Elliptical or treadmill?

Stavakoli
Stavakoli Posts: 86 Member
edited October 6 in Fitness and Exercise
I've been working out pretty frequently for the past few months and have finally built up the endurance to run a few miles on the treadmill (I'd always hated running but find myself loving it these days!) I noticed that the elliptical burns more calories though...can this possibly be right?? I definitely feel like I'm working much harder when I run but obviously I'd like to burn as many calories as possible. Any advice on where to focus my workouts?
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Replies

  • Lozze
    Lozze Posts: 1,917 Member
    Which do you enjoy more? That's the best one.

    I always read how stationary bikes are great for lower body. I desperatly want to lose some thighs. I HAAAAATE the bike. Its terrible. So I don't do it. I do the elliptical and the treadmill and the rower. (not a fan but can stand it)
  • capriciousmoon
    capriciousmoon Posts: 1,263 Member
    I agree with Lozze. I'd do whichever one I like more, even if it burned less, just because I won't stick to something I have to force myself to do.

    I love elliptical but I would probably quit on a treadmill. I can't run though (baby bird lungs) so I think being able to run is really great. I'm always jealous when I see people running. :)
  • kekl
    kekl Posts: 382 Member
    I prefer the treadmill. I find that I get a better workout with that, elliptical is just too easy for me, it feels like I'm cheating. lol.
  • lesleyatlarge
    lesleyatlarge Posts: 1
    Hi, I like the elliptical because it is low impact on my knees, which tend to blow up with fluid every now and again. You can make it easy, with no resistance, or you can make it like climbing a steep hill with lots of resistance. I find a moderate pace on the elliptical is still more of a cardio workout for my heart than a brisk walk on a treadie. And it's not as noisy..... lol.
  • KimmieBrie
    KimmieBrie Posts: 825 Member
    I don't know that either is better - as long as you're exercising - all good!

    I do both. I like running - especially outside, but after several runs in a row sometimes my hip joints
    ache from impact so I give myself a break with the elliptical and the elliptical works my arms more - I'll turn up the
    resistance and try to just use my arms for a while.... so it works different muscles than running.

    I asked a trainer once and she said running is better, especially intervals... but who knows?
  • Megdonald1
    Megdonald1 Posts: 149 Member
    What about mixing it up? Alternate days on tred/elip. I go between four: Tred-Elip-Bike-Stairs (YUCK HATE THE STEPPER!!)
  • TMcBooty
    TMcBooty Posts: 780 Member
    E for me!
  • iPhone4fotos
    iPhone4fotos Posts: 28
    I like the treadmill. I run/power walk incline intervals and I burn a thousand calories in an hour.
  • elzettel
    elzettel Posts: 256
    Both! Hands down running has been the best calorie burner for me. Hated it at first but can't give it up now. I have a treadmill and elliptical and use both. You really need to crosstrain with running...doing it every day can cause injury down the road plus it is easy to burn out. The elliptical is lower impact and quiet (important for me when everyone else is sleeping). Also, try the C25K program...really great for new runners. Either way keep moving and you'll do just fine!

    BTW...my elliptical used to say I'd burn 1,000 cals with the longest program...I bought a HRM and was actually only burning 1/3 of that...talk about disappointing but good to know. Running roughly burns about 100 cals per mile (depends of course on fitness level, etc).
  • SpaceMarkus
    SpaceMarkus Posts: 651
    Elliptical helps build strength in the legs so that's the major advantage of it. It's like running and stair climbing in one. However, the treadmill will probably give you a higher total burn.

    Me, I say just go outside. That will give you the best result because you have the changes in the terrain forcing you to use more of your muscles :)
  • sammys1girly
    sammys1girly Posts: 1,045 Member
    Cybex Arc trainer!!:wink:
  • Chadwick891
    Chadwick891 Posts: 72 Member
    Elliptical burns more calories due to the movement with the arms and the stride length. It also is a more effective movement to target the quads, glutes and hamstring portions of the legs when resistance is added.

    The advantage of a treadmill is the fact you can do HIIT on it, where an elliptical, you'd be pretty crazy to attempt that, cus you'd break the machine!!
  • marycmeadows
    marycmeadows Posts: 1,691 Member
    I LOVE the ellipticals & arc trainers...... they are fantastic and there's no impact on your ankles or knees (which is good for me) -- even walking on the treadmill makes my knees and ankles sore -- but I can go full speed on an elliptical for an hour with NO problem! Also, try the stair climber -- calories burned are comparable to the elliptical, but it's a totally different workout -- and yes, the stationary bike is GREAT for lower body! That's what I started doing when I first started going to the gym - and my legs are the first place I noticed weight loss!
  • jwulgaert
    jwulgaert Posts: 13 Member
    I prefer the treadmill set to a 15% incline. I get the highest calorie burn that way.
  • BeccaMovinUp
    BeccaMovinUp Posts: 43
    Treadmill BUT try running outside with a good playlist or pod casts from Jillian Michaels. This is the only form of exercise I thoroughly enjoy doing and you get results!
  • dancingj2
    dancingj2 Posts: 4,572 Member
    We have both. It seem like the treadmill is a harder work out to me. The elliptical is easier on my knees.
  • lab280
    lab280 Posts: 7
    I used to love the elliptical, but now I prefer the treadmill - but overall I think variety is what matters and I would suggest mixing it up to keep your body guessing!
  • BobbyClerici
    BobbyClerici Posts: 813 Member
    Anything but the "dreadmill" - lol
  • lil_pulp
    lil_pulp Posts: 701 Member
    Both. Unless you have a really specific goal, my trainers have always said that mixing up workouts is best for weight loss, muscle growth, and health.
  • engineman312
    engineman312 Posts: 3,450 Member
    Which do you enjoy more? That's the best one.

    I always read how stationary bikes are great for lower body. I desperatly want to lose some thighs. I HAAAAATE the bike. Its terrible. So I don't do it. I do the elliptical and the treadmill and the rower. (not a fan but can stand it)

    you should go OUTSIDE on a bike. i loved it.
  • czechsmate
    czechsmate Posts: 556 Member
    Cybex Arc trainer!!:wink:

    Me too...I do intervals and can burn over 350 cals in 30 mins.
  • GorillaNJ
    GorillaNJ Posts: 4,024 Member
    Cybex Arc trainer!!:wink:

    That is what I use in my gym... it is awesome. I hardly ever run on the treadmill, I much prefer to run outside.

    I feel the elliptical lets me get my heart rate up and helps be build up endurance without being as taxing on my body as a run... So I save my runs for Sunday mornings.

    BUT the Grand Pimp of all cardio is that stairmaster.... nothing leaves me sweating like that does!
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    Do you use an HRM? I burn about the same calories running as I do working hard on the elliptical, but the elliptical is very low-impact, so it FEELS easier.

    I prefer an elliptical, but I despise the treadmill and will only run and walk outside.
  • Mom2Asa
    Mom2Asa Posts: 109 Member
    I prefer the Elliptical because it is better on my knees. The treadmill hurts my knees and makes them swell but the Elliptical doesn't so pretty much it is whatever you like the most and feel the most cofortable on. You burn on them both but if you are miserable on one or the other you are less likely to hit your full potential because you are miserable and dread it.
  • czechsmate
    czechsmate Posts: 556 Member
    Cybex Arc trainer!!:wink:

    Me too...I do intervals and can burn over 350 cals in 30 mins.

    I actually do mix it up...between stationary bike, intervals on the ARC and intervals on the treadmill.
  • SarahBrown1979
    SarahBrown1979 Posts: 229 Member
    Cybex Arc trainer!!:wink:

    ^^^^This ^^^^

    My trainer calls it "the beast"! I learned to love it!
  • chriscoates7025
    chriscoates7025 Posts: 131 Member
    Eliptical for me. I have been using the treadmill at the gym for a year and hate running, I was hoping to eventually like it, but that is not happening.
  • FoxyMcDeadlift
    FoxyMcDeadlift Posts: 771 Member
    are you wearing a HRM? Machine readings are guesstimates at best, and at worst, pulling figures out of the air. you should do whichever you prefer and will stick to. For me, thats cross country running
  • juliagulia624
    juliagulia624 Posts: 38
    You answered your own question when you said the treadmill is much harder. Anytime you do a new exercise that your body is not used to, it shocks the system and that is what will change your body and improve your fitness level. Do not worry about which machine burns the most calories. If you always do the same thing at the gym day in and day out, you are going to notice diminishing returns. Change your workout = change your body. Plus, you will be excited to go to the gym if you know you are trying something new as opposed to knowing you are going to get on the same elliptical AGAIN. Push yourself on the treadmill until you're spent, then if you still want to go for longer, finish with the elliptical. Never do whats easiest, do whats hardest and most challenging, and you will notice results and improved fitness levels.
  • Devine4Christ
    Devine4Christ Posts: 2
    I personally do both. I do half my cardio on the elliptical and half on the treadmill. I prefer the elliptical because there isn't a temptation to walk and because it helps me burn more calories in less time so I don't have to be on it as long bit it really just comes down to whatever you prefer and what works for you because the important thing is will you be consistent. Good luck.
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