Elliptical v Running/Treadmill

DetroitKilljoy
DetroitKilljoy Posts: 37
in Fitness and Exercise
I've been only using the treadmill at home lately but since I got a gym membership this week (whoo!), I was wondering if I should be doing the elliptical instead. I want to tone my legs and keep them thin, not bulk up. I know both burn calories and will help with losing the fat I don't want. Which one would be better for that?

Replies

  • DetroitKilljoy
    DetroitKilljoy Posts: 37
    Bump
  • ElliieMental
    ElliieMental Posts: 189
    I often wonder this too. I know X trainer is better for your joints but I feel fitter for running..?
  • DetroitKilljoy
    DetroitKilljoy Posts: 37
    bump
  • Jax1758
    Jax1758 Posts: 2
    I think any type of exercise where you are getting your heart rate up will burn calories. For me, I burn more running but the elliptical is better on my joints etc.. I don't think either will bulk you up. I feel you have to do heavy lifting to bulk up.
  • Jax1758
    Jax1758 Posts: 2
    I think any type of exercise where you are getting your heart rate up will burn calories. For me, I burn more running but the elliptical is better on my joints etc.. I don't think either will bulk you up. I feel you have to do heavy lifting to bulk up.

    Sorry, this was me on my niece's account:smile: I love running outside. The indoor stuff gets boring. Seeing the nature, houses, feeling the sun or coolness of the breeze, listening to my tunes etc.. LOVE IT!
  • delta90017
    delta90017 Posts: 63 Member
    The treadmll seems like a better workout. I use the elliptical only when I have an injury.
  • varulv
    varulv Posts: 21
    either one is good cardio you wont get bulky lefts from doing cardio i prefer the elliptical cause it seems like im hurting myself on the treadmill
  • heroyalslimness
    heroyalslimness Posts: 591 Member
    I've been only using the treadmill at home lately but since I got a gym membership this week (whoo!), I was wondering if I should be doing the elliptical instead. I want to tone my legs and keep them thin, not bulk up. I know both burn calories and will help with losing the fat I don't want. Which one would be better for that?

    I started on tread---but a friend who lost 80 pounds --swore by the elliptical--so I switched.
    We are having a 90 day elliptical challenge---how many days can you get onto elliptical in 90 days or 90 consecutive days of elliptical training.


    .http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/711365-90-days-in-a-row-challenge.

    Feel free (anybody!) to join if you decide to get in more elliptical training.

    .
  • MrsBioChem
    MrsBioChem Posts: 80 Member
    You won't bulk up from either the elliptical or treadmill unless you are juicing (taking hormones). It is *very* difficult for the female body to "bulk up." For reference, a female "body builder" has one of the strictest weight training and eating schedules I have ever seen.

    Now, I would personally recommend cross-training once a week on the elliptical. Unless you have joint problems, in which case stick to the elliptical. Basically, run two to three days a week, and use the elliptical once a week. Another option is to swim once a week if your gym has pool. All of those options will burn calories, but the point is cross-training once a week (using elliptical or swimming) is important. Some people can't run but can use the elliptical; therefore, they will have much better results on the elliptical. Really, just go with what feels right for your body for any particular day.

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