Elliptical vs. Treadmill

fearmyclarinet
fearmyclarinet Posts: 12
in Fitness and Exercise
I am a HUGE fan of the elliptical, but I was wondering if it is possible to use it too much. I try to use the treadmill for at least 45 min two days a week, and then I for the rest of the week I do elliptical the rest of the week. I prefer the elliptical because it is easy on my knees, I can last longer on it, and I can burn more calories. I'm not a runner (REALLY short legs!) so I can only walk, and I feel like it takes forever for me to burn even 50 calories on the treadmill. Does anybody have an opinion on this? Should I be using the elliptical less and treadmill more? Thanks for your help!!

Replies

  • WinwillLose
    WinwillLose Posts: 101
    I've downloaded a tabata timer onto my smart phone, so I jog 20 seconds then, hop to the sides and rest for 10 seconds. I of course you don't burn as many calories as the counter says but it's an excellent interval training. A boot camp instructor had the class do it one day and I find weeks I do this twice a week I get the best weight loss.
  • quebot
    quebot Posts: 99 Member
    I'm 5'3 with a long torso and short legs and I run. Try not to make excuses for yourself. Sure, runners with short legs must take more steps. There's nothing wrong with that. I like to think that just makes me stronger.

    Aside from that, I guess it just depends on what sort of goals you have for your exercise. Is your priority just burning calories? Or are you trying to work any particular muscles? If you don't have any goals, think about getting some and it will help you have more focus and drive in your work out.
  • kiachu
    kiachu Posts: 409 Member
    same difference, they are cardio machines that you can add resistance to by punching up the numbers. I switch between both depending on how the stars aligned that night or if I"m bored, or which one is easier to surf facebook or MFP on with my phone.
  • johngault007
    johngault007 Posts: 1 Member
    I would focus more on keeping your heart rate up and increasing resistance on either machine. The calorie counter really does tell you much apart from using it as a metric from workout to workout. Those machines are great training tools if you push yourself every time you get on them.

    Have you tried rowing as an alternative? I try to add in rowing and running into my daily workout in addition to alternating bike/elliptical.

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