Running or elliptical?

Juggie86
Juggie86 Posts: 16
in Fitness and Exercise
So I used to do a machine (elliptical or arch) 45 mins 3x a week. I would burn around 300-400 calories.
Now I am trying running.

I start off with walking 2 or 3 laps.
I jogg/run 8 laps (1mile) Timed this part at 11 mins.
And I end with 2 walking laps.
I usually do a small ab workout before I hit the track.

Ok so I am probably at this about 20 min, burn WAY less calories, and am EXHAUSTED!
I get home and I can't eat I just take a shower and lay in bed!

I know my nutrition is not right. Maybe thats the reason.

Anyway... I am wondering if I should keep up with the running or switch back to the machines to get a higher calorie burn?

Any thoughts?

Replies

  • janeosu
    janeosu Posts: 140 Member
    Are you using a HRM? You may be burning more calories than you think on the road.
  • brandyk77
    brandyk77 Posts: 605 Member
    your calorie burn on the machine is most likely overestimating
  • TKHappy
    TKHappy Posts: 659 Member
    I always burn more calories on a run than the eliptical, I work out 6 days a week so I alternate between the two but I love running the most! :)
  • 123lms
    123lms Posts: 1
    Indoor cycling! I always train with a heart rate monitor and I am able to burn the most calories in 45 minutes in a cycling class. The music is great and the instructor motivates me to push myself. I can burn 600 calories in 45 minutes and have fun doing it.
  • amuhlou
    amuhlou Posts: 693 Member
    My guess is that the elliptical was way overestimating. When I first got my HRM (Polar FT4) I was surprised to see just how much ellipticals are off. Some are off more than others but it's always higher than what my HRM says for calories burned.

    I always burn more jogging than on the elliptical according to the HRM.

    It also sounds like you might be pushing it a bit if you're just starting jogging. Your heart rate may be near the max cardio area the entire time, which would be why you're exhausted when you finish.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    +1 on the heart rate monitor. If you're exhausted after running a mile it sounds like you're going too fast or you need more carbs, without being able to see your food diary I'm leaning towards going too fast.

    There's a fundamental difference between running and an elliptical, the motion may appear similar but you are not propelling yourself forward on the machine whereas running you are.

    Here's a question only you can answer. Do you enjoy running? Do you want to be a runner? There's no shame in saying no, I know lots of people who hate running (personally I think they're insane but that's just me) - there are lots of other great cardio workouts and if you enjoy one them more go for it.
  • Juggie86
    Juggie86 Posts: 16
    Yeah I don't have a HRM.
    I guess I need to invest in one!
    Thanks for the advise everyone!

Categories