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

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Replies

  • Luv2bme
    Luv2bme Posts: 58
    Ok, thanks! I'll look in to that. I hope they aren't to expensive.

    I've owned both, I LOVE the elliptical, I burn more calories and can work out longer, treadmill was really bad on my knees... I recently bought a newer elliptical on craigslist. retail value was $ 1,400.00, got it for $ 300.00 in excellent condition ... I did my research and got the one that best fit my needs... Good luck :)
  • DondeEstaMiCulo
    DondeEstaMiCulo Posts: 26
    Asking about "Elliptical vs Treadmill" is like asking "Ford vs Chevy"... Everyone's going to have their likes and dislikes. This is a very subjective question, so the best advice really is to go to Sears or your local sports store and try 'em both out. You may find that you hate one or the other. Like most have already said, get the one that you enjoy most and will most likely stick with. ;)

    Elliptical machines though are a lot less impact than treadmills are, so if you have any knee problems or shin splints, etc, then the elliptical is a good choice. The movements are a lot more fluid and smooth.

    I personally am a bit heavy, so for me the elliptical is perfect. When I run or jog, my knees tend to start hurting and I get those nasty shin splints and even back aches. I get none of that with the elliptical, and I can do a much more intense and longer workout with the elliptical than I can on the treadmill. Plus, if I want to walk/jog/run, there's a free place I go called "outside" that's a LOT more interesting than a treadmill. haha ;)

    From personal experience using some home treadmills, there is a tendency for the motor to really bog down when you take a step (especially when jogging). This has, on many occasion, thrown me off balance. I don't usually have that issue at the gym, so make sure you test out any machine you get really well beforehand.

    Whichever you decide, you're going to be better off than without anything at all! So good luck!


    ~Brian
  • lacroyx
    lacroyx Posts: 5,754 Member
    Running outside is free :)


    I hate treadmills/elipticals. I'd rather sleep. XD
    I enjoy going outside, tackling hilly roads, stairs, etc etc.
  • Dafrog
    Dafrog Posts: 353
    really depends on you. Elliptical vs. Treadmill google it, I did awhile back. ( I still use both at the gym) A treadmill is proven to burn more calories, yet an ellipitcal is easier on your joints.

    I myself think if I brought one into my home it would become a coat rack. Although, I personally like the Ellipitcal, Treadmill is boring to me.
  • cmw72
    cmw72 Posts: 390 Member
    Lately, I've been alternating between the two at the gym. I'll elliptical for 10 minutes (using 4-5 pound hand weights), then run on the treadmill for 10 minutes. I try to do this for at least an hour. Alternating between the two really helps to break up the monotony.

    What I've found is that if I'm running (as opposed to walking), the treadmill burns more calories and pushes my heart rate higher than I can achieve on the elliptical, even with the resistance fairly high. But the elliptical is more of a workout than walking at a brisk pace on the treadmill. Especially with the hand weights. That's just my experience ... I'm sure everybody is different.

    Personally, I like the combination of the two. I'm using this method to build up my running stamina.
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