The Elliptical

hila_13

When I use an elliptical machine, am I actually burning calories at a rate comparable to the treadmill? I know MFP and machines themselves often (always) over estimate so I'm not concerned about actually calories burned but rather relative benefits.

sanfromny

I always calculate my calories burned at 70% of whatever the equipment says so that was I stay in a safe range

lemonychild

, bottom line is whether elliptical or treadmill cals burned have to do with HR elevation, so if you're working at the same hr on both machines u will have burned same amount of cals. Some people say resistance on elliptical is better and has more benefit - ? Not sure

wilsoncl6

I don't think there's much of a difference, although a study done shows that there is a slight advantage in caloric burn on a treadmill, but it's negligible. It all depends on the intensity of the exercise performed. Treadmills may have the advantage in that aspect because it forces you (because it's powered) to stick to a certain speed while an elliptical is fully powered by your own movements. However, an elliptical is good for people that have joint issues but a treadmill is better if you don't have issues for increasing bone density due to it being fully weight bearing. Go with what you like, or are capable of, because you'll burn pretty much the same.

ASKyle

Personally I find the treadmill much more difficult than the elliptical, but I suppose it depends on your pace.

hila_13

I find the treadmill way harder but I'm not sure if that's because I'm burning more calories (or working harder) or simply because there are a whole fewer aches and pains with the elliptical.

fishgutzy

Machines that measure watts can more accurately convert to kCals. Like the Keiser spin bike.

Noreenmarie1234

lemonychild wrote: »

, bottom line is whether elliptical or treadmill cals burned have to do with HR elevation, so if you're working at the same hr on both machines u will have burned same amount of cals. Some people say resistance on elliptical is better and has more benefit - ? Not sure

So if someone is an athlete with a low HR they burn less than someone with a higher heart rate doing the same exercise?

robertw486

It all depends on your output levels. Being self powered the elliptical is a different type of exercise, and for some maybe more difficult to keep pace with. The machine we own measures power through a meter, but treadmill power measures are fairly easy as well. You can get a good cardio workout on either.