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Machines vs running

KLS10
KLS10 Posts: 127
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Does anyone else have this problem?
I can go an hour on the elliptical sweating my butt off and feeling so tired but I can keep going vigorously.
Then I get on the treadmill and can barely do 10 minutes before I feel like dying.
Why can I go a long time on a cardio machine yet getting on a treadmill kills me? I am working just as hard and sweating just as much but the treadmill KILLS me..
does anyone else have this problem or know why?
I feel like I am horribly out of shape when I get on the treadmill :(
thanks for the help!

Replies

  • KLS10
    KLS10 Posts: 127
    Does anyone else have this problem?
    I can go an hour on the elliptical sweating my butt off and feeling so tired but I can keep going vigorously.
    Then I get on the treadmill and can barely do 10 minutes before I feel like dying.
    Why can I go a long time on a cardio machine yet getting on a treadmill kills me? I am working just as hard and sweating just as much but the treadmill KILLS me..
    does anyone else have this problem or know why?
    I feel like I am horribly out of shape when I get on the treadmill :(
    thanks for the help!
  • songbyrdsweet
    songbyrdsweet Posts: 5,691 Member
    Running is very different from the elliptical--a totally different movement. Running requires you to propel yourself off the ground entirely for a very short time, but that alone makes it much higher impact than the elliptical which is just more pronounced walking. Also, the treadmill doesn't slow down with you--the belt moves at whatever speed you choose, while the elliptical pedals move with you. Running is much more challenging and something you have to work up to by mixing short bouts of jogging with walking rests.
  • Renae_Nae
    Renae_Nae Posts: 935 Member
    I felt that way too! Now I'm doing the couch to 5k and actually starting to like the treadmill :happy:
  • stef_e_b
    stef_e_b Posts: 593
    elipticals and treadmills work different parts of your body. You have more strength (because of using the eliptical) in the parts required to do the movement than you do for running.
  • roshong06
    roshong06 Posts: 196
    I am the exact same way exept vice versa!!! I can do hours on my treadmil, but after about 7 min on the elliptical I am DYING...I think maybe the reason why is your body is used to the type of movements your doing on the elliptical, so when you change up the scene a bit, it has to adjust? I'm guessing by the way I am no means an expert...that is what I was told.
  • KLS10
    KLS10 Posts: 127
    so if I wanted to get fit faster in the tummy area I would have better results with elliptical or treadmill? treadmill is probably better for the overall body huh?
  • kristie874
    kristie874 Posts: 774 Member
    Funny...I have the opposite problem. I can go forever on the treadmill but I can't pace myself at ALL on an eliptical machine. By "forever" I mean I can walk at a brisk pace or do a slow jog (4.2mph) for about 20 min.
  • VballLeash
    VballLeash Posts: 2,456 Member
    I'm a kinesiology major and my teachers ALWAYS tell us the best cardio is the one that you will do! Everyone says that running will make you smaller which I believe to a certain extent but if you hate it than you won't do it and you will just probably end up working out for less time. I'd try running outside though, its a lot more fun! But if you hate it just keep doing cardio that you like cause it still blasts fat and burns calories, always a plus :happy:

    ~Leash
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