Treadmill or elliptical !?

baybeecakes08
baybeecakes08 Posts: 107
edited October 7 in Fitness and Exercise
So I am going to buy one or the other and I just don't know which to get? I don't have any restrictions so I don't need something to accommodate for that !
I was told an elliptical burns double the calories ? Truth in that ?

If you had to choose one which would you get ?
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Replies

  • THINandFABULOUS
    THINandFABULOUS Posts: 170
    The treadmill and elliptical are both great for cardio exercises. In my opinion, they burn just about the same amount of calories. The elliptical has pedals that move with your feet and so there is less strain on your knees and ankles. However, the treadmill gives you the feel of outdoor running if you're looking to compete in marathons and such.

    I bought an elliptical last fall and I love it but I'm also planning on getting a treadmill sometime within the next few months.
  • deethinner
    deethinner Posts: 43 Member
    I just got a treadmill for Christmas and I love it. I have been told that the ellipitcal does burn more calories but I found when I went to a gym I didn't stay on it very long where a treadmill I can. Probably just has to be which YOU would prefer, Good luck
  • koosdel
    koosdel Posts: 3,317 Member
    To me, the treadmill is more fun but I like the way I feel after the eliptical. I vote eliptical.
  • Sthiara18
    Sthiara18 Posts: 29 Member
    I love the elliptical!!
  • mruntidy
    mruntidy Posts: 1,015 Member
    yeah id go with treadmill, the elliptical was designed initially to aid recovery rather than train you so if your fit n healthy go with the treadmill :)
  • writtenINthestars
    writtenINthestars Posts: 1,933 Member
    I love the treadmill but it's hard on my knees so I'd probably invest in an elliptical :)
  • atomicflygirl
    atomicflygirl Posts: 2
    I like the elliptical because it is so low impact. :happy:
  • Abbigayle
    Abbigayle Posts: 2 Member
    I much prefer the elliptical for the simple reason of impact. There is none. There are complaints of numbness in feet but it's just cause your feet are in the same position the whole time. To correct that I use interval training, use more pressure with the toes on the easy part and then my heels for the harder part, which in turn works your gluts more.
  • jdjefferson
    jdjefferson Posts: 55
    Thought I would chime in with my $.02
    I always recommend that people just go outside and exercise, but people have their reasons for wanting a machine--who am I to judge?
    The treadmill, while not exactly the same as walking/running outdoors, is a good substitute.
    The elliptical probably does not burn more calories than running since you do not lift your legs (or more precisely, your feet do not leave the ground) and thus do not have to carry your weight. The ellipitical does not replicate any exercise you might experience in real life (there is no such thing as "ellipticaling").
    Lastly, there is a myth that running is hard on your joints and muscles. There are many peer-reviewed medical studies that indicate running can actually be beneficial to joint health and fighting osteoarthritis. Don't let that myth steer you away from running.
    Best of luck!
  • megannicolex33
    megannicolex33 Posts: 82
    Not everyone is able to just go outside and exercise. Some of us live in places where it snows, the roads get icy, and it's 10 degrees outside for 3 (or more) months out of the year. So then, having a place to work out inside becomes necessary.

    In response to the original question... it's a tough call, but I'd say treadmill. I'm actually considering getting one too so that on days like today when the roads are icy, I can stay home and still get a good workout in.
  • Beeps2011
    Beeps2011 Posts: 12,162 Member
    elliptical gets my vote.
  • baybeecakes08
    baybeecakes08 Posts: 107
    Not everyone is able to just go outside and exercise. Some of us live in places where it snows, the roads get icy, and it's 10 degrees outside for 3 (or more) months out of the year. So then, having a place to work out inside becomes necessary.

    In response to the original question... it's a tough call, but I'd say treadmill. I'm actually considering getting one too so that on days like today when the roads are icy, I can stay home and still get a good workout in.

    That is exactly why I need something for at home ! It's cold and icy outside !!


    Does anyone know how much I should look at spending to get a good one
  • jdjefferson
    jdjefferson Posts: 55
    Not everyone is able to just go outside and exercise. Some of us live in places where it snows, the roads get icy, and it's 10 degrees outside for 3 (or more) months out of the year. So then, having a place to work out inside becomes necessary.

    In response to the original question... it's a tough call, but I'd say treadmill. I'm actually considering getting one too so that on days like today when the roads are icy, I can stay home and still get a good workout in.

    That is exactly why I need something for at home ! It's cold and icy outside !!


    Does anyone know how much I should look at spending to get a good one

    I get it. People don't like to exercise outside. I'm not judging. Anything that gets you exercising I am in favor of! I live in WI and run in the ice/snow/cold and really enjoy it--but it's not for everyone.
    Do you want a machine that will last forever and perform well? Minimum $2000 (a good treadmill=$3500). Otherwise, visit ****'s/Sport's Authority, etc... and buy the best thing you can afford.

    EDIT: MFP won't let me print the name of a sport's store that sells exercise equipment because it may be vulgar! It rhymes with Trick's. Also, 2nd Wind is a good place if you have any of those in your area.
  • czechsmate
    czechsmate Posts: 556 Member
    Elliptical....I use the ARC trainer at the gym I go to....it's like an elliptical without handles. I like doing intervals increasing the resistance and incline
  • mallorybriann
    mallorybriann Posts: 1,380 Member
    I'd look into an Arc Machine. I LOVE them. Easier on your joints, too.

    edit: my sis bought a treadmill and is selling hers for an elliptical... she hates it
  • ChanyRae
    ChanyRae Posts: 112
    I purchased an elliptical for home a few months ago, and LOVE it! I have on old soccer injury and its much more kind to my ankle then pounding away on a treadmill! I can use mine with or without the handles and it burns cals quick.
  • michelleablanch
    michelleablanch Posts: 3
    I would say elliptical....especially if you plan on really pushing yourself and setting the resisatnce and the levels pretty intensely...you definetely get a great work out if you do interval level training on the elliptical
  • baybeecakes08
    baybeecakes08 Posts: 107
    Not everyone is able to just go outside and exercise. Some of us live in places where it snows, the roads get icy, and it's 10 degrees outside for 3 (or more) months out of the year. So then, having a place to work out inside becomes necessary.

    In response to the original question... it's a tough call, but I'd say treadmill. I'm actually considering getting one too so that on days like today when the roads are icy, I can stay home and still get a good workout in.

    That is exactly why I need something for at home ! It's cold and icy outside !!


    Does anyone know how much I should look at spending to get a good one

    I get it. People don't like to exercise outside. I'm not judging. Anything that gets you exercising I am in favor of! I live in WI and run in the ice/snow/cold and really enjoy it--but it's not for everyone.
    Do you want a machine that will last forever and perform well? Minimum $2000 (a good treadmill=$3500). Otherwise, visit ****'s/Sport's Authority, etc... and buy the best thing you can afford.

    The one I am looking at is 2299.00 but on sale for 749 right now ! Should be okay ?
  • MsMuniz
    MsMuniz Posts: 399 Member
    I vote elliptical but maybe you should try both at the local gym and see which you like better first. I saw some pretty inexpensive ellipticals and treadmills on Craigslist so try there.
  • jdjefferson
    jdjefferson Posts: 55
    [/quote]

    The one I am looking at is 2299.00 but on sale for 749 right now ! Should be okay ?
    [/quote]

    No kidding? If I may ask, which one is it?
  • Articeluvsmemphis
    Articeluvsmemphis Posts: 1,987 Member
    i would deff get an elliptical because they are easier on the knees, and feet and do burn a lot of calories. you can crank up the resistance or crossramp and challenge yourself constantly. what i like about the treadmill is the incline because you can walk slowly if you choose but get a great burn walking uphill, either way you will not be saddened by either choice
  • baybeecakes08
    baybeecakes08 Posts: 107

    The one I am looking at is 2299.00 but on sale for 749 right now ! Should be okay ?
    [/quote]

    No kidding? If I may ask, which one is it?
    [/quote]

    Nordic track free spirit 5.5
  • motomom327
    motomom327 Posts: 1
    It is totally personal preference, and if your not sure, alternate using both a local gym for a month. You can burn the same amount of calories on either one. I currently own a SOLE treadmill. Paid about $2500 through sole a few years ago..I think they have come down in price and you can now purchase in stores. It probably got 150-200 miles on it a month and I've had no issues with it. I HAD a PreCor EFX machine elliptical. PreCor is excellent. Paid $3,800 for it...didn't use it as much as my treadmill, but I'm a runner, when we moved I ended up selling on craigslist for $1,500 it was still in LIKE NEW condition. Ended up having hip surgery in August and can only use an elliptical or spin bike..bought the spin bike, but joined the gym for the elliptical. I would definetely look on craigslist or play it again sports for elliptical..if your planning on putting alot of miles on a treadmill I'd go new.
  • wifeygonzo
    wifeygonzo Posts: 287 Member
    l LOVE my elliptical! Low impact, I don't feel like I'm going to misstep and fall off.
  • rm830
    rm830 Posts: 531 Member
    Elliptical...I tend to see way higher burns on the elliptical than the treadmill plus love that it's low impact.
  • jordanlell
    jordanlell Posts: 340 Member
    It is entirely a personal preference decision. I love the elliptical, it just feels so much better to me and I've never really enjoyed running. My boyfriend is an entirely different story, he likes to run, therefore prefers the treadmill, in fact won't even get on an elliptical. It just comes down to whatever feels better to you.
  • jdjefferson
    jdjefferson Posts: 55

    The one I am looking at is 2299.00 but on sale for 749 right now ! Should be okay ?

    No kidding? If I may ask, which one is it?
    [/quote]

    Nordic track free spirit 5.5
    [/quote]

    I don't think this is originally 2299. Found on the NordicTrac website for 599USD. It's not an ideal machine. Only 2.5HP motor and a rather short deck. Max speed is 10mph (that's fast, but an indication of the motor quality). But it does have a great warranty (lifetime deck and 25-yr motor). You can do better, but not the worst machine.
    Precor is tops, but pricey.
  • lynnmarie60
    lynnmarie60 Posts: 325
    elliptical does burn double and I would choose the elliptical. I have both.
  • jdjefferson
    jdjefferson Posts: 55
    I just have to post one more time on the topic of running being bad for your joints (and then I promise I will shut up!)

    "'Angela Smith, assistant professor of orthopaedics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, was quoted: 'There is no evidence to prove that running is bad for joints. But, if you already have an injury, running may aggravate it. S.K.S. Marya, director, orthopaedics, Institute of Joint Surgery, Max Health Care, New Delhi, says: 'It is unclear if long-distance running causes the hip and knee joints to deteriorate. The current evidence suggests that a moderate level of running does not increase the risk of osteoarthritis of hip and knee for healthy people. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that it might even have some protective effect on the joints. Increased muscle strength and constant motion preserves the biomechanics of the joint.'

    I promise, that's the last time I'll mention it! (unless asked to repeat it)
  • michelby09
    michelby09 Posts: 38 Member
    Elliptical!!! I feel so much more accomplished on an elliptical bc I can go further...and it's not as boring because you're doing something with your arms as well :)
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