Treadmill or elliptical !?

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Replies

  • EricMurano
    EricMurano Posts: 825 Member
    Neither. Run outside.

    Of course if you have children to look after and you can't go outside for extended periods of time then treadmill.

    I used to do elliptical all the time and it was great for low-impact exercise but I really avoided the treadmill because I was scared of running. Now running is all I do for aerobic exercise. You just feel like you've worked harder after a jog.
  • Behavior_Modification
    Behavior_Modification Posts: 24,482 Member
    I would get an elliptical. Although I am physically capable of running I choose not to because I do not like the way it hurts my chest and I do not like the way my stomach bounces while running. So, I rock the elliptical machine!
  • Ms_Angela
    Ms_Angela Posts: 4
    An elliptical does burn more calories because it engages more muscle groups :)
  • sherrybaby81
    sherrybaby81 Posts: 257 Member
    I prefer the elliptical. I use one at my gym all the time and I find I burn more calories (it may be different for everyone). I also have issues with my knees and ankles so for me, the elliptical is better as it puts less strain on those regions. The one I use has a cross train aerobics function which I LOVE. It has do a series of different things, like pace yourself at 5 mph for a bit, then will switch to 2-3 mph. Then it has you focusing on pulling the handles with your strides, then pushing them. It also has you go in reverse for a bit too. I like that because it kind of breaks up the exercise for and is less boring.
  • EricMurano
    EricMurano Posts: 825 Member
    elliptical does burn double and I would choose the elliptical. I have both.

    Yeah I wouldn't trust the numbers that come off any machine. Those numbers are motivated by sales.
  • CarlyRobbinsGilbert
    CarlyRobbinsGilbert Posts: 64
    It's true that the treadmill burns less than the elliptical, but probably not half. They work some different muscles so I like to do 5 or 10 minute circuits between the two (I tend to get bored) -- ten on the treadmill, ten on the elliptical, and then I do that for at least 30 minutes total. Using the incline will help pump up your treadmill calorie burn.
  • BootcampJunkie
    BootcampJunkie Posts: 69 Member
    "Elliptical trainers suck! It's not that I'm just against the use of elliptical trainers, I disagree with the need to use any piece of cardiovascular exercise equipment. The elliptical trainer just happens to be the worst of the bunch because of its non-functionality to any real world purpose. The key to being fit, lean, and healthy is how your body behaves and responds to real world activity. It's embarrassing when you have to walk three flights of stairs with a friend and you have to make them wait so you can catch your breath. Training on the elliptical won't make you better at anything. At least riding the bike will improve your biking. The treadmill will improve your running. The stairclimber will improve your vertical climbing and the rower can make you better at rowing. Who cares if you can elliptical well? No such competition for that exists." - Paul Plakas (X-Weighted)

    Well Said!
  • Tzippy7
    Tzippy7 Posts: 344 Member
    i can work out longer on the elliptical but i burn more on the treadmill
  • baybeecakes08
    baybeecakes08 Posts: 107
    Neither. Run outside.

    Of course if you have children to look after and you can't go outside for extended periods of time then treadmill.

    I used to do elliptical all the time and it was great for low-impact exercise but I really avoided the treadmill because I was scared of running. Now running is all I do for aerobic exercise. You just feel like you've worked harder after a jog.

    I have 2 little ones so running outside isn't really good for me .. Well it's good for me but not for my situation
  • WowieGarcia
    WowieGarcia Posts: 68
    Lastly, there is a myth that running is hard on your joints and muscles. There are many peer-reviewed medical studies that indicate running can actually be beneficial to joint health and fighting osteoarthritis. Don't let that myth steer you away from running.
    Best of luck!

    So true! I used to have this thing with my left knee, wherein it would suddenly buckle for no reason. I was always afraid this will happen as I'm coming down a flight of stairs and I would fall and break my neck. Since I've started running, that hasn't happened again.
  • sncmaddie
    sncmaddie Posts: 37 Member
    If you asked me a year ago I would have said a treadmill at a 13 incline burns more calories. But now that I have feet and knee issues, I'm banned from the treadmill. I really enjoy the elliptical. If you get one... try it out before you buy. They have different machines built for people of various hights. So not all eliptical machines are equal. I have found that different elliptical machines at my gym show a big difference in the calories burned at the same rate for the same amount of time. Good luck in your decision.
  • baybeecakes08
    baybeecakes08 Posts: 107

    The one I am looking at is 2299.00 but on sale for 749 right now ! Should be okay ?

    No kidding? If I may ask, which one is it?

    Nordic track free spirit 5.5
    [/quote]

    I don't think this is originally 2299. Found on the NordicTrac website for 599USD. It's not an ideal machine. Only 2.5HP motor and a rather short deck. Max speed is 10mph (that's fast, but an indication of the motor quality). But it does have a great warranty (lifetime deck and 25-yr motor). You can do better, but not the worst machine.
    Precor is tops, but pricey.
    [/quote]

    I'm going by the price tag at sears Canada lol . I ending up getting the nordic 5.7 for 699.00
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