Which is better?

I my Elliptical. To me it is very good on your knees! Mines has different levels and speeds which you can really enjoy and change it up.

I'm in love with the elliptical. It's not as hard on knees as running is, and it's fun (I think).

I have a treadmill but want an elliptical. I'd go with the ellipitcal.

I have every piece of equipment known to man, and I always end up on the treadmill. On days when I just don't want to work out, I tell myself "Just get on for a few minutes and walk". This usually leads to a real workout, but even if it doesn't it is something mindless I do in front of the TV. You can go slow and use handweights to strength train your upper body, or you can run. You can do super slow on high incline and work your backside and legs. I think it is the most versatile.

A lot of gyms have free trial memberships. If you can do this, you could try the different cardio choices and find what YOU will use the most - that is ultimately what matters.

I have an elliptical at home, and I use it once or twice a week... but I would take running on the treadmill over it any day. I always feel like I worked harder on the treadmill, even if I do burn more calories on the elliptical. Plus, I've seen results faster with running than I ever did when I was pretty much dedicated to my elliptical.
But, the real answer is that the best machine is the one that you feel most comfortable with and that you like the best. Because that's the one you're going to stick with.

I'm not being a smart ar$e, but, what's best is which ever one you'll use the most. No point in spending that much money on something that'll end up being a place for laundry.

Do you do an exercise now in Curves that's similar to any of these machines?

Personally, I'd pass on the treadmill as I can walk/jog/run outside for free. Am not crazy about static bikes so I'd go with the elliptical.

If you have dogs, I'd suggest the treadmill. If you're not using it, they can--it'll burn off extra energy so they're not as destructive.

...in fact, although I have a gym membership (and access to all the cardio machines and track and pool that I can ever want), tonight I'm going to look at a slightly-used treadmill--for my dogs (the one in my ticker, particularly). As a bonus, I can work out on it, too, when I don't get to the gym! :bigsmile:

It does boil down to that which you prefer. Also think about operating costs and possible routes of machine failure and fixes--is this machine going to be sucking power out of your outlet all day when you're not working out? Does it have parts that will give way and fail more than another form (i.e., does an elliptical break down more often than a treadmill and vice versa)? And, which one is harder to dust/clean? I know that last one sounds a little silly, but if you're going to buy an expensive piece of workout equipment, you should really ensure that you keep it in as good condition as you can!

I hope this helps!

Cheers, :drinker:
Deborah

As far as how much calories you burn, elliptical and treadmill can be teh same, it just depends on hard you work. I think it's playing it safe for the elliptical because it's easier on your joints and you will have less injuries (running knee, etc.)