run, while others prefer the elliptical motion. Basically, choosing between the two machines is up to personal preference, unless you have a pre-existing injury or predeliction towards one.