which machine is better

jrdelan
jrdelan Posts: 13
edited September 2024 in Introduce Yourself
In your opinion which machine would give a better workout (when done consistently) with the goal of losing weight: an elliptical or a treadmill? Im going to buy one or the other. My main focus is losing my stomach plus get plenty of cardio in.

Replies

  • denitraross
    denitraross Posts: 325 Member
    In my opinion - you should use both - switch it up so you do not get bored and your body does not get used to the machine. I have read articles that after only 3 weeks your body will adapt to an exercise/machine so that you do not have to burn as much to do it.

    However......the elliptical is a better calorie/per minute burner.......
  • luv2ash
    luv2ash Posts: 1,903 Member
    either---its really more about your heart rate that determines how many calories you burn; however, Both will help with lower body fitness. Just my opinion.
  • TheNewDanielle
    TheNewDanielle Posts: 87
    I refuse to use an elliptical... it causes my asthma to flair up in about 5 minutes and then my knees hurt because i'm almost too short to use it properly. I love my treadmill. I burn almost 400 calories in 36 minutes. And that has helped me lose about 2 pounds a week so far. But the previous post is correct, variety keeps you motivated. I switch off from the treadmill to a workout dvd to keep my body moving and losing in different areas. I'm also going to invest in a stationary bike as some point. For some reason, i just can't use an elliptical. Good luck choosing :)
  • cmel6334
    cmel6334 Posts: 41 Member
    I've been doing the elliptical machine pretty consistently for about a month. I have lost 18lbs so far. It's nice because it's low impact. The treadmill is definitely more work and higher impact on the joints and muscles. Either one is good, it depends on your fitness level too. If you are new to working out, you might want to start out on the elliptical for a couple weeks then move up to the treadmill.
  • pgp_protector
    pgp_protector Posts: 207
    If I was buying one of the two, I'd go with the elliptical, a treadmill can be replaced by doing the actual walking / running (in some cases)

    But whatever you do get, just remember to use it :)
  • KimKoz
    KimKoz Posts: 63 Member
    Are you asking because your looking to buy? We have an elliptical. Love it. We replaced our treadmill with it last year. The only reason we didn't get a new treadmill was because we enjoy to run outside more so the elliptical is something different for us during the winter months. I always looked at like I can always run outside so lets do the elliptical. Both will give you a great workout.
  • TateFTW
    TateFTW Posts: 658 Member
    Free weights and pavement.
  • aling01
    aling01 Posts: 163
    i'd say both..switch it up if you're at the gym...however if you gonna purchase it, i guess it depends what you like to do.

    however if you're talking about gym, i'd switch it up every day and do intervals or hiit just so you won't be bored and have to stay on there for more than 20-30minutes.
  • BoxingChick
    BoxingChick Posts: 124 Member
    Do both if you can. I like the Elliptical that has the arm bars...you can get a really good upper body workout.
  • jrueckert
    jrueckert Posts: 355 Member
    I used to think that I was getting a better workout on the treadmill because it always felt harder to do than the elliptical...but then I realized that I burn almost twice the calories on the elliptical! I like both, so I do both. But I spend more time on the elliptical because it burns more.
  • cmel6334
    cmel6334 Posts: 41 Member
    sorry, error post.
  • blackmamba886
    blackmamba886 Posts: 177 Member
    Maybe that's why I'm not a huge fan of my elliptical! but it was free vs buying a treadmill so I took it anyway.
    because i'm almost too short to use it properly
  • Canonoch
    Canonoch Posts: 120
    If your going to buy one or the other. I would buy the elliptical. and as far as mixing it up the you can walk down the road. I don't have either but I walk all the time in all sorts of weather unless it is to nasty out there and I mean freezing down pouring rain.
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