Treadmill or elliptical?

Christizzzle
Christizzzle Posts: 454 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm a newbie to the exercise part of weightloss. And of course, I'd like to do it right.

What would you all recommend: Treadmill or elliptical?

Also, I'd like to add a bit of weight training, what would you suggest?


I know these are vague questions but where do I start?

Replies

  • robertomelero5
    robertomelero5 Posts: 1
    La cinta de correr tiene la desventaja del impacto y con un poco de sobrepeso las rodillas se pueden resentir. La elíptica es una excelente alternativa para comenzar, 20 minutos con poca cargar es una muy buena opción. Las pesas son un buen complemento pero siempre bajo el control de un profesor, trabajando por grupo muscular y cambiando la rutina todos los meses. Es mi humilde consejo!























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  • curtissav
    curtissav Posts: 1
    I went with the elliptical it better for the knees. :)
  • pattyproulx
    pattyproulx Posts: 603 Member
    Diet is about 80% of weight loss.
    Doing some cardio will help, but I'd probably recommend focusing more on weight training, while supplementing with some cardio if you enjoy it (rather than the other way around).

    If I had to pick between treadmill and elliptical, I'd pick elliptical, if only for the decreased impact on joints. I personally can't stand the treadmill - I'd much rather run outdoors if I needed to run.

    Also, have a look a HIIT rather than constant-paced exercise. It's been shown to provide much better results.
  • angelajmrn
    angelajmrn Posts: 63 Member
    I had a treadmill and traded it in and got an elliptical. I love my elliptical. The treadmill is "powered" so you have to keep up with it where as the elliptical is under your power....so you put the energy into it. If that makes sense.
  • Christizzzle
    Christizzzle Posts: 454 Member
    What kind of weight training specifically?
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    It depends on what your goals are. I like the elliptical for the low impact on joints and the fact that you can work your arms at the same time. Somehow it seems more fun that a treadmill! If you have any desire to be a runner then a treadmill is probably a better option and you can set the incline as well to simulate walking/running uphill. I have both and I have to admit I use the treadmill more often but I like running!
  • spfldpam
    spfldpam Posts: 738 Member
    I just joined a gym last week and had never been on an elliptical ever till last Friday. I did 25 minutes on the treadmill, 25 minutes on the stationery bike and 18 minutes on the ellipitcal. My hip was kinda sore the rest of the day and Saturday and I do believe it was from the ellipitcal. I have went back on Sunday and yesterday and will again today. I do know with the ellipitcal I got my heart rate up faster and quicker than the other two machines. You are using both your arms and legs is why I think. The ellipitcal is more challenging for me than the treadmill and a harder workout too.
    Good luck!
  • Beachbaby30
    Beachbaby30 Posts: 28
    It really is a matter of personal preference. I have an elliptical but much prefer a treadmill. I can stand only about 5 min. at a time on an elliptical but 30 min. or more on a treadmill. When I'm tired, (which is almost always), a treadmill is much more enticing to me than an elliptical. You have to enjoy doing the exercise, whatever it is you choose to do.
  • Staffygirl88
    Staffygirl88 Posts: 75 Member
    i use both :)
  • waldo56
    waldo56 Posts: 1,861 Member
    Pullup bar >>>>> everything else
  • studentforlife
    studentforlife Posts: 19 Member
    I personally used the elliptical when I first started going to the gym....however, I now exclusively use the treadmill... I just enjoy it more. do whichever you like more... as long as its an exercise you enjoy, is it wrong?
  • AsrarHussain
    AsrarHussain Posts: 1,424 Member
    Diet is about 80% of weight loss.
    Doing some cardio will help, but I'd probably recommend focusing more on weight training, while supplementing with some cardio if you enjoy it (rather than the other way around).

    If I had to pick between treadmill and elliptical, I'd pick elliptical, if only for the decreased impact on joints. I personally can't stand the treadmill - I'd much rather run outdoors if I needed to run.

    Also, have a look a HIIT rather than constant-paced exercise. It's been shown to provide much better results.

    I agree with his saying but i would say diet is 100% u can lose weight with no exersise and have callorie defict diet and lose weight im cutting doing no cardio on a callorie deficit diet lifting Heavy weights thats it
  • sofielein
    sofielein Posts: 539 Member
    I enjoy treadmill much more because I can get the "flow" while running. My mind wanders off and if I find the right pace it's totally like meditation. I am unable to achieve this on the elliptical, I am constantly focusing not to fall off :D
    (I may be doing something wrong though...)
  • bokodasu
    bokodasu Posts: 629 Member
    Treadmill vs. elliptical - whichever you like better. Switch whenever you get bored, and try the different programs and doing some intervals (but probably not HIIT sprints on the treadmill unless you want to go flying off like that guy I saw at the gym the other day).

    Weights - New Rules of Lifting for Women or Stronglifts 5x5 are both good beginner programs. If you don't feel like you're ready or don't have the equipment for those, google "beginner bodyweight workout" and just pick something you like that you can work the heck out of. Most will have the progressions and all laid out for you, so all you have to do is follow them until you're doing headstand pushups and one-armed pullups. :smile:
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    Outside if possible?

    Lifting i would go with New Rules of Lifting, Stronglifts 5x5, Starting Strength.

    Best of luck!
  • salcha76
    salcha76 Posts: 287 Member
    switch it up...change is good...your body will get used to 1 thing & need the switch up...for weights, go slow and pace yourself...bodybuilding.com is helpful w/diet & exercise routines...good luck!
  • AZKristi
    AZKristi Posts: 1,801 Member
    Are you buying? I would say treadmill. If you belong to a gym, its best to switch it up and do cardio in a variety of different forms.
  • sabgirls5
    sabgirls5 Posts: 46
    I love both :)
  • medaglia_06
    medaglia_06 Posts: 282 Member
    I switch up the elliptical and treadmill. If you have knee issues, the elliptical is a lot less impact :)

    For strength training, I would recommend New Rules of Lifting for Women.

    I also highly recommend Jillian Michaels 30 day shred.

    Good luck!
  • UnoDrea3732
    UnoDrea3732 Posts: 342 Member
    Well if you are starting off then I would start with the Treadmill and work your way up to the elliptical. If you are buying one then go for the elliptical. You can burn a lot more calories on the elliptical if you work your arms as well. I have an elliptical and I love it.
  • slepygrl
    slepygrl Posts: 249 Member
    Depends on your goals. Are you wanting to start running? If yes, I would go with the treadmill and bike. If running isn't a goal, go with the elliptical.
    I personally HATE the treadmill and elliptical. I LOVE LOVE LOVE running outside, on the streets or in the woods. Even when it's cold out.

    Welcome to MFP!
  • Still_Fluffy
    Still_Fluffy Posts: 341 Member
    You burn a lot more calories on the treadmill. I thinks you only burn 2/3 the calories on the elliptical that you would if you were running. If you Google weightlifting routines for women there are many out there that can help. I'm a firm believer in running 3 days a week or more and lifting 3 days a week. Check out other forums on being new to running for advice in that area. I like to use the elliptical on rest days or days Is sore. Good luck.
  • cubbies77
    cubbies77 Posts: 607 Member
    I looooove the elliptical. It gets my heart pumping and burns so many calories. I also like that I use my arms and legs, so it's sort of a total body thing rather than just walking (I don't pump my arms when I walk). Also, it's much better on my joints, which hurt from years of being heavy.

    I do use the treadmill as a warm-up and cool-down, though. I set the incline to 1% to mimic outdoor walking (otherwise, the treadmill is doing a lot of the work for you) and walk for about ten minutes at 3 mph both times. During the cool-down, I gradually ease my way from 3 mph to 2 mph then 1.5 mph before stopping. If you aren't as heavy as me, you can probably do 4 mph.
  • Rachel_Hambleton
    Rachel_Hambleton Posts: 6
    What kind of weight training specifically?

    If you're like me, I was completely clueless when first going to the gym. I wanted to "lift weights" but didn't have a clue where to begin. I ended up purchasing a personal trainer to teach me what to do and how to use the machines/weights properly. It costs a bit, but it was definitely worth it in the end. Now I feel confident lifting weights/using the machines in a gym without a trainer.
  • asizesix
    asizesix Posts: 131 Member
    definitely recommend switching between the two at the gym. i always use two cardio machines when i'm at the gym bc they use different movements and use the muscles slightly differently. last night i did the bike for 20 mins and then the elliptical for 30 mins, tonight i'm going to run on the treadmill and then do the stair master. I find it works my muscles much better than if i was doing the elliptical for 60 whole minutes straight.

    after cardio i always do strength training for about 30 mins - usually just do the circuit of lifting machines but also make sure i do my squats and lunges.

    can i just mention for a moment how much i LOVE squats and lunges. after only a few workouts i noticed my glutes were much perkier and rounder....so definitely do those!! (no matter how difficult they get!)
  • 71Rach
    71Rach Posts: 4 Member
    I would start with the elliptical it great if you have knee problems and you do use your arm more on a elliptical. As for weight training recommendation is 2 to 3 times a week. On noncosecutive days. I would do total body weight training session. I like doing circuit training weight workouts. Circuit training workouts are time or rep workouts.

    Example:
    1-3 sets -- body weight
    1) Squats (16 reps)
    2) Push ups (10 reps)
    3) Crunches (20 reps
    **I will do 1, 2, 3 and repeat 2 more times.

    1-3 sets - hand weights
    1) Biceps Curls ( 12 reps) ( 5 - 10 lbs)
    2) Stationary Lunges ( 12 reps each leg)
    3) Triceps Dips (10 reps)
    **I do the same as before.

    Or you can go to a gym and they may have a circuit training stations.

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