I can't decide if I want to get a treadmill or eliptical

deblu
deblu Posts: 44
edited September 22 in Fitness and Exercise
Can anyone help me decide which one to get? Which one burns more calories, which one is the least expensive....Thanks!
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Replies

  • gracienkaidens_momma
    gracienkaidens_momma Posts: 379 Member
    I had both. My treadmill died. I personally think I get a much better and more intense workout (more cals burned) on the elliptical. It really tightens your butt and thighs more than the treadmill.
  • deblu
    deblu Posts: 44
    Ok, thanks! I'll look in to that. I hope they aren't to expensive.
  • rcrews4
    rcrews4 Posts: 46 Member
    I would recommend the treadmill. The options available on a treadmill allow for a much better workout/calorie burn. We have had both in our home, ended up selling the elliptical after it began collecting dust. Ran the treadmill into the ground and bought a second one. It wasn't cheap -about $1800 - for a good one. After doing some research online we settled on a SOLE brand and i LOVE it! good luck to you!
  • gambitsgurl
    gambitsgurl Posts: 632 Member
    When I was at the gym my trainer explained on the treadmill - it moves by electricity and you keep up. On the elliptical - it moves by the power of your body so it works you more. Also, the elliptical is lower impact.

    That said I walk for exercise so I'm using nature's treadmill now.
  • skyski_tige
    skyski_tige Posts: 67 Member
    The treadmill is better for all around workout but... you get killer calves on the elipical!
  • ChancyW
    ChancyW Posts: 437 Member
    Yup, the TREADMILL is the way to go!!!

    Look up or search "what to look for in a treadmill" and you will find good things to look for to make sure you don't end up with an expensive piece of junk :-)
  • FlashBang
    FlashBang Posts: 136
    The treadmill is the proven burner of cals over the elliptical. But, if you really need low impact the elliptical is hard to beat. The machine that gets you moving and you actually use will beat one hands down that ends up a clothes rack. Which ever you choose and use you will be happy.
  • deblu
    deblu Posts: 44
    Thanks so much everyone!
  • luckyinlife
    luckyinlife Posts: 81 Member
    I have both. The elliptical burns more calories but SHREDS my knees! The treadmill is great for me, I run miles on it almost everday and love changing the incline and my knees don't hurt when I use it.
  • steppann
    steppann Posts: 44
    I love the elliptical. I tend to burn a lot more calories in a less amount of time on it.
  • steppann
    steppann Posts: 44
    I love the elliptical. I tend to burn a lot more calories in a less amount of time on it.
  • cjduckie
    cjduckie Posts: 78 Member
    I workout with a trainer and have to do "x" amount of cardio every night as part of my program. Despite encouragement not to, I have chosen the treadmill over eliptical every single time during the past three months as a matter of personal preference... sadly though, the treadmill has recently caused me an injury similar to shin splints - apparently this is due to the shin muscles having to over compensate for the "soft" surface of the treadmill. In walking/running on a harder surface (such as outdoors) you use your thigh muscles & hips more than your shin muscles, but not so with a treadmill. I ignored the pain at first, but it's become so intense that it began to affect other parts of my workout.

    I've now transferred to a stairmaster & eliptical and I'm finding it MUCH harder work, but it's way easier on the shins and my injury is slowly but surely easing up.

    I agree that "whichever you choose & use will make you happy"! Good luck in your search =)

    p.s. I've been advised that should the treadmill cause pain in your shins - it's better to walk briskly on a higher gradient than run or walk at speeds that are hard to keep up with.
  • mccorml
    mccorml Posts: 622 Member
    i would reccomend insanity haha you dont need anything and their are ways you can find them online free..
  • deblu
    deblu Posts: 44
    Thank for all the input! I love this site! I've only been on this site for a few days and it really does make a difference in my journey towards a healthier lifestyle. I'm kind of leaning more towards a treadmill.
  • jbug100
    jbug100 Posts: 406 Member
    I think the one that you like best is the one that you should get. They are both great machines, but which one will YOU stick with?
  • ohwhataday
    ohwhataday Posts: 1,398 Member
    I've used both. My mom had a treadmill and I burned almost nothing on it. Nothing compared to my elliptical. I love the way the elliptical feels. I feel like I get a way better burn and burn way more calories. But it's up to you!
  • AmberElaine84
    AmberElaine84 Posts: 964 Member
    My opinion...no matter which one you get, you will want the other one later, lol!! I have a treadmill and love it, but have gotten bored with it. I have been looking into elliptical machines, but I don't want to get rid of my treadmill. I love the workout that the elliptical gives me, but I also love the fact that I have at least ONE machine in my home to resort to. So, I vote for elliptical but I'm sure if I had an elliptical I'd want a treadmill!! :wink:
  • YeaILift
    YeaILift Posts: 580 Member
    Running outside is free :)
  • Sweet13_Princess
    Sweet13_Princess Posts: 1,207 Member
    Treadmills are definatley cheaper! However, I find the elliptical to hold my interest more long-term. Not to mention, treadmills always give me shin splints. I'm looking to buy an elliptical right now, but the price of a decent one has been holding me back. One thing for usre, I want one with IFit, which allows you to buy and load additional workout programs into it.

    Shannon
  • iamstaceywood
    iamstaceywood Posts: 383 Member
    i just got two free treadmills on freecycles for my husband and i. try lookin around.....
  • deblu
    deblu Posts: 44
    All good advice!
  • NikkiJ17
    NikkiJ17 Posts: 295
    i just got two free treadmills on freecycles for my husband and i. try lookin around.....

    What's freecycles??? I would take an elliptical or a treadmill, unfortunately can't afford either one right now!!
  • Natural
    Natural Posts: 461 Member
    i might get the elliptical. it's nearly injury free (no shin pain to worry about and you don't have to worry about pounding on your knees) and as mentioned, you can run outside. that way you have the best of both worlds. elliptical at home, running or walking outside.
  • hybrown
    hybrown Posts: 7
    Hi there, I had both and sold my elliptical and kept my treadmill. The reason is because I am a smaller frame (height wise) and I got an elliptical with too long of a stride. So, with this, I would get another elliptical in a heartbeat if/when I can with a stride that works for me.

    I will put this out there, at the gym I hated the thing at first and I made myself slowly add a minute a night until I was up to 1 mile then 20 minutes. It is tough and it may take some time to get used to if you are not already using one.

    Good luck and make sure it is the right size for you...mine KILLED my knee.
  • selbyhutch
    selbyhutch Posts: 531 Member
    I'm on the elliptical side of the fence. I enjoy walks & running outside. I can have the best of both worlds.
  • andriarose
    andriarose Posts: 23 Member
    well I am a runner outdoors and have had an elliptical for 3 years. I use that as back up. Anyway I just bought the Incline Trainer x5i treadmill last week, set it up and took it down and returned it. The incline is really high, but I didn't get the same endorphine rush or feeling that I worked out from it as I do from outdoor running and the elliptical. It really depends on you though, try them both out.
  • deblu
    deblu Posts: 44
    Thanks, I will take all of this advice in to consideration. But I have to say honestly I'm more confused than ever. Half of you say elliptical and half say treadmill. I wish I could afford both. Oh well I'll figure something out.
  • mlb929
    mlb929 Posts: 1,974 Member
    If you can find a membership at a gym that is "free" for a week, I'd go try both. I sold my treadmill and bought an elliptical, before I started running,now I kick myself. My problem with the elliptical (and was even referred to in a mfp post as more common than I thought) my feet go numb on the elliptical. I also find I get bored easier on the elliptical and don't stay on as long because of it. Also, check out craigslist, they may be cheaper than you think.
  • deblu
    deblu Posts: 44
    Yeah I was looking at craigslist, they had some pretty good deals. I think I'm leaning more towards a treadmill.
  • danalin26
    danalin26 Posts: 13 Member
    I'm a die hard elliptical fan. I can't stand running, but I can run on my elliptical for 60-90 minutes with no problem. It's a great workout. You can increase the incline and also the resistance. You just need to make sure you get a decent one. You pay for what you get. I love the Precor machines at the gym, but I can't afford $3500. We went with a Sole Elliptical. SO worth the money. Very very similar to the Precor's. HTH :)
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