Elliptical vs. Treadmill

Chagama

Depends what you are trying to do. I use the treadmill when I can't run outdoors due to weather. I'm usually training for some race or another, so the elliptical doesn't do that for me.

If you aren't concerned with any of that, the low impact of the elliptical is definitely better for your knees and ankles.

All personal preference.

Cassi_Eats_Apples

I prefer the elliptical over the treadmill, for some reason the treadmill makes me dizzy, maybes its because it moves for me.

But my favorite machine that I always use at the gym is the Arc trainer.

I loveeeee it, and it gives me such a great work out.

Jme2012

Why chose? do both, If I were purchasing one I would choose elliptical, better on the joints in the long run and for me it burns more calories than treadmill and that is with me using my own HRM. Its all preference really! Good luck

TamImbrogno

I have a treadmill and I love it! I have tried the elliptical and its not my thing. I love to run etc though so maybe thats why. With that being said I have psoriatic arthritis and well, my treadmill DOES NOT hurt me. You just have to know when to stop lol

chub_b_gone

To cvmcgaha

Everyone has a different level of fitness so what gets your heart rate up and how much effort is going to be different from others. Youre doing it right if you stay w/in that range you are in a "fat burning" mode and they say anything above that is burning sugar. Now if you ask Jillian Micheals shell tell you that it doesnt matter a burn is a burn especially if you are overweight. Thats based on information Ive found from various plans.

PrettyLydie

Why choose. Do both on different days. Keep the muscles confused. Elliptical seems to burn more calories for the same length worlout.

^^^^ THIS!!!! I love both, the elliptical is if I want to up my burn after a 30 minute run, but don't feel like running for a full hour. Plus I have it in my house, and it fits perfectly in front of the TV, so me and hulu can have a nice long workout date, lol. But I get really *****y these days if I don't actually get in at least a short run...lol.

siems56

Elliptical, because it burns more calories in less time,

ryansgram

I have tried many times to use the eliptical but it hurts my knees. I read someone elses reply and they said they were too short for it. I feel like i am too. I would love to be able to use it because the treadmill does get boring.

Chagama

Why choose. Do both on different days. Keep the muscles confused. Elliptical seems to burn more calories for the same length worlout.

^^^^ THIS!!!! I love both, the elliptical is if I want to up my burn after a 30 minute run, but don't feel like running for a full hour. Plus I have it in my house, and it fits perfectly in front of the TV, so me and hulu can have a nice long workout date, lol. But I get really *****y these days if I don't actually get in at least a short run...lol.

Actually, I believe they are pretty much same leg muscles for both. My training plan for running calls for cross training on 2 or 3 days a week, and they specifically say not to use the elliptical as cross training for running because it is the same muscles.

mmstgr

I much prefer the treadmill.
I've always found that the ellipticals makemy joints sore becase I can't get a full range of motion.

MelissaGraham7

Like others, I do them both. Elliptical is great cross-training for running and treadmill is good for running when weather makes you stay inside. I would so like to own my own elliptical but right now I have to go to the gym. Anyway, it isn't that one is better than the other. They will use different muscles and help your body differently. Do what works for you personally.